Do you really need to market a great product (toddler's shoes)?

Everyone knows that marketing is a big thing in today’s world. There is millions of products out there, and whoever is able to promote their product/services well will get sales, which equals successful.  It doesn’t seem that hard but it is actually not easy. I know I have an amazing product – handmade leather baby/toddler shoes, the only product like this in Australia. The hard part is to reach out to the mums, who I know will be interested, but simply don’t know about Giulio shoes (just yet).

Selling baby/toddler shoes is my first business, and I don’t know much about effective marketing. All I know is that I want to be successful and that I’m very determined to achieve my goal. I did Diploma in Business a couple of years ago but I vaguely remember my marketing classes – something about trademarking rings the bell; the rest wasn’t really relevant back then , so I didn’t pay much attention (what a shame).

So, I decided to ask my friends and family, and a lot of them told me similar things – you must have a Facebook account and get the Facebook ads, you should advertise in parenting magazines, a Baby Expo is a TOTAL MUST, flyers, mothers groups, playgroups and day cares. Whilst I agree with some points, others don’t really appear to me. For a start I don’t have a big budget for advertising, therefore I can’t justify to spend over $5k to present at the Baby Expo,,, I need to sell 36 pairs of Ergono shoes to be able to break even just for entry cost. I won’t even go any further – to order a banner, flyers, my time for being there for 2 days, babysitter for Oscar, etc…
Facebook ads – none of my friends ever clicks on them, I don’t do it myself either…  I like the idea of playgroups, mothers groups and Day-Cares. I also have few of my own ideas which I’m implementing, but for now I will keep it to myself.

The most interesting thing for me was when I asked for marketing tips the owner and founder of Gucio shoes - Slawomir Piwowarczyk (a guy who has been successful in a business for over 20 years). I was expecting a list of great hints and tips from him - instead I was told that he NEVER did any marketing, the kids shoes are selling fantastic, and the only marketing he is aware of is a word of mouth. I was really amazed.

If you have an amazing product maybe the only marketing is TIME – mums will find out about Gucio shoes sooner or later.  I will then enjoy my coffee and wait for the word to spread.... 

Have a great day
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Iwona