The Unstoppable Marketer® Ep. 147: What Brands Are Getting Wrong in 2026
Why are once-booming D2C brands like The Honest Company and Traeger pulling out of direct-to-consumer—and what does it mean for your business? In this episode, Mark Goldhart and Trevor Crump break down real-time e-commerce challenges, from Meta ad bugs to the shifting economics of retail vs. online sales. They discuss how consumer behavior and marketing efficiency are evolving, and why clinging to old tactics could stall your growth. Plus, they share insights on authentic user-generated content, the rise of live selling, and what every brand needs to know to stay profitable in today’s changing landscape.
Connect with The Unstoppable Marketer® on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, and YouTube @unstoppablemarketerpodcast, and let us know how you’re telling your brand story this year!
00:13 – Online advertising has been harder since 2012
01:55 – Meta bugs impacting performance
02:54 – Waiting before making ad changes
06:42 – UGC and AI ad trends
08:23 – FTC risks with AI testimonials
12:17 – Honest Company shuts D2C
16:31– Honest Company’s billion-dollar valuation
35:16 – Adjust strategy for new growth