Getting your product on retail shelves is only half the journey—driving sales is where brands truly win. Retailers pay close attention to velocity, trial, and awareness, and the brands that support their in-store presence are the ones that grow, get reorder after reorder, and open the door to more store placements.

If you want your product to stand out and sell, here are 10 actionable steps you can take to drive meaningful retail results. Get the book Shelf Talk on Amazon where I give a step by step guide on getting your product into retail stores.

1. Provide Samples to Drive Trial

Sampling is one of the most powerful ways to convert shoppers. When consumers can taste, try, or experience your product firsthand, your odds of winning them over increase dramatically. Work with your retailer to get samples in front of the right shoppers or create your own sampling moments locally.

2. Use In-Store Displays to Boost Visibility

Shelf space is valuable, but displays take visibility to another level. Whether it’s clip strips, endcaps, shippers, or branded signage, displays help your product rise above the competition. Even small enhancements—shelf talkers, wobblers, or stickers—make a difference.

3. Tell Your Social Community Exactly Where to Shop

Your audience wants to support you, they just need direction. Create posts, Reels, and Stories highlighting the exact retailer, aisle, or shelf where shoppers can find your product. Make it easy. Clear directions = higher retail traffic.

4. Get Influencers Posting In-Store Content

Influencers showcasing your product in the wild builds trust and creates urgency. Ask creators to share shelf placement, the shopping experience, or a “come shop with me” segment. Retailers love to see this type of organic support.

5. As a Founder, Talk About Your Retail Partnership

Your excitement is contagious. When you show up on social with pride about your retail wins, it signals legitimacy and builds trust with your customers. Share behind-the-scenes moments, launch day emotions, and what the partnership means for your brand.

6. Educate Store Associates

Store associates are often the first touchpoint for shoppers. When they know your brand story, your product’s benefits, and how you stand out, they naturally become champions on the floor. A little education can create big sales momentum.

7. Ask Your Buyer What Winning Actions They Recommend

Retail buyers appreciate proactive founders. Ask what has worked for similar brands or categories and what actions they’d like to see from you. Their insight is gold and shows you’re invested in the partnership.

8. Participate in Promotions to Drive Trial

Promotions help break shopper habits and introduce your product to new customers. Whether it’s a price discount, BOGO, or loyalty reward, promotions can significantly increase trial and repeat purchase.

9. Email Your Community and Direct Them to Shop

Your email list is one of your strongest tools. Send a dedicated announcement sharing your retail launch or reminding your audience where to find your product. Clear CTAs drive traffic, sales, and retailer confidence.

10. Offer In-Store Demos or Trial Moments

If your retailer allows it, demos are a game changer. They create direct interaction, awareness, and immediate trial three factors that dramatically increase conversion. Even small demo moments can elevate your in-store success.

Final Thoughts: Your Retail Success Is in Your Hands

Retailers love brands that show up, support their placement, and actively work to drive traffic and sales. These actions not only increase your velocity, they build a strong partnership with your buyer and position you for long-term growth.

Take one action this week. Your momentum will build from there.