Introduction: Why Marketplaces Matter for Brands in 2025
In today’s competitive digital landscape, marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay and fast-emerging platforms like TikTok Shop and B&Q are becoming increasingly important for brand growth. For brands looking to reach new customers and drive sales, understanding how to navigate these channels effectively is essential.
TymeOnline and Base work together to support brands across these channels. In this guide, we outline how this partnership functions and offer practical tips to help you succeed in the evolving world of e-commerce.
How TymeOnline and Base Work Together
TymeOnline: Marketplace Agency Expertise
TymeOnline helps brands expand their presence on various online platforms. Their services include:
- Strategic Consultancy: Assisting brands in selecting the right marketplaces based on product category, target audience, and pricing.
- Campaign Management: Managing all elements of a marketplace campaign, including listings, pricing, and promotions.
- Performance Optimisation: Leveraging data to improve product listings and track performance to enhance sales outcomes.
Base: Marketplace Integration and Management Platform
Base is a platform that helps brands and agencies streamline their marketplace operations from one system. Key features include:
- Multi-Platform Integration: Connects to major platforms like Amazon, eBay, and emerging UK marketplaces.
- Inventory and Order Management: Ensures stock and orders are synchronised in real time across channels.
- Perforance Analytics: Provides data insights to track performance and identify trends for informed decision-making.
TymeOnline works with Base as part of their marketplace management approach, helping brands navigate multi-channel selling effectively.
The UK Marketplace Landscape in 2025
A Rapidly Changing Environment
While Amazon and eBay remain key players in the UK, a new wave of platforms is offering exciting opportunities. Brands should take note of the following developments:
Rise of Specialist Marketplaces
Platforms like Decathlon (sports) and Superdrug (health and beauty) are becoming go-to destinations for category-specific shopping.
High Street Retailers Going Online
The Range, Debenhams and Tesco now operate their own marketplaces, enabling third-party brands to reach large, loyal customer bases.
Growth of Social Commerce
TikTok Shop allows brands to sell directly via the app and collaborate with influencers to reach new audiences.
Evolving Features Across Marketplaces
To stand out, marketplaces are introducing new tools to help brands grow:
Sponsored Listings
Boost visibility with paid placements on search results and category pages.
Banner Advertising and Promotions
B&Q and others now offer advertising spaces and temporary promotions to drive conversions.
Livestream Selling
TikTok enables real-time product promotion via influencer-hosted live streams, creating highly engaging sales opportunities.
Expert Tips for Marketplace Success
1. Research the Right Marketplace for Your Brand
Choosing the right platform is key. Not all marketplaces are suited to every product. For example:
- Amazon suits high-volume, commodity products
- eBay works well for unique or refurbished goods
- Specialist platforms are ideal for niche products like sports gear or cosmetics
A marketplace agency like TymeOnline can help you select the best channel for your brand.
2. Optimise Listings for Visibility
Each marketplace has its own search algorithm. Success depends on how well your product listings are optimised. Consider:
- Including relevant keywords in titles and descriptions
- Completing all item specifics (such as size, colour, brand)
- Testing different formats and copy styles
With Base, you can manage these updates efficiently across multiple platforms.
3. Leverage Marketing Tools Available on Each Platform
Marketplace marketing tools can make a big difference. Depending on the platform, consider:
- Sponsored adverts
- Temporary price discounts
- Multibuy offers (e.g. 2 for £10)
Some platforms, like TikTok Shop and B&Q, also offer unique tools such as influencer campaigns and banner placements.
4. Use High-Quality, Tailored Product Imagery
Images are key to conversion. Choose the right format for your category:
- Lifestyle shots for home and furniture
- White background shots for electronics or technical items
Test different approaches to see what works best for your audience.
5. Monitor Competitor Activity
Regularly check what your competitors are doing. Review their pricing, promotions and product positioning to ensure your offering remains competitive. Offering something unique – whether that is better value, higher quality or faster delivery – can help you stand out.
The Future of Marketplaces
Looking ahead, marketplaces will continue to evolve rapidly. Expect to see:
AI-Powered Personalisation
More intelligent product recommendations based on user behaviour.
Integrated Sales Channels
Better connections between marketplaces, social media and physical retail.
By combining expert guidance from TymeOnline with powerful tools from Base, brands will be well-positioned to navigate future developments confidently.
Conclusion: Strengthen Your Marketplace Strategy in 2025
Success on marketplaces requires both strategic direction and operational capability. TymeOnline and Base offer brands a complete solution to maximise visibility, increase conversions and scale across multiple platforms.
To learn more about how TymeOnline can support your marketplace growth, get in touch with marketplace specialist Roz Bridges at [email protected] and to register for your free trial with Base click here.
