2024 Was About Surviving – 2025 Is About Winning

Ecommerce Playbook: Numbers, Struggles & Growth

#Business #Common Thread Collective #Weekly Roundup

1:14:43

Artificial intelligence is evolving at an unprecedented pace—what does that mean for the future of technology, venture capital, business, and even our understanding of ourselves? Award-winning journalist and writer Anil Ananthaswamy joins us for our latest episode to discuss his latest book Why Machines Learn: The Elegant Math Behind Modern AI . Anil helps us explore the journey and many breakthroughs that have propelled machine learning from simple perceptrons to the sophisticated algorithms shaping today’s AI revolution, powering GPT and other models. The discussion aims to demystify some of the underlying math that powers modern machine learning to help everyone grasp this technology impacting our lives, even if your last math class was in high school. Anil walks us through the power of scaling laws, the shift from training to inference optimization, and the debate among AI’s pioneers about the road to AGI—should we be concerned, or are we still missing key pieces of the puzzle? The conversation also delves into AI’s philosophical implications—could understanding how machines learn help us better understand ourselves? And what challenges remain before AI systems can truly operate with agency? If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for exclusive insights and updates on upcoming TechSurge Live Summits. Links: Read Why Machines Learn, Anil’s latest book on the math behind AI https://www.amazon.com/Why-Machines-Learn-Elegant-Behind/dp/0593185749 Learn more about Anil Ananthaswamy’s work and writing https://anilananthaswamy.com/ Watch Anil Ananthaswamy’s TED Talk on AI and intelligence https://www.ted.com/speakers/anil_ananthaswamy Discover the MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship that shaped Anil’s AI research https://ksj.mit.edu/ Understand the Perceptron, the foundation of neural networks https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perceptron Read about the Perceptron Convergence Theorem and its significance https://www.nature.com/articles/323533a0…

рік тому 30:34

M4A•Головна епізоду

2024 was all about getting the fundamentals right—fixing tracking, managing costs, and ensuring brands could survive in a tough market. But 2025? It’s time to WIN.

In this episode, we break down the strategy behind breaking the model—moving beyond predictable growth and pushing into new frontiers of scale. Luke Austin, VP of Ecommerce Strategy at Common Thread Collective, shares insights from real brands that are outpacing their forecasts by leveraging high-impact marketing initiatives, influencer collaborations, and product launches.

If you’re ready to stop playing defense and start scaling aggressively, this episode is for you.

Want help implementing this strategy? Visit commonthreadco.com and smash that “Hire Us” button.

Show Notes:

Check out Motion’s Creative Trends 2025: motionapp.com/creative-trends
Get our Prophit System: prophitsystem.com
The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.co

297 епізодів

2024 Was About Surviving – 2025 Is About Winning

Ecommerce Playbook: Numbers, Struggles & Growth

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published рік тому

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M4A•Головна епізоду

2024 was all about getting the fundamentals right—fixing tracking, managing costs, and ensuring brands could survive in a tough market. But 2025? It’s time to WIN.

If you’re ready to stop playing defense and start scaling aggressively, this episode is for you.

Want help implementing this strategy? Visit commonthreadco.com and smash that “Hire Us” button.

Show Notes:

Check out Motion’s Creative Trends 2025: motionapp.com/creative-trends
Get our Prophit System: prophitsystem.com
The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.co

297 епізодів

#Business #Common Thread Collective #Weekly Roundup

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Ecommerce Playbook: Numbers, Struggles & Growth

1
Measurement Mistakes That are Costing You Millions 27:20

7 hours тому27:20

27:20

If your paid media feels less effective than ever, your measurement system might be the real problem. Many 8-9 figure ecommerce brands are unknowingly starving their own growth because they’re looking at the wrong data. As brands expand beyond DTC into Amazon, retail, and omnichannel marketing, traditional metrics like MER and ncROAS no longer tell the full story. In this episode, we break down the biggest measurement mistakes that are causing brands to pull back on ad spend too soon, leading to stalled growth and missed opportunities. If you want to know how to properly assess the efficiency of your ads—and stop making costly decisions based on incomplete or misleading data—this is a must-watch. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why your reported ad efficiency is lower than reality (and what to do about it) The hidden impact of Meta & YouTube ads on Amazon & retail sales How to assess incrementality instead of just relying on platform-reported ROAS The #1 measurement mistake brands make when scaling to 8-9 figures A step-by-step plan to fix your data and unlock scalable growth Show Notes: Go to https://your.omnisend.com/CTC to get 20% off your first 3 months with code CTC20. Explore the PROPHIT System: profitsystem.com The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm…

