If I Had $5,000 to Spend on Marketing for Pret-A-Prep, Here's Exactly Where I'd Spend It

If you’ve never heard of Pret-A-Prep, they’re a brand doing what so many are trying to do - only they're having more fun. Their USP? Uncomplicated skincare that preps the skin, with an aesthetic that sits somewhere between "clean girl era" and "next-gen facial essentials."

It’s fun, fresh, and unapologetically simple. Their product range leans into tween skincare (without the glitter or scent overload) and treatment enhancers — those perfect professional add-ons that boost client experience and retail dollars.

If I were in charge of their $5,000 marketing budget, here’s where the spend would go — with every dollar working hard toward stockist acquisition and brand advpcacy.

1. Vox Pop Content Series – $1,800–$2,000

Take to the streets of Sydney CBD with a mic and a mission:“Have you ever walked out of a facial with your hair looking like a bird’s nest?”“Did your mascara turn you into a panda post-treatment?”

These moments are relatable, and when done well, they go viral. The payoff? Pret-A-Prep’s tubing mascara and Sculpt Stick Creme Brow Styler - the solution for therapists who put the care into aftercare.

What you get: Scroll-stopping, story-worthy short-form video content

Where it lives: Instagram, TikTok, email, and paid ad funnels Why it matters: Drives home the problem → solution → become a stockist loop

2. Podcast Collabs & Product Placement – $950

Two podcasts perfectly aligned with Pret-A-Prep’s tone, look, and community:

• Beauties and the Tea (Jasmine & Kayla)

• Beauty Business School (Kimberly Hawrath)
  

Both Jasmine and Kayla are industry influencers in their own right because salon owners, manager and therapists look to them for thought-leadership and suggestions. Having them use the product is a natural way of advocacy and alignment. They key here - they're industry influencers, not social media influencers.

What i'd do: Product front and centre on the hosts’ tables. A quick “get ready with us” moment where they use the product on camera, creating built-in brand education and aspirational credibility.

Then, ensure a partner referral code or dedicated landing page to track engagement and conversions is mentioned on the episode and in the show notes.

3. Paid Meta Ad Campaign – $2,000

Repurpose the podcast footage or vox pop edits into a visual-first ad campaign created by the look-a-like audience that is landing on the 'become a stockist' page of the Pret-A-Prep website..

Messaging: “Pret-A-Prep: Loved by industry beauties”

CTA: “Become a Stockist”

Targeting: Salon owners, brow stylists, clinic managers - the exact audience that’ll see Pret-A-Prep and think “this belongs on my shelves.”

This campaign is less about selling a mascara and more about selling the feeling of being industry-relevant and advocate aligned.

What I’d Avoid

Some spend isn’t worth the splash — here’s what I’d hold back on:

Exhibiting at expos and trade shows While they can work for some brands, this isn't where Pret-A-Prep shines with a minimal budget. This budget would only get them a small stand space meaning they would get lost on the showroom floor amongst a sea of brands all shouting for the same attention.

Gifting without guidance Unstrategic goodie bag gifting almost always flops. Without context or content direction, even the most gift bag loving therapist could end up throwing this product in the bin - resulting in a bunch of marketing dollars wasted.

How I’d Measure ROI

You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Here’s how I’d track what’s working:

Vox Pop Content Series

• Engagement rate (especially shares/comments)

• Website visits or DM inquiries post-drop

• Retargeting effectiveness if repurposed in ads
  

Podcast Placement

• Use of referral code

• Stockist leads mentioning the podcast

• Social shares from the hosts or listeners

• Direct traffic spikes after each episode airs

Meta Ads

• CTR, CPC and cost per stockist lead

• Application submissions from ad clicks

• Retargeting conversion rates

The macro metric?Clear stockist lead growth and a lift in brand familiarity within both the consumer and professional circles.

Want Us to Map Your Marketing Budget?

If you're feeling unsure where to start, we can help. Whether you're a founder, emerging, or legacy brand ready to get strategic — book a call or DM Tamara.