5 Ways to Gain Exposure for Your Brand in the Wholesale Market

While it's true that there is a lot of competition out there in the creative business world these days, I do believe that there is still room for us all! But how do you stand out and attract the attention of retailers? With a well-thought-out strategy in place, you will be able to increase brand recognition, and ultimately boost sales. Let's explore five effective ways to gain exposure for your brand in the wholesale market.

1. Direct Emails: Personalized Outreach

There are two things I love most about sending direct emails to those retailers on your wish list – first of all, it doesn't cost you a thing, and secondly, you can include a direct clickable link in your email to make a purchase. Additionally, with a program like Streak for Gmail, you can track if your emails are being opened. Sending personalized emails to retailers can yield impressive results. Here's the trick: don't just expect to send one email and get the sale. You will need to stay consistent and do a series of follow up emails after your initial pitch!

pssst...I have entire course called Connect + Convert that will teach you my exact pitching and follow up strategy. Click here to learn more.
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2. Mailers: Delivering Your Brand to Their Doorsteps

Direct mailers, such as postcards or samples boxes, can be a powerful tool to put your brand in the hands of potential retailers and stand out from the crowd. Thoughtful and well-designed mailers can grab the attention of a retailer and leave a lasting impression. Be sure to include a call to action in your mailer and direct the retailer to where and how they can purchase your goods.
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3. Tradeshows: There's Nothing Quite Like Face to Face

Although the tradeshow landscape has changed greatly over the years, it can still serve as a powerful layer to your marketing and brand exposure strategy. These events bring together buyers, suppliers, and brands all under one roof. Tradeshows are very expensive and require a lot of planning. It's important to note that I do not think it is essential to participate in tradeshows to run a successful wholesale business, but it definitely can serve as a part of your strategy for gaining brand exposure and sales. I have participated in over a dozen tradeshows over the years and will say there's nothing that can compare to meeting a buyer face to face. Not to mention the relationships you will build with other brands that are also selling their goods at the show.
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4. Faire: Utilizing a Built-In Audience

Faire is an online marketplace that connects makers and artisans with retailers. It provides a unique opportunity for brands to utilize an existing platform to reach a broader audience and gain exposure among retailers they may have never gotten in front of. You do have to apply to get on Faire, and a commission is taken on sales where the retailer has discovered you on the Faire marketplace.
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5. Sales Reps: A Personal Touch

Hiring sales representatives can be an effective way to gain exposure for your brand. The fantastic thing about sales reps is that they come equipped with established relationships in the retail world, making it easier to showcase your brand to the right people. I've personally experienced situations where I reached out to a retailer with no response, but once I teamed up with sales reps, they were able to get my brand in front of the retailer and secure an order.

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In a world saturated with brands vying for attention, utilizing a well-rounded exposure strategy is essential for success. Tradeshows, direct mailers, Faire, sales reps, and personalized emails are all effective ways to gain exposure and capture the attention of retailers. By carefully planning and executing these strategies, you can increase brand visibility, attract new customers, and ultimately grow your business!