UNFI has thousands of independent retail customers across the U.S. Being approved by UNFI to join their digital shopping platform is your license to sell to their retailers. And with over 80% of all independent retailers purchasing through UNFI, it's important that these buyers know how easily they can purchase your products once they discover them.
This article outlines best practices for marketing your products on Endless Aisle and is separated into 2 parts: 1- What you can do within the Mable Seller Portal to enhance your product listings and 2- Tips to promote your brands availability on Endless Aisle externally.
At the top of your seller portal, you will see a "Marketing" tab. This tab has three sections: Provide Business Data, Create Marketing Collateral, and Leverage Social Media. The Marketing tab is a great resource where you can upload assets to enhance your store page and download different marketing materials to incorporate into your marketing initiatives.
Part 1: What you can do within the Mable Seller Portal to enhance your product listings
1. Providing business data
Business data is one of the easiest ways you can give your buyers confidence that your products will become top sellers. This section allows you to enter in key pieces of data that will help move your prospective buyers to established buyers.
You may also rank your top selling SKUs here to give buyers a quick overview of what sells best. The details you enter in this section will be added to your store page.
2. Create marketing collateral
It's essential to ensure that potential buyers can discover your brand and products. Marketing collateral including promotional videos, sell sheets, and pitch decks are all strong assets to use to promote your brand.
In the ‘Create marketing collateral’ section on your Mable Seller portal, you can input a link to a promotional video which will be displayed to prospective buyers. You can also download Endless Aisle graphics and logos to include in your marketing assets.
Create UNFI branded assets and update existing marketing collateral
The following are available to help you create your UNFI-branded assets:
- UNFI Endless Aisle Badge (can be used for sell sheets, social media posts, pitch decks etc.)
- UNFI Endless Aisle logos
- Call-to-action (to send to prospective buyers)
Download the Endless Aisle badge and additional graphics here.
Include these graphics and ctas in your sell sheets/ handouts, social media posts, and pitch decks to help spread the word to buyers!
Share your updated/new Endless Aisle sell sheets at any upcoming events/trade shows where you will be showcasing your products.
Your Endless Aisle sell sheet and pitch deck
After you have created your Endless Aisle branded sell sheet and pitch deck, please send them to Mable's support team (support@meetmable.com ) so that we can present them on your store page!
3. Leverage social media
The Highlight social proofs section allows you to link to your most popular, short-form videos on social media that will be featured on your Store page on Endless Aisle.
4. Optimize your product descriptions
When it comes to your product listings and descriptions on Endless Aisle- content is KEY.
Be as detailed as possible and include keywords that best describe your product.
- Using common keywords and phrases buyers would use to search for your product will help increase your chance of being discovered.
On your Mable Seller Portal, you can edit your product descriptions and add images within the ‘Products’ tab.
By including details such as imagery, specs, TikTok videos, nutrition facts etc., you will also increase your chances of being noticed by UNFI’s buyers.
5. Take advantage of the Endless Aisle Sample Program
Sampling is critical for buyers and sellers in the grocery industry. For retailers it is a great way to try a product before committing to an order. For suppliers, the sample program serves as an excellent opportunity to increase brand awareness, attract new buyers, and gain direct feedback from your target audience.
You can view your sample requests within the ‘Orders’ tab dropdown in your seller portal.
Make sure you are opted into the sample program.
For additional information please refer to this FAQ article.
6. Utilize the messaging feature to communicate with your customers
Once a buyer has placed a sample request or purchased from you, a message thread will be opened allowing you to continue and nurture the relationship with your customer. With the messaging feature you can:
- Ask buyers for feedback
- Answer customer’s questions
- Confirm order and shipping information etc
To access your messages, click the message icon in the top right corner of your Seller Portal homepage.
Please note: the messaging feature is designed to help you build and maintain existing relationships with retailers who have previously placed an order or sample request with your brand— rather than as a prospecting tool. Suppliers cannot message buyers who have not purchased or previously requested a sample from them.
For additional information about the Messaging feature, click here.
Part 2: Spreading the News!
Tips to promote your brand’s availability on Endless Aisle externally
Distribute your Endless Aisle Marketing assets
Hand out your Endless Aisle branded sell sheets and marketing collateral at upcoming events, tradeshows, and to potential customers.
Announce your availability on social media
Share the news that your products are available on UNFI Endless Aisle on social media.
Similar to sell sheets and pitch decks, social media is another powerful tool that helps your brand stand out. A strong social media presence can significantly influence a buyer's purchasing decision, and showcasing your availability on Endless Aisle makes it easier for UNFI buyers to discover your brand.
YOU are your best advocate. Now that you are a part of Endless Aisle, shout it out to all of your potential customers!
Within the Marketing tab of your Mable Seller Portal, the ‘Leverage social media’ section gives you tips on promoting your products newly available on Endless Aisle.
LinkedIn Post Template
We’ve also included a pre-formatted LinkedIn post to announce your debut on Endless Aisle and additional social media graphics that you can download and use.
Download social media graphics here
Questions?
If you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at brands@meetmable.com and for technical support or seller portal questions please reach out to support@meetmable.com. We are always happy to help!