The makeup industry is rapidly growing and highly competitive, with global sales expected to reach over $54 billion by 2027. It is a consumer-driven industry highly influenced by changing trends, fashion, and customer needs. If you're looking for a business or a side gig, why not try to sell makeup online?
In recent years, there has been a significant shift toward online sales as more and more consumers turn to the internet to purchase makeup products. Several factors have driven this trend, including:
- the convenience of online shopping
- the ability to easily compare prices and products
- the proliferation of social media and online influencers who have helped popularize new makeup trends and products
Online sales of makeup products have significantly increased as consumers spend more time on the internet. Online retailers and marketplaces like Amazon, Sephora, Ulta, and many others have made it easy for consumers to purchase makeup products with just a few clicks. Obviously, this increased online sales for makeup brands and retailers, as they can reach a wider audience and provide a more personalized shopping experience.
As a result, many makeup brands and retailers have had to adapt to the changing marketplace by developing solid online presences, creating engaging content, and implementing effective marketing strategies.
In this blog post, we will provide you with tips and strategies to sell makeup online. With the shift towards online sales, makeup brands and retailers must understand how to effectively market and sell makeup online.
If you're asking how to sell makeup online, you're in the right place. Our goal is to provide practical advice and actionable tips to help you succeed in the online marketplace when you sell cosmetics online. Whether you're just starting or looking to expand your existing online sales, this post will provide valuable insights and strategies that can help you increase your online visibility and sales.
How to Start a Makeup Line
Image taken from a Strikingly user’s website
Starting a makeup line can be a lot of work, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Make sure to take it one step at a time, and don't be afraid to ask for help when needed.
Here are some important details to keep in mind when starting your own makeup line:
1. Research, research, research!
Before you create your products and sell makeup online, you must know what's already out there and what gaps in the market you can fill. You must research your competition, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and identify trends and consumer preferences in the makeup industry. Look at what other brands are doing and figure out what sets yours apart.
Additionally, it's crucial to clearly understand your target market and what specific needs and desires they have when it comes to makeup products. By thoroughly researching and analyzing the current market, you'll be able to create products that stand out and appeal to your target customers. Your research can make selling makeup online easier.
2. Create a business plan.
A business plan will help you set your goals, target market, and budget when you start to sell makeup online. It will also be helpful when seeking out investors or loans.
A business plan is like a blueprint for your makeup brand. It's a document that outlines everything from your mission and vision to your projected sales and expenses. It's a great way to stay organized and ensure you're on track to reach your goals.
Plus, if you're seeking out investors or loans to help you sell cosmetics online, having a solid business plan will show that you've done your homework and have a clear plan for success. It's like an elevator pitch but on steroids. Trust us. It's worth the effort!
3. Decide on your product line.
Will you be focusing on a specific category of makeup (like lipsticks or eyeshadows) or offering a full range of products? Once you've decided, you can start working on formulations and packaging. It's essential to keep in mind that focusing on a specific category can allow you to perfect and specialize in that area. Still, it also means potentially missing out on other opportunities.
On the other hand, offering a full range of products can give you a broader customer base, but it also means more work and investment. It's all about weighing the pros and cons and deciding what works best for you and your brand.
Once you've decided, it's time to get creative with the formulations, ingredients, and packaging. This is where the fun really begins!
4. Find a manufacturer.
Before you can sell makeup online, you'll need to find a company that can produce your products at scale. Make sure to do your due diligence and find a reputable manufacturer that aligns with your brand's values. Here are a few things you need to check out:
- their previous work
- reviews and testimonials
- their facilities, if possible
You want to ensure that the manufacturer you choose can produce high-quality products that meet your standards and that they have a good track record of delivering on time and within budget. It's also important that they align with your brand's values, such as being cruelty-free, sustainable, or eco-friendly, to ensure that your products align with your brand's message and mission.
Lastly, it's also a good idea to have a contract outlining the terms of your agreement and the responsibilities of each party. Don't forget to have this signed and notarized!
5. Develop a marketing strategy.
How will you get the word out about your brand? Will you use social media? Influencer marketing? Paid advertising? A combination of all of the above? These are all great options for promoting your brand and driving sales.
- Social media is a great way to connect with your audience and build a community around your brand.
- Influencer marketing can be powerful for reaching new audiences and building credibility.
- Paid advertising can be effective for reaching a large number of people quickly.
Combining all of the above can give you a well-rounded marketing strategy. But it's essential to remember that not all platforms will suit your brand, and not all methods will work for all audiences. Test and experiment with different approaches, and see what works best for you.
But, remember the power of word of mouth. A satisfied customer can bring you more customers. Make sure your customer service is top-notch, and you're providing great products, and people will naturally want to tell others about your brand.
6. Get your legal ducks in a row.
You'll need to register your business and obtain the necessary licenses and permits before you sell makeup online. Ensure you follow all laws and regulations regarding manufacturing, labeling, and selling your products.
Yes, we know this can seem daunting, but it's an essential step in ensuring your business is legit, and you're not breaking any laws. Permits and licenses will vary depending on where you live, but generally, you'll need to do the following:
- register your business name
- get a tax ID number
- get a sales tax permit
- obtain any necessary licenses for manufacturing and selling your makeup products
If your place has some labeling and packaging regulations, you must follow them. You should also check any laws related to ingredients, claims, and certifications. It's a good idea to consult with an attorney or accountant to help you navigate these requirements and ensure you comply.
