1099. What Consumers Will Actually Pay For in 2026: The 5 Key Market Trends Driving Growth

The way consumers buy has fundamentally changed (and, the businesses that win in 2026 will be the ones that understand why).

In this episode, Kelly breaks down the five most important consumer trends shaping buying behavior in 2026 and beyond, and explains how to build your offers, marketing, and sales systems to match where the market is actually going. 

This episode will give you insight into long-term shifts in trust, spending habits, personalization, community, and brand values, and how to use them to create predictable, sustainable growth.

If you want to scale without burnout, stop chasing trends, and position your business to thrive in the next era, this episode will give you the clarity and direction you need.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – 02:20: Why understanding consumer behavior is the real competitive advantage in 2026

02:20 – 06:55:  How subscriptions can attract high-ticket buyers when done right

06:55 – 12:10: How ease of use impacts retention, utilization, and upsells (and, what most businesses are getting wrong about automation). 

12:10 – 17:35: How paid communities create faster results and deeper trust... and what's resurging in the new year

17:35 – 23:10: Why personal brand will dominate in 2026

23:10 – 29:40: How personalization increases conversion and lifetime value

29:40 – 34:20: Building systems your team can actually run with The Virtual Business School

RESOURCES:

• Join The Virtual Business School and master predictable sales in 2026: www.go.virtualbusinessschool.com/joinvbs   

• Follow Kelly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyroachofficial

• Follow Kelly on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.roach.520/ 

• Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyroachint/