Yay! You've crafted some fabulous handmade clothes, launched your Etsy store, and picked an adorable shop name.
But what's next??
These stylish garments won't sell themselves!
You need to market your creations! Hang on - what's marketing?
In a nutshell, marketing is all about sparking interest in your products.
Alright, now that we've defined marketing, let's dive into specific actions you can take to kickstart your handmade clothing business today.
We've got FIVE essential tips to help your shop flourish. Ready to get started? Let's go! 👇
- Take Amazing Photos
- Speak to Your Audience
- Utilize Social Media
- Collaborate with Influencers
- Offer Excellent Customer Service
- FAQ
1. Take Amazing Photos
But don't fret about the process! Trust us - it's simpler than you think! Your trusty smartphone is all you need. Guess what? Many of the photos from Lowland Kids were taken on iPhones.
Here's our not-so-secret secret recipe:
- Embrace natural light. Position your clothes near an open window or door (avoid direct sunlight!) to achieve soft, flattering lighting.
- Snap pictures head-on. Angled shots can distort the clothes' appearance, making them look less appealing.
- Capture the entire subject (child) or object (clothes). Watch out for chopped-off toes!
- Try the Photoroom app or Photoroom.com (free, with premium options). This all-in-one editing app is a game-changer. Photoroom effortlessly removes and replaces image backgrounds, offering one-click exports for social apps and marketplaces like Etsy. Plus, the Photoroom website uses artificial intelligence to generate custom background images!
With these four tips, you'll be snapping professional-quality photos in no time!
2. Speak to Your Audience
Your customers aren't just purchasing your clothes - they're buying into your brand.
Picture your brand as a person. Your voice, or writing style, reflects your identity. It's what sets your brand apart from competitors. In many ways, your customers choose your products because your voice resonates with them.
Bland, generic product descriptions make it difficult for customers to pick you over your competitors. Clearly communicate the value of your products and write in a way that connects with your audience.
Consider this example for a new shirt:
Plain product description:
- New Autumn Shirt
- Comes in 6 colors
- Organic cotton
Better product description:
- "Introducing our Cozy Boxy-fit Shirt - so soft, you won't want to wear a bra!"
- "Available in 6 pre-washed earth-tone colors that won't shrink or fade
- "100% organic, sustainably-grown cotton"
3. Utilize Social Media
Did we mention that Facebook Groups and Instagram accounts are FREE? Did you know that’s how we got started at Lowland Kids?
Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, are where visuals steal the show. And we all know people are visual shoppers.
Share behind-the-scenes peeks, adorable customer moments, and stunning product snaps to keep your followers craving more.
But hold up! Don't just post and vanish. Build real connections by replying to comments, tackling messages, and expressing appreciation for your fans' support.
Oh, and the hashtag game is real. Especially when you’re just getting started, use relevant hashtags to help your content reach a broader audience.
4. Collaborate with Influencers
Aiming for a wider reach? Join forces with influencers who vibe with your values. Roll up your sleeves and hunt for the ideal influencer using pertinent hashtags or influencer marketing platforms.
Once you've discovered the perfect match, hit them up with a friendly message highlighting why their audience would flip for your products. Don't hold back on what you bring to the table!
Keep an eye on the collaboration's success by monitoring referral traffic, sales, or engagement metrics. Some popular free tools:
- Google Analytics: This free tool can help you track website traffic, user behavior, and much more. It is easy to set up and provides a wealth of data that can help you make informed decisions about your marketing strategy. You can sign up for Google Analytics here.
- Bitly: This tool allows you to shorten and track the links you share on social media and other platforms. You can see how many clicks each link gets and where those clicks are coming from. It is free to use and you can sign up here.
- Hootsuite: This social media management tool can help you track engagement metrics across multiple platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. It allows you to schedule posts, monitor your brand mentions, and much more. You can sign up for Hootsuite here.
- SEMrush: This tool offers a range of features to help you monitor your website's performance and track your competitors. You can use it to track keyword rankings, analyze backlinks, and monitor social media engagement. While it is not free, it offers a free trial period. You can sign up for SEMrush here.
These tools can help you keep track of your marketing efforts and make data-driven decisions to improve your strategy.
This way, you'll know if you've hit the jackpot or if it's time for a strategy revamp.
5. Offer Excellent Customer Service
Sweep in with outstanding customer service that sets your shop apart.
Be the hero your customers deserve by swiftly addressing inquiries, offering helpful solutions, and consistently going above and beyond.
Encourage your customers to spread the love with glowing reviews and testimonials. Etsy, Shopify, and other platforms let you request reviews for cheap or even FREE!
You can then take those glowing reviews and use them in your social media, on your website, and even in your packaging.
Not all reviews will be positive, but remember, even negative feedback can reveal valuable nuggets for improvement.
And, oh! Make your return and exchange policy a breeze. Clearly outline steps and timeframes to dodge confusion and dissatisfaction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the success of your handmade clothing business lies in your ability to effectively market your products and engage with your audience.
By implementing these top marketing strategies – taking amazing photos, speaking to your audience, utilizing social media, collaborating with influencers, and delivering exceptional customer service – you'll begin the race with a running start.
Haven’t done these things in the past? Don’t worry! The best time to start was at the beginning of your business. The next best time to start is today!
Need sewing patterns that are proven and popular with consumers? Check out our collection here (you can even filter by newest or by most popular).
FAQ
Q: How do I get started with marketing my handmade clothing business?
A: Begin by taking amazing photos of your products, crafting engaging product descriptions, and setting up social media accounts to showcase your work. Engage with your audience, collaborate with influencers, and provide excellent customer service to make your brand stand out.
Q: Can I use my smartphone to take product photos?
A: Absolutely! Smartphones are more than capable of taking high-quality photos for your handmade clothing business. Make sure to use natural light, take photos head-on, and try apps like Photoroom for easy background removal and editing.
Q: How do I find the right influencers to collaborate with?
A: Use relevant hashtags or influencer marketing platforms to find influencers whose values align with your brand. Reach out to them with a friendly message, highlighting why their audience would love your products, and don't hesitate to showcase what you bring to the table.
Q: How can I track the success of my marketing efforts?
A: Utilize free tools like Google Analytics, Bitly, Hootsuite, and SEMrush to monitor website traffic, engagement metrics, and track your competitors. These tools will help you make data-driven decisions to improve your marketing strategy.
Q: How can I improve my customer service?
A: Be proactive in addressing customer inquiries, offering helpful solutions, and going above and beyond to make your customers feel valued. Encourage them to leave reviews and use both positive and negative feedback to grow and improve your business. Make your return and exchange policy clear and easy to follow to avoid confusion and dissatisfaction.
