Times are tough, no doubt about it. It seems like every time you turn on your computer or the TV, there is an announcement of a new company collapsing that will affect you and your business. With the current state of our economy; Owning a clothing line, whether online or in a physical store, can’t hide from the recession. There are many ways to increase web traffic, but you have to muster up the strength and do it. Here are some ways to increase your online reach to launch your business and keep it growing.
1. SEO – Optimize your business website for search engines. If you have a store, it is likely that specific search terms will be used to find your type of store. Get certain keywords on your website so that people online can find you. SEO works like a magnet for your target community. The broader the words, the longer it will take, but if you have some products that target a “niche” audience, then SEO is going to be your business’s best friend.
2. Start a blog: If you haven’t launched a blog for your clothing line or business; this should be a must. This is a great way for your brand to have a voice. You can write about anything and everything related to your business. When you have a new product launch or even if you caught your business partner on camera falling off his chair; you can let the world see it with your blog!
3. Learn to write: If you don’t plan to market your business, don’t bother starting it. If you want others to see your vision, you will have to know how to write. Many businesses, when they first launch, are short on money. You will find yourself trying to do as much as possible for as little cash as possible. Writing articles and press releases will be a great way for others in the community and the press to start recognizing your brand.
4. Social Media – There are so many different ways to find people online these days and most of them are free! Setting aside some time each day to build your online presence through websites like Myspace and Facebook is a must. This is your audience for clothing. Start a profile and connect with your friends to get started. Starting a conversation with your friends at first will allow others to start seeing your clothes and gradually it will spread. Be sure to leave your social media profile links on your website so your web traffic can reach and connect with you.
5. Collect Emails – Make sure your website has a way for your visitors to leave their email addresses behind. Once you’ve collected a decent amount of emails, you can regularly distribute a company newsletter to stay on everyone’s radar.
6. Make a video: Making a video may take a bit longer, but chances are someone in your circle of friends knows someone who can use a video camera. Create a short video commercial that represents your brand and company and post it on sites like YouTube and Vimeo. Expect. Be patient. Take your time with the video and make sure it has your stamp of approval. Remember Quality sells. If you try to put together a slideshow in your movie making software, you could do your brand more harm than good.
7. Be unique: If your product is attractive and consumers buy your clothes, even during a down time, that’s a great start. It is important to be unique by differentiating yourself from others. Include some fun elements in your mailings, like stickers, cards, or any kind of branding material. This is just a creative and inexpensive way to market your brand. When times are tough and money is tight, you can always get creative with your packaging! No one wants a dilapidated, shabby brown envelope with a t-shirt inside.
8. Be Willing to Learn – When you first launch your clothing line, you may not be able to pay employees to perform tasks. This is “boot time” and you will need to learn how to accomplish many things on your own. There are many blogs, bookstores and online teachings available at your fingertips. Start learning how to promote yourself online, design websites and write articles. It’s never too late to learn something. As they always say “If you want something done, you have to do it yourself!”
9. Exchange of services: Once you start educating yourself, you will know things that others do not know. When you first launch your clothing line, it will be important to offer product exchange. Don’t go giving away your equipment to everyone; but if you know a photographer and you need some professional photos for your website; It’s worth offering free clothes for amazing photos! You’ll need to assess when it’s appropriate for your budget.
10. Learn to sleep less: Remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day, so don’t expect your brand to reach everyone in the first week. If you launch your business when you have a day job, you will absolutely have to get up early in the morning and stay up late to get things done. You have to hustle, work hard and eat, breathe and sleep your brand of clothing. Companies don’t build themselves! You can sleep when you retire… until then it’s balls against the wall!!!
