Have you always dreamed of having your own business, working for yourself, creating something of value, do you have a unique idea?
Taking the leap to launch your own business can be very intimidating, but our advice is – stop talking about it and start doing. This is the era of entrepreneurs and there are endless opportunities available to ensure success.
So let’s explain how you can get started on your business journey…
Step 1 – Business 101
Define your target market? What solution/benefit are you providing to them? Who are your main competitors and what sets you apart?
Answering these questions and doing your homework is going to prepare you to make very important decisions and put your best foot forward. Write down your mission statement, find inspiration, do a moodboard, check out your competitors and define your unique selling point.
Step 2 – Define your brand aesthetic, message and values
What is the look and feel you envisage? What attributes of your business would you like to convey? For example: professionalism, elegance, edgy, modern or traditional. If your brand was a voice – what would it say and how would it say it. What are the values you want to maintain – e.g australian made, cruelty free, natural etc.
Having made the decisions on the above you can now go about getting a logo and visual style set up for your brand including colours, fonts and photographic style. Keeping these things consistent across your website, collateral, social media, packaging etc will enhance a strong brand recognition and help with customer loyalty – give them what they expect from your brand.
Step 3 – White label
Unless you studied chemistry – formulating your own products from scratch is going to be a lot of trial and error. Use someone else’s experience to help make decisions on formulations, containers and packaging.
We pride ourselves on our high quality products and have helped many brands with their own make up line. We test, test test the formulations (on ourselves, not animals) and the containers and packing to ensure a high quality result.
Step 4 – Launching
You may have heard of the term ‘go to market’ – this will be your strategy for getting the word out, selling your products and distributing to customers. There is a lot to consider here and it’s a good idea to get some expert advice or ask someone else who’s done it!
Here are 3 considerations for your go to market:
- How will you get the word out? Plan and make a budget for this. There could be some trial and error to get the right mix. Some methods include: social media, affiliates or influencers, competitions, advertising, PR.
- How will your product be sold? There are many ecommerce platforms available to sell your products to customers. There are costs involved in hosting a website and on each payment which is made through an online payment gateway. You’ll need to factor this in to your pricing.
- How will you distribute your product to customers? Think about which postage or courier service you can use, how will you package the products to ensure they are safely transported, will you send worldwide?
Step 5 – Maintaining your brand pillars
Price – you need to cover all your costs + make a profit. Knowing your customer will help with your price strategy.
Service – this can be a big factor in setting you apart from a competitor. Speed of delivery, ease of returns, communications, packaging etc all make an impact on a customers decision to buy again.
Loyalty – Know your brand and what you set out to do. It can be a big commitment to run your own business, but staying true to your brand and being across every touchpoint makes you different and creates loyal customers. Going above and beyond for your customers will result in great word of mouth (free advertising).
Get in touch if you’d like advice on starting your own makeup brand.
Stephanie Provost
Hi Sarah and Talwasa We would love to help you to start your brand, please email us directly info@makeup-cosmetics.com.au with your idea and lets start!
Stephanie Provost
Thanks for your nice comment more article to come soon.
Zunaira
Hi I just wanted some help in creating my brand. I bought your samples and just wondering if you could help me in the journey! Thank you!
Stephanie Provost
Hi Zunaira, please email us directly on info@makeup-cosmetics.com.au and we can discuss your requirement.
Fabio
Hi Caryn
thank you, feedback is always helpful.
The Make UP Cosmetics Team
Fabio
Hi Alycia
you can write to us your request/assistance at info@makeup-cosmetics.com.au
The Make UP Cosmetics team
Fabio
Hi There
sorry for the inconvenient, but thanks for the positive feedback.
Make UP Cosmetics team
Fabio
Hi There
thank you for visiting and enjoying our posts.
Make UP Cosmetics team
Laki akther
Hi ! I have read your article and it actually helped me a lot . I’m teenager and I want to start my career from now as creating my own makeup line own brand and own creative designs . I just need a lot of help from you how to get started . Prices ,launching, creating designs , selection of best formula . Hope I can do it . Thank you
Fabio
Hi Laki
sorry for the delay in answering but happy new year.
I will send you an email.
Fabio
Make UP Cosmetics
James Bakota
Hi guys, I am currently trying to make my own brand of makeup, more specifically eyeshadow palettes and shades. I’ve been researching how to formulate my own, but will be too expensive and difficult as a beginner to make it myself.
Fabio
Hi James
email us at info@makeup-cosmetics.com.au and we will give you some more info on the process.