How do I get more customers into my retail store?

We use the Zenith Method™ to help you increase visibility, attract the right foot traffic, and turn browsers into buyers. Most of our clients see an increase in traffic within weeks of implementing the strategy.

What kind of retailers do you work with?

I coach independent retailers across the UK — from gift shops and clothing boutiques to lifestyle stores and homeware brands. If you run a physical store or sell in-person and want more sales, I can help.

Do I need a big budget to grow my retail business?

No. Most of my clients grow without spending heavily on ads. We focus on connection, storytelling, customer experience, and systems that increase sales organically and sustainably.

What makes Samuel Chapman different from other business coaches?

I’ve built and sold multiple six-figure businesses, including brick-and-mortar stores, and I specialise in real-world retail, not theory. My coaching is personal, practical, and proven — rooted in results, not fluff.

How to Start and Grow Your Product Business with No Marketing Experience

Starting and growing a product-based business is no small feat.

Whether you’re working on a side hustle or dreaming of turning your passion into a full-time venture, the challenges can feel overwhelming, especially when you have little to no marketing experience.

But here’s the good news: You don’t need a marketing background to build a thriving business. In fact, many successful entrepreneurs started just like you, by learning as they went, finding their unique voice, and connecting authentically with their customers.

In this episode of The Abundant Business Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Olga J., the founder of Soul Led E-commerce. Olga is an inspiring entrepreneur who grew her skincare brand without any formal marketing expertise.

She built her brand from scratch, handling everything herself, from setting up her website to managing her emails. And now, she’s here to share her story, struggles, and strategies for success.

Let’s dive into the key takeaways from our conversation.

1. Start with What You Know and Build from There

Olga’s journey into e-commerce started in 2018 when she decided to launch her own skincare brand. Like many product business owners, she began with zero experience in marketing and e-commerce. However, she didn’t let that hold her back.

Olga’s first step was to lean into what she knew best: her passion for skincare and her deep understanding of the products she was selling. She didn’t overcomplicate things with fancy marketing tactics or complex strategies; instead, she focused on what felt authentic to her.

Actionable Tip: Start your business by focusing on what you’re passionate about. Don’t feel pressured to have all the answers or follow a rigid marketing strategy from the start. Your story and your expertise will resonate with customers, so build your brand around that core.

2. Embrace the Power of Authenticity

One of the biggest lessons Olga shared was the importance of authenticity in growing a brand. When she launched her skincare line, she wasn’t just selling products, she was sharing a part of herself and her values. Her brand was a reflection of who she is, and that connection resonated with her customers.

Olga didn’t overdo her marketing; instead, she used her personal story and passion for skincare to build a loyal following. She stayed true to her voice and kept things simple, which helped her build credibility and trust with her audience.

Actionable Tip: Be authentic in your marketing efforts. Don’t try to sound like everyone else or imitate what you think works. Customers connect with people, not brands. Share your journey, your challenges, and your victories—this helps customers relate to you on a deeper level.

3. Start with the Essentials: Website and Email Strategy

Building a website was one of the first big steps Olga took. While many entrepreneurs get stuck trying to perfect their website before launching, Olga’s approach was much simpler. She didn’t worry about having a perfect site from the get-go she just focused on having a clear, functional site that reflected her brand.

In addition to the website, email marketing was a big part of Olga’s strategy. Even with limited marketing experience, she understood the power of building an email list and nurturing relationships with her audience.

Actionable Tip: Start small and simple. You don’t need a complicated website or a sophisticated email campaign to get started. Focus on building a basic site that reflects your brand’s mission and values. Start collecting email addresses and send out helpful content to nurture your audience.

4. Overcome the Fear of Marketing

One of the biggest hurdles Olga had to overcome was the fear of marketing herself. Like many entrepreneurs, she initially hesitated to put herself out there. She worried about being too salesy or feeling uncomfortable promoting her business. But as she continued to grow her brand, she realised that marketing doesn’t have to be pushy or aggressive. It’s about sharing value and helping people.

Olga embraced her fear and pushed through it. She started sharing her story more, connecting with her audience on social media, and offering value through her products and content. Over time, she became more comfortable with the process and learned to approach marketing with authenticity and confidence.

Actionable Tip: Don’t let the fear of marketing stop you. Everyone feels a bit uncomfortable in the beginning, but the more you share your story and connect with your audience, the easier it becomes. Focus on adding value and helping your customers rather than making a hard sale.

5. Keep It Simple and Stay Consistent

In the early days, Olga kept her marketing strategy simple. She didn’t try to be everywhere at once, she focused on one platform, consistently shared content, and engaged with her audience. By keeping things simple and staying consistent, she was able to build momentum and grow her brand without feeling overwhelmed.

As her business grew, she expanded her reach and began exploring new marketing tactics, but she always made sure to stay true to her simple, consistent approach.

Actionable Tip: Don’t get caught up in the pressure to do everything at once. Focus on one marketing platform and be consistent with your efforts. Whether it’s Instagram, email, or blogging, consistency is key to building trust and growing your audience.

6. Learn as You Go and Celebrate the Wins

Olga’s story is a great reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t about having all the answers from the start. It’s about learning as you go, embracing the challenges, and celebrating the small wins along the way. Every step forward is progress, even if it doesn’t feel like it at first.

Instead of trying to be perfect, Olga focused on taking action and learning from her mistakes. She celebrated the small wins, whether it was getting her first customer or seeing an increase in website traffic. These moments of success helped her stay motivated and continue moving forward.

Actionable Tip: Celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Building a business is a journey, and it’s important to recognise and appreciate the milestones along the way. Each step forward is a victory, so take time to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements.

Final Thoughts

Starting and growing a business without prior marketing experience can feel like an uphill battle, but it’s entirely possible. Olga’s story proves that with passion, authenticity, and a willingness to learn, you can overcome the obstacles and create a thriving product business.

So, whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, take these insights to heart. Start with what you know, embrace authenticity, and don’t be afraid to take action. The road may not always be smooth, but with consistency and perseverance, you can build a business that’s both successful and meaningful.

If you’re looking for more tips on growing your product business, be sure to check out the full episode of The Abundant Business Podcast, where Olga shares even more insights into her journey. And remember, no matter where you are in your business journey, it’s never too late to start learning, growing, and taking bold steps toward success.