Direct selling is alive and well - BUT it's mainly suitable for businesses who have an audience already. If you don't yet have a mailing list (to sell via) and you don't have $$ to pay for regular ongoing advertising, it is very hard indeed to make this business model work.
It may be worthwhile looking at affiliate marketing while you build your own mailing list, and certainly if you are a local business turning up in person to events can make a real different to customer awareness of your offering.

Direct selling will continue as long as web search is possible, but in my view it's not good as the only strategy for a startup who doesn't have good funding. Definitely not for boots trappers (unless you're doing it as a part time side hustle).

My specialism is direct response copywriting - it's essential you have good skills in this area if you want to sell direct.