How to Launch a Product Online Without a Huge Budget — My Story by Sadé Llerraf
When people think of launching a product online, they often imagine huge marketing budgets, professional photoshoots, PR teams, and investor backing. But what if you don’t have any of that just a big dream, a clear vision, and a strong work ethic?
That was me.
Fresh out of university with a fashion degree, I found myself with no job offers, no funding, and no connections just a collection of designs, a lot of determination, and a love for creating. I didn’t let the lack of resources stop me. Instead, I found creative ways to launch, grow, and sell my fashion brand online on a budget that most would call impossible.
In this blog post, I’m sharing how I turned a £1,000 loan from the princes trust and my hustle into a growing business with products featured on platforms like ASOS Marketplace, SilkFred, and Debenhams. Whether you're just starting out or thinking about launching something new, here are the exact steps and strategies I used to launch a product online without breaking the bank.
1. Start With What You Have
I didn't have a studio or a big production team. I started in my mums living room with one sewing machine, leftover fabrics from uni, and a borrowed mannequin. I made sure everything I created I loved.
Tip: Use what you have. Whether it’s a smartphone for content, Canva for design, or free Shopify trials you don’t need it all to start, you just need to start.
2. Choose a Platform That Supports Growth
I sold through ASOS Marketplace at first and this was due to the opportunity that was given to me the boutique was free for a year and then I had to pay a monthy subcription on top of comission fees. I looked to build partnerships and expand onto other platforms like SilkFred and not on the highstreet (and I initially was declined for both.) I wanted to expand and grow but also look at other business structures where I would not need to pay a monthly fee but only commission from a sale and there are plenty that exist. After my setback i focused on growing the brand on asos marketplace and building my own website and a year later I was invited by Silkfred to sell on their platform the bonus of this was no monthly fees just comission. These platforms already had the traffic and audience I didn’t have the budget to reach on my own.
Tip: Start on platforms that already have an audience, look for opportunties where they offer comission only and do not charge monthly fees. Use Shopify to build your own store with connectors to TikTok, Instagram, and other sales channels.
3. Use Social Media as Your Launchpad
My early customers came from Instagram and word-of-mouth although the instagram algrithi was much better then and you were able to reach more people and gain engagement more easily. I showed behind-the-scenes shots, moodboards, and time-lapses of me designing and stitching. People didn’t just buy a product they bought into my story.
Tip: You don’t need paid ads. Consistent, real, behind-the-scenes content can create more loyalty and hype than a polished ad.
4. Leverage Free Tools
From cost sheets to budgeting, I learned so much through the Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme and this initiative was completely free. They helped me create a business plan, gave me a £1,000 startup loan, and paired me with a mentor who kept me focused.
Tip: Look for free resources and programmes that can help whether it’s Prince’s Trust, local business hubs, or YouTube tutorials.
5. Create Scarcity and create made to order
One thing that worked well for me was limited runs of products. It created excitement and urgency — and meant I didn’t need to overproduce. In addition I made products per order which ment I did not have lots of deadstock and could be more frugal with my budgets.
Tip: Consider pre-orders or small-batch drops. It’s a smart way to test demand without over-investing upfront.
6. Collaborate Instead of Spend
I partnered with other creatives — from photographers to models and stylists who were also looking to build their portfolios. It was mutually beneficial, and we helped each other grow. I would send samples and they would take photos of my products to help them build their own portfolios and in turn I would get content.
Tip: Collaborate with micro-influencers or creators who align with your vision. You’d be surprised how many people are willing to support a passionate small business.
7. Stay Consistent Even When It’s Slow
Not every launch was a sell-out. Some days, nothing sold. But I kept going. I kept showing up online, kept refining my designs, and reminded myself that every big brand started small.
You Don’t Need a Big Budget, You Need Big Belief
If you’re reading this and thinking you need thousands of pounds to launch your product you don’t I started with nothing. What you do need is a clear idea, a real passion, and the resilience to build step by step.
You don’t need to wait until you have it all. Just start where you are, with what you’ve got and build from there.