Ecommerce Playbook: Numbers, Struggles & Growth

1
The Tecovas Ad That Broke DTC Twitter (And Why It Worked) 25:47

5 днів тому25:47

25:47

DTC Twitter lost it over this Tecovas ad—but was the outrage justified? In this episode, we break down the viral controversy sparked by Taylor Holiday’s tweet, why so many misunderstood the ad’s real impact, and what it reveals about the future of growth marketing. Was this ad truly a “bad” direct response play, or was it actually a genius move that expanded Tecovas’ audience and drove real sales? We dive into the strategy behind the ad, the power of product innovation, and why growth marketing is about way more than just ad formats. Watch to learn: Why Taylor Holiday’s Tecovas tweet stirred up DTC Twitter The real definition of growth marketing (hint: it’s NOT just ads) How Tecovas’ approach sold out a product despite the criticism What ecommerce brands can learn from this controversy Show Notes: Access Postscript: https://bit.ly/4h2v0Lb Tweet: https://x.com/TaylorHoliday/status/1890505039074009295 Explore Compass : adcompass.ai The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm…

Ecommerce Playbook: Numbers, Struggles & Growth

1
The Death of Ecommerce Jobs? AI vs. Humans Explained 37:51

7 днів тому37:51

37:51

AI is rapidly changing the ecommerce landscape, automating tasks once handled by humans and raising the question—are ecommerce jobs at risk? In this episode, we dive deep into the future of AI in ecommerce, breaking down how AI is transforming everything from inventory management to ad buying, and whether human expertise can still compete. Will AI completely replace ecommerce jobs? What skills will still be valuable in an AI-driven world? How can brands use AI to their advantage instead of fearing it? Join us as we explore the pros, cons, and potential future of AI in ecommerce. Is this the end of human-led ecommerce, or just the beginning of a new era? Show Notes: Get your first 100 chargebacks handled absolutely free! Just visit chargeflow.io and enter the code "CTC100" after activation. Explore Compass : adcompass.ai The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm…

Ecommerce Playbook: Numbers, Struggles & Growth

1
The Purple Accountant: The Secret Weapon Your Business Needs 30:57

12 днів тому30:57

30:57

Most ecommerce brands are bleeding cash without even realizing it. Margins are shrinking, competition is fiercer than ever, and the game has changed. But there’s one secret weapon that can turn the tide: accountants who understand marketing.In this video, we break down why financial professionals need to step across the bridge and integrate marketing insights into their strategy. If you’re an accountant, CFO, or financial consultant, this is your COVID moment—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to redefine your value and stand out in the industry.What You’ll Learn: Why ecommerce brands are struggling with unprofitable growth How accountants can bridge the gap between finance & marketing The biggest financial mistakes ecommerce businesses are making Why understanding ad spend & customer acquisition costs is crucial How we used this strategy to 3X our growth while others struggled Don’t be another black-and-white cow in a crowded field. Be the Purple Accountant. Podcast in collaboration with A2X: https://www.a2xaccounting.com/ Are you an accountant or bookkeeper wanting to connect with ecommerce businesses? A2X can help! Learn more about the A2X Partner Program here: https://www.a2xaccounting.com/accountants Show Notes: Get your first 100 chargebacks handled absolutely free! Just visit chargeflow.io and enter the code "CTC100" after activation. Explore Compass: adcompass.ai The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm…

Ecommerce Playbook: Numbers, Struggles & Growth

1
DTC is Dead… Or Is It? The Rebirth That’s Coming in 2025 46:28

14 днів тому46:28

46:28

The last few years have been brutal for DTC brands. From the COVID boom to the Ozempic era, skyrocketing acquisition costs, vanishing venture capital, and economic shifts have crushed many ecommerce businesses. But here’s the twist—2025 could be the best year in DTC history. In this video, we break down the evolution of DTC brands, why so many have struggled, and the key strategies that will separate the winners from the losers. We share real data, case studies, and the exact playbook top brands are using to not just survive—but thrive—in this new era. What you’ll learn: The rise and fall of DTC (and what caused it) Why traditional growth strategies no longer work The new playbook for profitability and sustainability How smart brands are reinventing acquisition, cash flow, and product strategy Why 2025 will mark the beginning of a massive DTC comeback If you’re running an ecommerce brand or looking to scale in 2025, this is a must-watch. The game has changed—are you ready to adapt? Show Notes: Access Postscript: https://bit.ly/4h2v0Lb Explore Compass : adcompass.ai The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm…

