Starting a custom t-shirt drop shipping venture can be challenging. You need a reliable supplier and someone who can provide original designs. However, t-shirts will sell so long as there is a demand for them, meaning that you will also need to find your niche.
At the same time, even if your t-shirts are funny and unique, customers will not find the store themselves. A solid marketing strategy is one of the cornerstones of a thriving business. If you feel like you do not have enough knowledge on how to advertise on the internet yet, here are some methods to help you.
Method 1: Optimize for Search Engines
Search engine optimization should be one of your priorities. Organic traffic from Google converts the best because website visitors find your store by entering relevant keywords and phrases in the search tab.
To get the most out of SEO, you will have to cover as much ground as you can. The elements of search engine optimization you should focus on are:
- Image optimization
- Backlinks and internal linking
- Meta titles and descriptions
- Mobile-friendliness
- Website speed
- Social signals
- Optimized content
Since you are selling t-shirts, it might be difficult to write enough content. Product descriptions will not cut it. Blogging is one of the ways to fill the lack of a content hole. You can publish relevant articles yourself or publish sponsored content. Guest-bloggers look for opportunities to get a backlink, and they should be happy to help you as well as themselves.
Method 2: Cooperate With Influencers
Influencer marketing has been around for a while. These days, you can find influencers on platforms other than just Instagram and Facebook.
For example, video content has become quite popular recently, and YouTube and Twitch TV have many content creators that are willing to promote products or services.
Look for influencers that represent your niche. For example, if your t-shirts have characters from video games, get in touch with some of the biggest gaming channels on YouTube and Twitch.
When you start to work with a reliable influencer, make sure that you establish a great relationship with them. It can be difficult to find another influencer if you want to use this marketing method.
If you feel like influencer marketing is the best marketing method out of everything you have tried, stick to it, and build your network of influencers. And do not limit yourself to just a single platform. The wider your audience, the more customers you will attract.
Method 3: Use Pay-Per-Click Marketing
PPC marketing is not necessarily the most popular method at the moment, but you can still bring customers to the store and sell them custom-made t-shirts.
Google Ads is the most popular pay-per-click platform. You will need to research keywords and include the best you can find to make the most out of your marketing campaign.
Each click costs you money, meaning that you will have to focus on creating the best ad copies that target relevant people. Do not waste resources by misleading people into clicking ads that redirect them to irrelevant landing pages. If you are selling custom t-shirts with cute animals, make it clear. After all, you never know if someone is looking for a gift idea or a funny item for a gag.
Method 4: Create Email Marketing Campaigns
Email marketing should revolve around returning customers. Grab people’s attention so that they subscribe to an email list after visiting the store. Maybe you can offer a one-time deal for free shipping, or a special discount? Organizing exclusive contests and having an interesting newsletter will attract more subscribers as well.
Send reminders to customers who have not visited the website for a while. You can also announce new products via email. Perhaps you have a new freelancer who has created neat and unique designs? Or maybe you are expanding and have started to ship merchandise other than custom t-shirts? Custom-made face masks, mugs, and hoodies are also quite popular.
Method 5: Advertise on Social Media
Instagram and Facebook are the most popular social media platforms. Hundreds of millions of active monthly users say it all. You should start advertising on both as soon as you launch the business. Aim to grow an audience by running giveaways and other contests. Ad campaigns can also reach more people.
It is worth mentioning that focusing just on Facebook and Instagram does not have to be a priority because there are other platforms. In fact, you may find that new and emerging social media sites are not as competitive, meaning that you can be one of the first to advertise there and establish yourself as one of the custom t-shirt authorities.
Running a print on demand business will require patience and time. Once you set up your custom t-shirt store, do not expect that people will find it themselves. Instead, take a proactive approach. Create and carry out a marketing strategy by implementing the methods mentioned in this article.