And remember, even though it's a bit of a hassle, having a legally compliant business is worth it in the long run.
7. Create a website.
Image taken from Strikingly
You'll need a place for your customers to purchase your products online. Your website is the digital storefront of your business, and it's often the first thing potential customers will see, so it's essential to make an excellent first impression. Here are a few tips for your website to sell makeup online:
- Make sure your website is easy to navigate and visually appealing.
- Choose a clean and modern design.
- Add high-quality product images.
- Use a user-friendly layout that makes it easy for customers to find and purchase what they're looking for.
- Include all the necessary information about your products and brand story so the customer can make an informed decision.
- Think about having a blog or a news section where you can share tips, tutorials, and the latest trends.
- Connect with your customers and establish a relationship with them.
- Consider adding a live chat or a customer service chatbot that can answer customers' questions in real time.
Preparing these things before you sell cosmetics online can create a strong foundation for your selling makeup online business. You will also be better equipped to handle any challenges that may arise.
Selling Makeup Online is Easy with Strikingly
Strikingly is a website builder that lets you create a website, an eCommerce store, or a blog in 20 minutes or less. We offer hundreds of templates that suit your specific needs when you sell makeup online.
Here are a few ways you can use the Strikingly website builder for selling makeup online:
1. Create an e-commerce website for your makeup products
Use Strikingly's e-commerce features to build a website that lets customers purchase your makeup products online. You can add product pages, shopping cart functionality, and a secure checkout process.
Image taken from Strikingly
2. Showcase your makeup products
Use Strikingly's visual design elements, such as image galleries, product portfolio sections, and slideshows, to showcase your makeup products and provide detailed product information.
3. Create a makeup blog
Use Strikingly's blog feature to write about your business and products. You can share the following topics on your blog:
- makeup trends, tips, and advice
- makeup tutorials
- customer reviews
- behind the scenes of your makeup business
- how to start a makeup line (based on your experience)
4. Build your brand
Use Strikingly's design templates and customization options to create a website that reflects your brand's aesthetic and personality.
5. Optimize for SEO
Image taken from Strikingly
Use Strikingly's built-in SEO features, such as meta tags, to optimize your website for search engines to increase your site's visibility and drive more traffic.
6. Build an email list
Use Strikingly's built-in sign-up form to build an email list of interested customers. This will allow you to keep in touch with them, and inform them of new products, promotions, and other important updates.
7. Use social media integration
Integrate your social media accounts, such as Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, to your website so visitors can follow and be updated with your latest post.
8. Add analytics
Use Strikingly's built-in analytics to track your website's traffic and monitor how visitors interact with your website. You'll see information like how many visitors your site has, what device they're using, where they came from, and more. You can make data-driven decisions to improve your website's performance with all these data available.
Strikingly can help you create a professional and visually appealing website that effectively showcases your makeup products, and engage with your target audience, making it easy to increase conversions and sales.
10 Successful Online Makeup Retailers
1. Sephora
Sephora is one of the most popular and successful online makeup retailers, with a wide selection of products from various brands. They excel at providing detailed product information, including customer reviews and tutorials.
2. Ulta
Ulta is another popular online makeup retailer that offers a wide selection of products from high-end and drugstore brands. They also have a loyalty program and in-store services such as hair and makeup consultations.
3. Huda Beauty
Huda Beauty is known for its high-quality, innovative products. They excel at creating a solid brand image and connecting with customers through social media and influencer partnerships.
4. Glossier
Glossier has a strong focus on skincare and natural-looking makeup. They are popular for having a clean, minimalistic aesthetic and marketing to a millennial audience.
5. Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte Tilbury is known for its luxury products and high-end branding. They create a glamorous, aspirational image and provide personalized recommendations to customers.
6. Pat McGrath Labs
Pat McGrath Labs is renowned for its luxury and high-end products and strong brand image. The brand leveraged the reputation and influence of its founder, a well-known and highly respected makeup artist, to establish its presence in the industry.
7. Kylie Cosmetics
Kylie Cosmetics was started by reality star Kylie Jenner, who's pretty famous on social media. They're good at building a strong brand image and using Kylie's fame and influence to connect with their customers.
8. Dose of Colors
Dose of Colors offers a wide range of colorful, high-quality products. They create a vibrant, fun image and actively connect with their customers through social media and influencer partnerships.
9. Nars
Nars is an online makeup shop that's known for its high-end, fancy products. They're great at creating a sleek, sophisticated image and giving customers all the information and tutorials they need to use the products.
10. Tarte
Tarte is a brand known for its good quality, natural and eco-friendly makeup products. They're good at creating a clean, natural image, connecting with their customers through social media, and working with influencers.
Wrapping Up!
Selling makeup online is a great way to reach a wider audience, increase sales, and grow your business. With the rise of e-commerce and social media, connecting with customers and promoting your products is easier than ever. Setting up an online store to sell makeup online is simple and cost-effective and allows you to reach customers anywhere in the world.
Using a website builder like Strikingly, you can create a professional and visually appealing website, showcase your makeup products, and engage with your target audience. It's easier to increase conversions and sales. Don't wait any longer. Take action today and start selling makeup online.