Ecommerce Playbook: Numbers, Struggles & Growth

1
Compass Explained: The Next Evolution in Creative Strategy 36:58

19 днів тому36:58

36:58

Struggling to connect your creative strategy with financial planning? Meet Compass, the tool that automates and streamlines ad creative planning like never before. In this episode, we break down how Compass revolutionizes the way brands develop, manage, and scale their creative assets—seamlessly integrating with your media and financial strategy. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Compass connects creative strategy to financial planning The step-by-step workflow of building a data-driven media plan How AI helps automate creative ideation, audience targeting & campaign execution Why meta’s latest ad updates demand more creative—and how Compass solves this How to plan, generate, and launch 300+ ads with efficiency Want to start using Compass for your brand? Visit adcompass.ai to learn more and get started. Show Notes: Talk to an expert and see SARAL in action - https://bit.ly/4gN6Nbo Explore Compass: adcompass.ai The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm…

Ecommerce Playbook: Numbers, Struggles & Growth

1
Introducing Compass: The AI-Powered System for Smarter Ads 35:20

21 день тому35:20

35:20

Struggling to scale your ecommerce ads? Spending too much time guessing what works? Meet Compass – the creative operating system designed to take the guesswork out of ad strategy! With Compass , you’ll get: Data-Driven Ad Planning – Know exactly how many ads you need each month AI-Powered Creative Insights – Discover winning audience, offer, and angle combinations Seamless Integration with Your Financial Plan – Align your creative efforts with your business goals Smarter, Faster Ad Execution – Say goodbye to endless iterations and wasted ad spend Watch as we break down how Compass revolutionizes creative strategy and helps brands maximize ad performance with AI-driven insights. Show Notes: Go to https://your.omnisend.com/CTC to get 20% off your first 3 months with code CTC20. Explore the PROPHIT System: profitsystem.com The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm…

Ecommerce Playbook: Numbers, Struggles & Growth

1
Margins Are Shrinking, Debt Is Rising – What’s Next for Ecom? 56:07

26 днів тому56:07

56:07

Margins are shrinking, debt is rising, and ecommerce brands are feeling the squeeze. In this episode of the Podcast, we dive deep into the financial realities facing DTC brands in 2025. Is the ecommerce game still worth playing? Or has the landscape shifted in ways that make profitability harder than ever? Joining Taylor are Lio from Finaloop and Drew from Iris Finance, two of the sharpest financial minds in the space, to break down the data, trends, and what it means for your business. We’ll cover: The latest financial benchmarks for 8-figure brands Why revenue is up, but profitability is down How rising debt levels are impacting growth The path forward for brands trying to survive and thrive Practical strategies to protect your margins and improve cash flow If you’re running an ecommerce business, this is a must-watch. Don’t let the market catch you off guard—stay ahead of the curve. Show Notes: Go to https://your.omnisend.com/CTC to get 20% off your first 3 months with code CTC20. Explore the PROPHIT System: profitsystem.com The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm…

Ecommerce Playbook: Numbers, Struggles & Growth

1
Why Ecommerce Is About to Get Even Harder (Here’s How to Survive) 36:47

28 днів тому36:47

36:47

Ecommerce is facing major challenges in 2025—rising ad costs, AI disruptions, and now, new tariffs. If you’re running a brand, you need to know what’s coming and how to adapt before it’s too late. In this episode of the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast, we break down: The biggest threats to e-commerce right now How AI is reshaping the workforce and business costs Why traditional marketing strategies are failing The key moves you need to make to stay profitable Don’t get left behind—watch now to future-proof your business! Show Notes: Check out Motion’s Creative Trends 2025: motionapp.com/creative-trends Antifragile Scorecard: https://commonthreadco.com/blogs/coachs-corner/antifragile-ecommerce Get our Prophit System: prophitsystem.com The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.co…

Ecommerce Playbook: Numbers, Struggles & Growth

1
2024 Was About Surviving – 2025 Is About Winning 30:34

5 weeks тому30:34

30:34

2024 was all about getting the fundamentals right—fixing tracking, managing costs, and ensuring brands could survive in a tough market. But 2025? It’s time to WIN. In this episode, we break down the strategy behind breaking the model—moving beyond predictable growth and pushing into new frontiers of scale. Luke Austin, VP of Ecommerce Strategy at Common Thread Collective, shares insights from real brands that are outpacing their forecasts by leveraging high-impact marketing initiatives, influencer collaborations, and product launches. If you’re ready to stop playing defense and start scaling aggressively, this episode is for you. Want help implementing this strategy? Visit commonthreadco.com and smash that “Hire Us” button. Show Notes: Check out Motion’s Creative Trends 2025: motionapp.com/creative-trends Get our Prophit System: prophitsystem.com The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.co…

Ecommerce Playbook: Numbers, Struggles & Growth

1
The Truth About Incrementality: Are You Measuring Your Ads Wrong? 33:20

5 weeks тому33:20

33:20

Are you really measuring your ads the right way? In this episode we dive deep into the world of incrementality testing—what it is, why it’s so important, and why most brands struggle to operationalize it effectively. We break down the biggest mistakes marketers make when it comes to ad measurement and how to avoid them. Learn the secrets to building a consistent testing system, understanding your ad performance, and driving better results for your business. Key topics covered: What is incrementality testing? Why it’s so hard to apply test results consistently How to turn data into actionable insights The tools and frameworks to operationalize your findings If you want to stop guessing and start making data-driven decisions, this episode is a must-watch. Show Notes: Check out Motion’s Creative Trends 2025: motionapp.com/creative-trends Get our Prophit System: prophitsystem.com The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.co…

Ecommerce Playbook: Numbers, Struggles & Growth

1
Secrets to Scaling Big: Inside Born Primitive 55:32

6 weeks тому55:32

55:32

In this episode, we take an in-depth look at the incredible growth story of Born Primitive, the ecommerce brand that has redefined what it takes to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace. Founder Bear Handlon shares how the company went from selling a single product out of a garage to becoming a multimillion-dollar powerhouse in apparel, fitness, and tactical gear. We break down the secrets to scaling big, including: Creating Unforgettable Products: How solving specific customer problems and staying close to the community led to innovative designs like the Savage One footwear and tactical apparel. Building a Brand with Purpose: The importance of authentic storytelling and living out values that resonate deeply with customers, from supporting veterans to launching campaigns with cultural impact. Executing Bold Campaigns : A behind-the-scenes look at some of Born Primitive’s most iconic campaigns, such as the Operation Overlord 80th Anniversary Savage One launch, and how it blended storytelling, product design, and charitable giving for massive success. Leveraging New Categories for Growth: How expanding into tactical and outdoor gear unlocked new customer cohorts and revitalized growth in saturated markets. The Power of a Strong Team: Insights into how Bear empowered his team to execute his bold ideas while he focused on leading with vision and strategy. Discover why Born Primitive’s approach to combining purpose-driven branding, unique storytelling, and relentless innovation has set them apart from competitors—and how these strategies can inspire your own ecommerce journey. This is a masterclass in scaling for founders, marketers, and anyone passionate about building impactful, long-lasting brands. Show Notes: Check out Motion’s Creative Trends 2025: motionapp.com/creative-trends The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm…

Ecommerce Playbook: Numbers, Struggles & Growth

1
The Missing Link in Your Ad Strategy: Creator Content That Works 24:11

6 weeks тому24:11

24:11

Discover the key to transforming your ad strategy with creator-driven content that delivers real results. In this episode, Richard and Adrianne reveal how brands can integrate high-quality creator content into their campaigns to maximize performance and ROI. We’ll break down: Why most ads fall flat and how to fix them. The importance of properly briefing creators for ad success. How to align your paid and organic teams for seamless content creation. A proven structure to create scroll-stopping, performance-driven videos. Tips for sourcing authentic creators that resonate with your target audience. The secret to scaling ad performance with data-driven creative strategies. If you’re ready to bridge the gap in your ad strategy and unlock the full potential of creator-driven content, this is the missing link you’ve been searching for! Show Notes: Access Postscript: https://bit.ly/4h2v0Lb Explore our Creator Content: https://commonthreadco.com/pages/contact The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm…

Ecommerce Playbook: Numbers, Struggles & Growth

1
Say Goodbye to TikTok? The Truth About the Possible Ban 19:40

7 weeks тому19:40

19:40

Is TikTok on the verge of being banned in the United States? In this episode of the Podcast, we dive into the Supreme Court hearing that could determine TikTok’s future and its potential impact on the ecommerce industry. What does this mean for advertisers, brands, and creators who rely on TikTok as a platform? We’ll break down: The reasons behind the potential ban. How the decision could reshape ad budgets and content strategies. The platforms that might benefit if TikTok disappears. What ecommerce brands should do to prepare. Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the most critical conversations shaping digital marketing today. Whether you’re a TikTok user, advertiser, or just curious about what’s next, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss! Show Notes: Go to https://your.omnisend.com/CTC to 20% off your first 3 months with code CTC20. Explore the PROPHIT System: profitsystem.com The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm…

Ecommerce Playbook: Numbers, Struggles & Growth

1
How We Forecast Millions in Revenue for DTC Brands 7:58

7 weeks тому7:58