To ask where I’m going wrong?

[CheesyCurryChips]

I have my own business selling makeup (proper cosmetics not MLM) but things have slowed. Can I ask you what ideas or offers would appeal to you to make a sale?

Also I have launched an online site but seem to get very sales from it what would convince you to buy online?

Any input great appreciated, things are coming to a critical stage but it would break my heart to give it up.

Anybody got any ideas? 🙈

Advertising? Maybe free samples and offers?

People are skint. It's the summer holidays, so money goes on holidays and children.... And I know I'm feeling the pinch, food prices are rising. Sorry I can't offer anything constructive

I have bought things online in the past when they have been promoted with demos of how this product is "different" including tips on how to apply etc

What’s your unique selling point?

Nothing would convince me to buy an unknown brand online. It’s cosmetics

Social media presence with videos showing how to use products for certain looks, maybe with an offer if you buy everything used. Go from very simple looks for makeup novices to more complex ones.

Who said anything about unknown brands @FiestaThenSiesta?

I like brands with a strong Instagram presence.

Why not broaden your customer base and sell it on Amazon, people locally may not be buying it right now (hence why you are asking on here for advice) but there's a whole world of people out there in other countries that would buy make up...

Can't imagine buying something new to try on-line. A lady I know made a fortune from selling "samples" and bits and pieces from the major manufacturers. She advertised little packs in womens and teen magazines and then it was a monthly subscription. Must have been mid/late 70s.

It's all about marketing op. Could you branch out into doing make-up for weddings/special occasions and build up a regular clientele or market for the stuff that way?

With cosmetics it's all about social media promotion these days. Set up a social media page and send out samples to a couple of people in the agreement that they will feature your products on their page in exchange for the free product. This is how most cosmetics companies advertise now as most people buy products that 'influencers' approve to be worth their money

Do a blog? Tbh I haven’t worn much if any makeup in this weather. I find buying it dull.

Another thought op. Can you market to older women? We need help adjusting how to apply, altering shades to shave off a few years and with dc grown up, have money to spend. It's a neglected market.

Lots of women on here saying they have stopped wearing makeup in the heat, it just melts.

Do you have a clear idea of your target audience - is there something different about you that appeals to them (cruelty free, wider range of skin tones etc)? Presumably you've started this business because of a love of make up or making women feel fantastic about themselves? Your promotions need to come from what makes you passionate about the business - which will help you stand out from mlm competition. Can you work with other local businesses to do something positive?

Sorry sent too soon.... I find buying makeup dull in shops and I much prefer buying mixed boxes so I can try new stuff out, could you do something similar?

I'm very into my makeup

I do think this month will have been slow as even as much as I like it ,it's melting off my face so I am I'm inclined to buy at the moment

I second a good Instagram prescience it's where I get most of my new Information from

Also as another upthread said what's your USP.....focus on it heavily

Also if you are able , a mixed box or travel sizes are a good seller....if I don't know the brand then I would go for travel sizes first to test

And finally (as much as I know MN hate them) have you sent PR packages to some of the influencers...if you are new ish send to the lower level ones as you are more likely to get featured (and a tip is check their likely skin tone first....ive seen many videos where the makeup gets a good review but the wrong time ruins it)
There are a good few lower level but very popular UK based ones I can think of

Also sorry match your target market to your influencer...im in my late thirties so prefer the older (ahem they are probably still ten years younger than me) rather than the teeny bopper instagrammers

Can you get in touch with some of the beauty/make up "gurus" on youtube or bloggers and see if they'd be interested in samples for reviewing?

When you say you sell cosmetics, do you sell known branded goods or do you sell your own brand?

There is a make up artist whose adverts are her demonstrating on herself and others. It’s the products that she uses after years on the business.
She convinced me to buy several medium range unknown brands, (with excellent results) which I wouldn’t normally do.

Unknown because if it’s not carried by a major retailer, I can never try it on. How many of you buy make up without trying it on first?

Social media advertising gets me!

It really depends on the brand
Is it well known or one of the big ones?
If it's your own, then tbh I personally wouldnt buy something online if it's not in store as well.

Can you get in touch with a small, local fashion brand or clothing shop and try to do a contra deal? Something like, you'll make over their models for free in return for exposure? They may even let you sell your products in their shop.
I agree with makeup tutorials on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.
GWP when spending X amount on products and the GWP can be a small makeup bag with a few key samples in.
I would also get ready for a new September campaign where you can focus on cosmetics on the go and quick to apply. Many businesses pick up again after a quiet period over the summer (in my experience) and so there are often many more business meetings and conferences, networking events etc. Many of the women I know (myself included) enjoy wearing makeup but don't always have time for anything complicated.