Launching your online clothing store is an exciting process. You’re put a lot of work and effort into perfecting and envisioning the type of store and experience you want your customers to have. When all is said and done, it’s time to take your store online. So, how do you get started?
Depending on the type of product you’re selling, certain clothing store models are more suitable for certain businesses than others. You may have already decided which type of model you’re going to pursue. But if you haven’t, here are some suggestions.
Unique Custom Cut-and-Sew Online Clothing Store
This type of store is for those who have created their clothing line from scratch. In other words, you have designed, cut, and sewed the products to your specifications and with the materials you’ve chosen. It’s a more challenging business format to run for the precise reason that you’ll have to rely on additional labor to produce your items in bulk. However, you are offering unique products that you’ve designed yourself, which means you can offer them at a higher price and make up for the highest production costs.
Custom Printed Online Clothing Store
This model happens to be one of the most convenient and easiest to pursue. Custom printed clothing is where you let the customer design their product – for example, a t-shirt, and they get to add their logo or other unique design. The only thing you have to provide is the plain items in a variety of colors. The customer does most of the work by using some type of design software.
They’ll design it, add it to their shopping cart, and initiate a check out on your website. Of course, you’re not just limited to t-shirts and sweatshirts. Many companies following this model include a variety of other products like totes, baby clothing, caps, aprons, and face coverings. Your job is to take the customer’s order, make it, and ship it to them.
This type of business model can also let you be creative by offering additional products like mugs, glassware, stickers, and other non-clothing-related items, making it even more lucrative.
Your Own Private Label
A private label brand is one where you purchase clothing items in bulk from a wholesaler and then add your own label to the products. It eliminates the need to design and produce the items yourself. You simply buy the pre-made items and add your tag. This type of business also requires less capital to start. It actually has a lot of the same benefits as custom-printed clothing.
Taking Your Store Online
Now it’s time to take our online store virtual. For this, you’ll need a website. If you already have a brand name, then that’s what you’ll want to use as your domain name. But first, you’ll have to check and see if your name is available. You can usually do this by going to a domain provider such as Godaddy or Namecheap.
From there, you’ll need to create your website. Today, many platforms like Squarespace and WordPress let you build your own site. Shopify is also another platform you can use. However, if you don’t have the skills, time, or both, then you’ll have to look for someone to build your website for you.
However, make sure you stay involved in the process and pay attention to how things appear on the site. This is very crucial as your website is your online store that your customers will visit and buy your items.
Make Sure You Have Good Photography
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of getting your website up and running. However, the importance of good quality images cannot be stressed enough. Remember, your website is your online store. Without your customers’ ability to see your items in real-life, the photos are the only thing they have at their disposal. Having good quality clothing photography is absolutely essential. Before making your website, it’s a good idea to have your images ready to upload.
Get Active on Social Media
Once your website goes live, you’ll want to market your online clothing store. First things first, you’ll want to create some social media profiles for your brand. Do not use your own personal accounts for this. For example, Facebook and Linkedin allow you to create a page for your business under your profile. If this is not an option, make sure you have separate profiles for your business. In the bio section, include the details for your business.
Make sure you stay active on social media and don’t abandon these accounts. In your offline materials, like brochures and posters, you’ll want to list your website as well as all of your social media profiles. Make sure to include social media icons on your website so that people know how to stay engaged with your brand. Spread the word and consider purchasing online ads to reach more people. Once you have a strong following, it’s easier to get customers, find new ones, and convert them. If they like your products, there’s even a chance they’ll become loyal customers who buy from you more than once.
