There are many reasons why you’ve come to the decision to start a t-shirt business. It’s a lucrative market, it can be started with a relatively small budget, and you are able to unleash your creativity.
On the other hand, you cannot rush into it without the right level of planning. A haphazard approach will only lead to failure – and a hole in your bank account. This beginner guide will spotlight the main points to starting a successful t-shirt business to ensure that doesn’t happen.
Pick a niche
First things first, you need to understand you cannot take on the world. Go with a general approach, and your t-shirt company won’t appeal to anyone. It’s essential you settle on a niche for your business.
Video games, movies, and TV shows, animals, history, parody, politics – there are countless routes you can take. By picking a niche, you are able to target and appeal to a specific audience, which is particularly beneficial from a marketing point of view.
Find a supplier
Will you be printing your own t-shirts? Or will you select a printing company to do this work for you? While both options have pros and cons, you will still need to source a supplier for your materials – whether this is the finished product or simply blank tees.
Ensure you put in the research when finding a supplier. Of course, the cost will be the biggest factor, but don’t overlook the importance of turnaround times and customer service. Check past customer reviews to see if suppliers are true to their promises.
Get an office space
Could you run your t-shirt business from home? Yes, although it isn’t advised. Not only will you have boxes and boxes of stock to manage, but you also won’t want employees rocking up to your house each day. That’s not exactly the most professional approach.
The good news is it’s not as expensive or difficult to find a suitable office space as you think. By working with a reputable agency like The Workplace Company, they will be able to find the most suitable office for your needs with the best lease terms.
Professional designs
You won’t get far if you fail to deliver a professional product. This begins with professional t-shirt designs. If you cannot produce these printed designs on your own, you will have to enlist the services of an artist to do the work. Fortunately, there are many options out there – from freelance platforms to design agencies – to get your t-shirt designed to a professional standard.
Build your online presence
The best place to sell your creations is online, as it opens up your company to a worldwide audience. To begin, it’s recommended to create a website. A modern site that accurately represents your brand can go a long way to legitimizing your business.
People won’t find your website and its products if they don’t know about it. Due to this, it is essential you utilize a range of marketing tactics. Search engine optimization (SEO), social media, and PPC ads can all help with building an online presence.
