Got Tariff Trouble?

DTC founders, take note: Tariffs don't just affect your supply chain—they fundamentally change your marketing math.

As economic tensions build between the USA and Canada, we've been strategizing with dozens of e-commerce brands. One theme consistently emerges: "If tariffs actually occur, we'll have to shift to much more conversion-oriented ad spend."

This isn't simply about adjusting budgets. It requires rethinking your entire marketing framework.

What Forward-Thinking Brands Are Doing… Right Now

1. Recalibrating Performance Metrics

When product margins compress due to tariffs, your current ROAS targets become obsolete. That 2.5x ROAS that was profitable pre-tariffs may become unsustainable afterward.

2. Prioritizing Lower-Funnel Strategies

Economic uncertainty demands greater efficiency. Smart brands are shifting from awareness-building to conversion-focused campaigns, ensuring every dollar works harder.

3. Strengthening Owned Channels

Email, SMS, and loyalty programs become even more critical when acquisition costs rise. Maximizing customer lifetime value helps offset compressed margins.

4. Scenario Planning

Develop multiple strategy frameworks based on different tariff outcomes. This allows for rapid pivots as situations evolve.

The Most Interesting Insight?

This isn't necessarily about reducing marketing investment. It's about reallocating it more strategically. Several brands we’re working with are actually increasing spend in highly efficient channels while cutting others entirely, ensuring sustained growth despite margin pressures.

Economic headwinds don't eliminate growth opportunities—they simply redefine the path to finding them.

The brands that will navigate this successfully aren't those panicking about potential tariffs, but those methodically adapting their approach with strategic precision.

Is your brand staring down the barrel of tariff trouble?

Book a call today and let’s change that with a free audit and see if your strategy needs to change to not just survive, but thrive in this new economic reality.

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