Practical marketing ideas to build visibility, trust, and sales.
You’ve Built a Brand – Now What?
You’ve chosen your product range, designed your packaging, and launched your logo. You’re officially in business. Well done! You might think that you can now make yourself a drink, put your feet up and wait for your bank account to fill up.
But now comes the hard part — getting your products into the hands of real customers.
Whether you’re aiming for individual buyers (retail) or bulk purchasers (wholesale), this blog walks you through practical strategies to advertise and sell your branded products with confidence — without needing a huge marketing budget.
1. Use Influencers to Market Your Brand
This isn’t something that I’m at all well versed in, as you might imagine, but influencer marketing is something that some of my clients tell me is bringing very postive results and a good return on their investment.
Influencer marketing is no longer reserved for global brands. Small businesses can benefit massively — especially when working with micro-influencers (typically 5k–50k followers).
Why it works:
- Influencers already have a trusted audience.
- Their recommendations feel authentic.
- They create content you can repurpose.
How to do it:
- Research influencers in your niche using Instagram, TikTok, or influencer databases like Heepsy.
- Start with gifting products in exchange for an honest review or unboxing.
- Track their engagement rate, not just their follower count.
Example: If you sell skincare, a beauty influencer demonstrating your product in a “morning routine” video can generate far more sales than a billboard ad.
2. Create Product Demo Videos on YouTube
YouTube is the second-largest search engine. Customers often search for real reviews and product demonstrations before they buy — and if your video appears, you’ve got their attention.
Tips:
- Use keywords in the title like:
“Best budget gym bag 2025 | Waterproof & Stylish” - Show the product in use — packaging, setup, benefits, and close-up shots.
- Keep it natural and unscripted if possible. Authenticity sells.
Don’t forget:
- Add relevant hashtags: #Unboxing #Review #SmallBusiness
- Share your videos on your website and socials.
- Consider YouTube Shorts for short, catchy clips.
3. Collect Reviews with Trustpilot (or Similar)
Consumers rely on social proof to make decisions — especially online.
Why Trustpilot?
- It’s well-known, widely trusted, and ranks well on Google.
- You can link directly to your Trustpilot profile from your website and emails.
- Positive reviews help AI tools like ChatGPT and search engines confidently suggest your product.
How to set it up:
- Create a free Trustpilot business profile.
- After each sale, send an email asking for a quick review.
- Share top reviews on social media or in ads.
Bonus: Add a widget to your website displaying your average star rating — it builds instant trust.
4. Sell Through Online Retail Platforms
You don’t need to rely only on your own website — large platforms already have traffic. You just need to show up.
Retail marketplaces to try:
- Amazon – Set up your own storefront and use Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) or your own delivery.
- Etsy – Great for niche, handmade, or personalised products.
- eBay – Still very relevant, especially for deals and unique items.
- TikTok Shop – Growing fast with built-in video promotion.
- Not On The High Street – UK-focused premium gifting marketplace.
Tips:
- Optimise your product titles and descriptions for search.
- Invest in good product photography.
- Use product tags and categories effectively.
5. Get Wholesale Buyers Through B2B Marketplaces
Wholesale = fewer customers, larger orders. B2B selling can bring in steady cash flow and long-term relationships.
Where to find wholesale buyers:
- Faire – UK and US buyers; ideal for home, wellness, fashion, and food products.
- Ankorstore – Connects you with European retailers.
- Abound – US and UK focus, with an emphasis on independent shops.
- Alibaba / 1688.com – If you’re ready for international bulk orders.
Essentials for wholesale:
- Clear wholesale pricing and minimum order quantities (MOQs)
- Line sheet or wholesale catalogue
- Sample packs or tester kits
Don’t forget to follow up with trade buyers after initial contact. Building rapport is key in wholesale.
6. Exhibit at Trade Shows and Local Markets
In-person selling still works — especially for new brands looking for live customer feedback and retail buyers.
Where to start:
- Attend local artisan or weekend markets to test sales and messaging.
- Visit or exhibit at national trade shows in your niche (e.g. Spring Fair UK, Top Drawer, etc.).
- Hand out branded flyers or samples with QR codes linking to your shop.
Bonus: Take lots of photos — content from these events builds trust online and shows you’re active in the market.
7. Use Email Marketing and Lead Magnets
Your email list is one of your most valuable business assets.
- Offer a discount or freebie (like a “10% off your first order” code) for new signups.
- Create a free downloadable guide — e.g., “How to Choose the Right Eco-Friendly Kitchen Tools.”
How to build it:
Tools to use:
- Mailchimp, ConvertKit, or Klaviyo
- Automated welcome emails
- Broadcast newsletters with offers, new products, and tips
Stay consistent. One email a week is enough to stay top-of-mind.
8. Partner with Other Brands
Collaborating with other businesses allows you to reach a new audience fast, with minimal cost.
Partnership ideas:
- Co-create a product bundle with a complementary brand.
- Run a joint Instagram giveaway.
- Host a webinar or live video together.
- Offer a discount to their customers and vice versa.
Look for shared values, overlapping audiences, and products that make sense together.
9. Don’t Ignore AI and Product Suggestion Tools
Modern shoppers rely on AI recommendations more than ever.
Platforms like ChatGPT, Google Shopping, and Amazon search algorithms are designed to highlight trustworthy, relevant products.
To boost visibility:
- Collect real, consistent reviews on sites like Trustpilot or Amazon.
- Create FAQ content that answers real questions about your product.
- Use structured data and clear product descriptions on your website.
The better your online reputation, the more likely your brand is to be suggested by smart shopping assistants.
10. Track What Works – And Double Down
Marketing is a process of testing and improving. If something drives results — do more of it.
How to track performance:
- Use Google Analytics to monitor traffic.
- Add conversion tracking to your product pages.
- Use coupon codes to track where sales are coming from (e.g. influencer vs. YouTube vs. Instagram).
- Collect customer feedback to understand what drew them in.
Focus on channels that give you the best return, not just the most views.
Conclusion: Build the Buzz, Build the Business
The hardest part is getting started. But with consistent effort, the right partnerships, and some creativity, your product can stand out.
Start with 2–3 of these strategies, test what works, and build from there. You don’t need a huge marketing budget — you just need smart, authentic visibility.