Lytt til Ecommerce Playbook: Numbers, Struggles & Growth

How did our clients actually perform in March 2025? On this episode of the podcast, Taylor and Richard break down the latest performance scorecard across our client portfolio—revealing exactly how we stacked up against forecasted revenue, spend, and contribution margin goals. Spoiler: We beat margin expectations by +11.68%, but that’s just the beginning. Here’s what you’ll learn: * The exact numbers behind our March forecast (and how close we came) * Why most agency case studies are misleading * How to evaluate an agency with real data, not anecdotes * How CTC forecasts client growth using a self-scrutinizing model * Why contribution margin is our north star metric—and what that means for your brand If you’ve ever wondered how to hold an agency accountable (including your own), this is the episode for you. Show Notes: * Common Thread listeners get $250 by depositing $5,000 or spending $5,000 using the Mercury IO credit card within your first 90 days (or do both for $500) at mercury.com/ctc [http://mercury.com/ctc].! * What Drove March?: https://commonthreadco.com/blogs/coachs-corner/march-lessons-from-ecommerce-growth-strategy [https://commonthreadco.com/blogs/coachs-corner/march-lessons-from-ecommerce-growth-strategy] * Explore the PROPHIT System: prophitsystem.com [http://prophitsystem.com] * The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com [podcast@commonthreadco.com] to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm * Mercury is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group [https://co-mercury-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/legal/Choice+-+Mercury+Deposit+Program+Disclosure+Statement+-+05_01_24.pdf], Column, N.A. [https://column.com/legal/sweep-program-network-banks], and Evolve Bank & Trust [https://co-mercury-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/legal/Evolve+-+Deposit+Program+Custodial+Agreement+-+12_21_22.pdf], Members FDIC.  * The IO Card is issued by Patriot Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Mastercard. Learn more about cashback [https://mercury.com/credit]. * Working capital loans provided by Mercury Lending, LLC NMLS ID [https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/]: 2606284.

Meta’s ad platform has changed—again. In this episode, we break down the exact strategies we’re using at Common Thread Collective to drive profitable growth for ecommerce brands in 2025. You’ll learn: * Why cost caps alone won’t cut it anymore * How we’re adapting bidding strategies to Meta’s new algorithm * The role of creative diversification in targeting & scale * How to use attribution windows (like 1-day view) without losing your shirt * The importance of incrementality and media measurement * What we’re doing right now to unlock growth in high AOV accounts Whether you’re running Meta ads for a $500K brand or a $50M powerhouse, this is your tactical blueprint for media buying that actually works in 2025. Show Notes: * * Go to alialearn.com [http://alialearn.com] and mention our podcast on the demo, toget 30 days free and 20% off! * * Explore the PROPHIT System: prophitsystem.com [http://prophitsystem.com] * The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com [podcast@commonthreadco.com] to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm

What if you could get full funnel growth support, media buying, strategy, forecasting, creative direction, for just $5K/month on a month-to-month agreement? In this episode of the Podcast, Richard and Taylor break down the $5K Global Accelerator Program that’s helped over 50 seven-figure brands grow through one of the most volatile economic environments in recent memory. You’ll learn: * Why this program was built specifically for $1M–$10M brands * The systems and structure behind its outsized results * How CTC leverages global talent, proven frameworks, and technology to deliver enterprise-grade strategy * Why brands are staying longer, scaling faster, and spending smarter We’re opening up 12 new spots this month—this is your chance to join the movement. Show Notes: * * Common Thread listeners get $250 by depositing $5,000 or spending $5,000 using the Mercury IO credit card within your first 90 days (or do both for $500) at mercury.com/ctc [http://mercury.com/ctc].! * * Get our Global Accelerator Program: https://commonthreadco.com/pages/accelerator [https://commonthreadco.com/pages/accelerator] * * The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com [podcast@commonthreadco.com] to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm * * Mercury is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group [https://co-mercury-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/legal/Choice+-+Mercury+Deposit+Program+Disclosure+Statement+-+05_01_24.pdf], Column, N.A. [https://column.com/legal/sweep-program-network-banks], and Evolve Bank & Trust [https://co-mercury-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/legal/Evolve+-+Deposit+Program+Custodial+Agreement+-+12_21_22.pdf], Members FDIC.  * * The IO Card is issued by Patriot Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Mastercard. Learn more about cashback [https://mercury.com/credit]. * Working capital loans provided by Mercury Lending, LLC NMLS ID [https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/]: 2606284.

Tariffs are here—and they’re not hitting every brand the same. In this solo episode, Taylor walks through a critical 4 part framework designed to help ecommerce founders and operators craft the right response based on their unique balance sheet realities. Whether you’re cash rich with deep inventory or strapped for both, this episode will help you determine your strategic posture: go on offense, get lean, or something in between. What’s covered: * The 4 key variables shaping your response (cash, inventory, debt, velocity) * How to know which type of brand you are * What to adjust in your CAC targets and growth strategy * Real examples from CTC’s private client webinar This isn’t one-size-fits-all advice—it's an actionable strategy based on your business’s real financial position.. Show Notes: * * Go to alialearn.com [http://alialearn.com] and mention our podcast on the demo, toget 30 days free and 20% off! * * Get our Tariff Relief Plan: http://ctctariffrelief.com/ [http://ctctariffrelief.com/] * The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com [podcast@commonthreadco.com] to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm

If you’re waiting for things to “go back to normal” in ecommerce… stop. In this episode, Taylor and Richard break down why chaos is no longer the exception  “it’s the rule” and what that means for how you run your brand. From unpredictable macro shifts to supply chain disruptions, stability is out. Adaptability is everything. We dive into the 7 core traits of anti-fragile brands, why your inventory strategy might be your biggest risk, and how to make smart decisions in a volatile market. Whether you’re trying to maximize EBITDA or just stay alive in the current landscape, this conversation will help you plan, act, and build with uncertainty in mind. Show Notes: * * Go to Opensend.com/book-a-demo [http://opensend.com/book-a-demo] and start your 2-week trial for just $1. * * Get our Tariff Relief Plan: http://ctctariffrelief.com/ [http://ctctariffrelief.com/] * The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com [podcast@commonthreadco.com] to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm