Can you imagine people wearing your brand on a hat, shirt, or jacket? Nothing feels as satisfying as having your own merchandise that doesn’t just give you publicity but also acts as a form of marketing. There’s a lot of perks in selling merchandise, with some businesses focused on merchandise.
If you haven’t noticed, merchandise can come in many shapes and forms, whether it’s shirts, hats, tumblers, jackets, and even accessories. Since there are many different materials that you can work on, most businesses can get creative with their merchandise.
No worries, if you’re thinking that setting up your own merchandise will require a long to-do list and a right amount of energy, it’s not the case. Sometimes, all you’ll need is the right materials and tools, such as a leather laser engraving machine that you can use to
Why Make Your Own Merch?
Well, there’s plenty of reasons to make your own merchandise. It is the right way of advertising your business or products, but it’s also a way for most people to show their appreciation for your services.
Builds Hype
When you’re launching a product or a service, marketing campaigns are the best way to build hype and make people aware. Some of the most popular brands in the market can be easily recognized because of years of marketing and their iconic design.
Building your own reputation for your brand through merchandising won’t usually take a day, but it will often take months to years to achieve. Even some of the iconic beverages that we are drinking today didn’t become famous after years of marketing.
Promotes Creativity
Since it’s your product, you can do whatever you want with your materials. Customizing a shirt, engraving brands on leather, or placing a saying on a hat, there is near-limitless potential with merchandise that you can sell. These materials are a blank canvas, and you’re the artist. As long as your products can catch the eye of the market, you’re putting your creativity to good use.
Promotes Your Channels
Social media and almost any online platform will have a significant lasting impact on publicity and marketing. Whether you’re an “influencer,” a media wizard, or merely popular, shouting to the world about your products can amplify sales and customer engagement.
Helps You Earn More
Last but not least, you’ll earn more in the long run. The more people are aware of your product or service, the easier it is to increase your sales margin.
Setting Up Your Merch
Now that you know the advantages of having your own merchandise going, here are some easy-to-follow steps on acquiring your own resources for merchandising.
Identifying the Audience
First and foremost, identifying your market can increase the potential of the product. Generally, we’re sure that you already know who your audience is. But it’s still important to take a step back, and ask yourself these questions:
- Who will order our products?
- What age group are we catering to?
- Does this market value your type of products?
- Is there anything ‘catchy’ about your product? Are there any running jokes, memes, and catchphrases that you can use?
- Are you promoting a specific type of plan or belief?
It’s important to know who your target group is since associating with a group or an agenda will give your product a sense of identity. Most fast-food chains cater to children with toys since it is their target market. With the right materials and means of manufacturing, it’s easier to reel in more potential customers.
Creating the Design
Next, creating the design for your merchandise is what will separate your product from others. A unique, simple, yet catchy brand will ensure people will understand what your brand is about. Here are some factors that you might want to weigh in on:
- Mix and experiment with a variety of different colors. Professional brands tend to have neutral colors like white, black, and grey. Millennials are more inclined to brands that have warmer color palettes.
- Explore and research some current brands that are trending as of the moment.
- You can use your existing brand materials as a lunch point for your merchandise.
Don’t worry too much about your design. Sometimes, having a simple one is way better than having a complex one.
Building Engagement
Finally, after checking off everything in your to-do list, it’s time to launch your campaign.
- Using different merchandise and content, which range from articles and advertisements, can engage your audience.
- Testimonials are also a great way of dispelling any public cynicism regarding your merch.
Also, it’s important to schedule your posts for maximum engagement. There will be a time of the day that most people will be online, which’s usually the best time to post. Posting everything all at once can clog people’s social media timeline, which can put people off.
It might seem like a big list of things that you might need to do, but thinking of an idea for your brand is as simple as coming up with a logo. Designing your own merchandise should be fun and engaging.
