Explore the market of natural remedies and its business opportunities

It’s simple to find natural remedies for sale nowadays because pharmacies, dispensaries, health stores, and even coffee shops have them in stock. It’s a trend that has taken the world by storm, and it’s set to grow even more in the following years. By 2024, the market is expected to bring over $20 billion, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 30% between 2020 and 2024. So if you’re considering entering the industry, this may be the right moment, because in a couple of years the market gets oversaturated. 

Because they contain natural ingredients that have many uses in the wellness, health, pharmaceutical, and medical industries, they’re at high search on the market. But selling a popular product, also comes with a unique set of challenges, especially when you focus your efforts online. To make the most out of this situation, you need to determine how to sell and market it legally. You enter a domain where competition is fierce because you don’t have to stand out only on the national market, but you go against international online retailers. 

To support your efforts, we put together some guidelines.

People who haven’t used natural remedies yet are confused about their provenience and use. Let’s take CBD for example it’s an ingredient of cannabis, but it lacks psychoactive properties, so it doesn’t trigger any high symptoms like euphoria or paranoia. It’s a popular substance between wellness professionals because it improves many conditions, and it comes in various forms, from oils to gummies and lotions. You can extract CBD from marijuana and hemp plants, but most of the products have hemp origin because it contains less THC (the ingredient that causes psychoactive reactions). 

But why do people use natural remedies?

All human bodies are equipped with an endocannabinoid system that produces its own cannabinoids that encourage homeostasis. Studies, like the one from the Neurotherapeutics journal, state that natural ingredients like CBD can activate or inhibit the compounds found in the endocannabinoid system. 

Most natural remedies have benefits that include easing nausea and migraines, relieving aches and pain, lowering inflammation, and decreasing seizures. People use these products for many reasons, and as a seller, you must identify your target audience and determine what their needs are. 

Diversity and availability attracts buyers

Rolling Stone predicted that in 2020 the industry would reach $20 billion, and its valuation is due to its diversity in application. Hemp derived CBD products have many uses, and manufacturers include the ingredient in infused drinks, dog treats, food, and beauty products. To attract clients, it’s smart to diversify the offer, so you should at least include the main types:

- Tinctures – people place drops of oils under their tongue for faster absorption

- Edible products – infused coffee and chocolate 

- Creams – people dealing with inflammation and arthritis prefer creams and lotions because they can apply them locally

- Capsules – capsules are the go-to solution for people on the rush

- Isolates – powder containing purified ingredients

- Vaporizers 

- Patches – they look similar to nicotine patches and gradually release the ingredient in the body

- Products for pets – more and more brands use natural ingredients to make dog food because it helps them relieve anxiety

The range of products depends on the country where you sell the products, so before choosing the offer, check the local legislation. 

Find a supplier

Starting an online business doesn’t imply you to manufacture the products. It’s easier to work with a supplier. 

It’s a crucial decision because it affects the quality of the products, customer satisfaction, and brand reputation. Fake natural ingredients are everywhere on the market, so when picking the provider, you must ensure they’re reliable. The products must be genuine to deliver the clients the effects they are looking for. 

Make a list with possible suppliers, check their background, manufacturing process, and reviews. Do they supply other online stores? Do they collaborate with other retailers? 

Keep in mind that natural ingredients sellers shouldn’t make medical claims when selling online. Don’t construct your website content around the medical conditions your products can treat because there isn’t extensive research on the subject. Even if it has shown many benefits, and the people who have used it reported positive effects, the FDA didn’t evaluate these statements, so you shouldn’t associate your brand with any medical condition. 

Don’t collaborate with a supplier that makes medical claims because they’re breaking the rules.

Marketing

Even if brands like Sephora market their CBD beauty care line on social media and in mass media, CBD advertising isn’t allowed on many online ad platforms, so it may prove challenging to promote your services if you decide to go with CBD instead of another natural ingredient. The good news is that for you, word of mouth is the best advertising, and you can bet your clients will talk about your brand if they’re happy with what they get.

Look at social media influencers because they promote anything these days. Depending on the type of products you sell, you can target influencers working in specific industries. Get in touch with beauty bloggers, travel vloggers, gym enthusiasts, and even celebrities. Your purpose is to generate attention around your company, and social media influencers can help you.

Ask your clients to leave reviews on your website and social media pages to help other people figure out what advantages your line brings. Startups usually have a limited marketing budget, and if this is your case, target Facebook groups and subreddits. You would be surprised to find out how many people turn to Facebook and Reddit for recommendations. 

Another way to forge new business opportunities is to attend trade shows that present new products. It allows you to identify your competition and analyze their outcomes. These events encourage young entrepreneurs to build contacts and connect with people interested in their line of business. Join any event you can because each one can turn into a profitable opportunity.