Sellers Guide

The beauty industry, valued at $670.2 billion in 2025, is fiercely competitive, with thousands of brands vying for consumer attention. From skincare giants like CeraVe to viral newcomers like Rhode, the market is flooded with options. This makes it especially tough for new or small brands to gain traction. But there’s good news: with 41% of beauty sales happening online and 6.2% driven by social commerce, there are still real opportunities for brands that know how to stand out—especially African brands who know their audience and use platforms built for them.

One such platform is Brandlistry, where local beauty sellers can list their products and reach trend-savvy, eco-conscious buyers. Below are eight practical ways to stand out in this crowded space—all while using Brandlistry to your advantage.

1. Define a Unique Brand Identity

Why It Works: Consumers love brands with a clear, authentic voice. In a world where 55% prioritize sustainability and 68% check ingredient lists, telling your unique story helps you stand out.

What to Do:

• Craft a Story That Connects: Whether you started your brand in your kitchen or work with local farmers for ingredients, share that story on your Brandlistry page.

• Pick a Niche: Vegan skincare? Sensitive skin? Organic African herbs? The more specific, the better.

• Look the Part: Keep your visuals consistent—same logo, same brand colours, and clean packaging photography for your Brandlistry listings.

Example: Drunk Elephant carved out space with "clean-clinical" skincare. You can do the same with "eco-African beauty" or another unique twist.

2. Leverage Social Media & Trends

Why It Works: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram drive discovery. In fact, 60% of beauty buyers say social media influenced their purchases.

What to Do:

• Create short reels using trending hashtags like #GlowUpAfrica or #CleanBeautyNaija

• Collaborate with local beauty creators or skincare influencers

• Encourage customers to tag your Brandlistry shop in their posts

Example: Rhode's Pocket Blush exploded on TikTok. African sellers can achieve the same by riding local beauty trends and linking to their Brandlistry shop.

3. Focus on Clean & Sustainable Practices

Why It Works: Over half of beauty customers will pay more for eco-friendly products.

What to Do:

• Use ethically sourced ingredients like shea butter, moringa, or African black soap

• Highlight your sustainable packaging or refill systems

• Add certification badges or ingredient transparency to your Brandlistry listing

Example: Pacifica promotes its vegan, recyclable packaging. You can highlight similar values and showcase it right on Brandlistry.

4. Optimize Your Product Listings for E-Commerce

Why It Works: When people shop online, first impressions matter. A well-optimized listing increases visibility and conversions.

What to Do on Brandlistry:

• Use keywords like "organic face cream," "vegan lip balm," or "clean African skincare"

• Upload high-quality photos of your product in use

• Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews

Example: CeraVe ranks high on search because of reviews and keyword-rich listings. You can do the same using Brandlistry tools.

5. Offer a Unique Product Experience

Why It Works: People love trying something new, especially if it solves a problem or feels luxurious.

What to Do:

• Introduce rare ingredients or custom blends (e.g., turmeric-based toners or baobab oil serums)

• Offer seasonal kits like "Harmattan Glow Kits" or "Post-Sun Repair Sets"

• Make your packaging feel premium, even for affordable items

Example: The Ordinary stood out with targeted, single-ingredient serums. You can stand out with targeted, locally inspired beauty kits.

6. Build a Loyal Community

Why It Works: With brand loyalty dropping globally, community equals repeat sales.

What to Do:

• Offer loyalty rewards via Brandlistry (discount codes for reviews, referrals, etc.)

• Host Q&As or polls on Instagram about what new product to launch

• Post behind-the-scenes of how your product is made or sourced

Example: Cocokind showcases customer stories to build trust. Feature your users too, and link back to your Brandlistry store.

7. Educate to Build Authority

Why It Works: 40% of buyers research before they buy. If you educate, you become a trusted go-to.

What to Do:

• Share skincare tips on your Brandlistry blog or page

• Host IG Lives or short videos explaining ingredients (e.g., “How to use niacinamide with African black soap”)

• Collaborate with local skincare experts to promote your listings

Example: Drunk Elephant built trust by educating on ingredient safety. You can do the same on Brandlistry.

8. Diversify Your Sales Channels

Why It Works: Selling in just one place limits your exposure.

What to Do:

• In Nigeria or Africa? Focus on Brandlistry as your core online store. It’s local, trusted, and made for beauty sellers.

• Also explore pop-ups, beauty fairs, and social selling (IG, WhatsApp)

• Create a mini website or landing page and link to your Brandlistry store

Example: Herbivore sells across platforms. You can build multi-channel visibility too—starting with Brandlistry.

Final Thought: Let Brandlistry Be Your Launchpad

Standing out in a saturated market isn’t just about having a good product. It’s about the right story, strategy, and sales channel.

Brandlistry gives you a home for all three. List your products, tell your story, and reach buyers who are already searching for what you sell.

Join Brandlistry today and make your mark in the beauty world.