Best PR for Marketplaces UK (2026): One Story for Both Sides of Your Platform
PR for online marketplaces and platforms that connect buyers and sellers, from second-hand fashion and services to B2B trading. We help you win trust on both sides at once, using the data only a marketplace has.
Two audiences, one reputation
A marketplace only works if both sides trust it. Selling your own products online? See our e-commerce PR page.
Sellers and suppliers want
- Proof that buyers are there
- Fair fees and clear rules
- Success stories from people like them
- Trade and small business press
Buyers want
- Safety and easy refunds
- Real reviews they can trust
- Good prices and choice
- Consumer, money and lifestyle press
Data stories only you can tell
Anonymised, aggregated platform data is one of the strongest PR assets a marketplace has.
Rules journalists will ask about
| Topic | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Fake reviews | UK consumer law bans fake reviews, and the CMA can now enforce consumer law directly. |
| Online safety | Platforms that host user content have duties under the Online Safety Act. |
| EU users | Platforms serving EU users may fall under the Digital Services Act. |
| Data | Any data story must be anonymised and follow data protection law. |
General guidance, not legal advice.
Handling hard stories
Marketplaces attract stories about scams, counterfeit goods, unsafe products and unhappy sellers. These are usually about one bad actor on your platform, but the headline names you.
Prepare in advance: know who speaks, have clear facts on how you remove bad listings and refund buyers, and respond quickly. Strong trust and safety stories in calm times make hard days easier.
Business and tech titles in our network
Most marketplace coverage is earned. Next to that, you can book features in titles from our publication network, such as Entrepreneur UK, London Loves Business and TechRound. Booked features go live within 14 days of approval or you get a 100% refund.
Listed in our network, October 2026. Terms, including link treatment, are confirmed in writing before you book. Google asks that paid links are marked as sponsored or nofollow.
Three example marketplace campaigns
A second-hand fashion app
“The most resold brands of the year, and what they sell for”
- Route: data pitched to fashion, money and consumer press.
- Timing: January.
- Outcome sought: new buyers and sellers.
A platform for local tradespeople
“Where in the UK it is hardest to find a plumber”
- Route: regional press across many towns.
- Timing: before winter.
- Outcome sought: sign-ups on both sides.
A wholesale marketplace
“Independent shops are buying more from small makers”
- Route: retail trade press and an Entrepreneur UK feature.
- Timing: trade show season.
- Outcome sought: retailer sign-ups.
Illustrative plans with example headlines. They are not client results.
What clients say about United Press
★★★★★“The team understood our industry and, more importantly, understood the story we needed to tell. Seeing our company featured across relevant publications gave us a much stronger presence when potential customers researched us.”
Olivia BennettMarketing Director
★★★★★“United Press built our brand from launch to nationwide recognition. Real media coverage gave new customers the trust they needed — our ROI has been over 100:1, which blows my mind.”
Annabelle SparksGlobal Head of Marketing
★★★★★“United Press helped us turn our company story into something journalists could genuinely engage with. The coverage gave our brand a level of credibility that was difficult to achieve through our own marketing channels.”
James WhitmoreFounder & CEO
United Press is a London PR agency at Brook’s Mews, working since 2001 with clients worldwide, and a winner or shortlisted at PRWeek, CIPR Excellence, UK Agency, PRCA DARE, The Drum and UK Social Media Communications Awards.
Marketplace PR questions
What is different about PR for a marketplace?
You need trust from two audiences at once, buyers and sellers, and you have platform data that can create news no one else can.
Can we use our platform data in PR?
Yes, when it is anonymised, aggregated and handled in line with data protection law.
How do you handle stories about scams on our platform?
We help you prepare facts and a response plan in advance, and respond quickly and honestly when a story breaks.
Do you work with marketplaces outside the UK?
Yes, including international platforms launching in the UK.
How quickly can a booked feature go live?
Within 14 days of your approval, or you get a 100% refund.
How much does marketplace PR cost?
There is no fixed price. Every campaign is planned around your goal and the titles you need. Share your goal and budget in the form below for a personalised plan.
Ready to grow both sides?
Tell us about your platform, your buyers and sellers, and the data you hold. We will send a free plan with the angle, titles and timing that fit.