Professional Documents
Culture Documents
BRAND IN 90 DAYS
By
FKXMEDIA LLC
CONTENTS
THE START
SECTION 1: Brainstorming
Know Your Why
Find your Signature
Play And Win The Name Game
Brand direction
Come up with a Logo Design
Business Plan
SECTION 2: Culture and Community
Build A Long Lasting Community
Stay Consistent
SECTION 3: LLC, Taxes And Trademarks
How To Get An LLC
LLC Benefits
Taxes And Trademarks
SECTION 4: Designs
Your First Piece
Make Mock Up
SECTION 5: Manufacturers
How to Find Manufacturers
Best Ways To Communicate With Them
Get A Sample
Pre-Order vs Pre-Made Method
Your First Bulk Order
SECTION 6: Create The Perfect Website
Set Up Your Website
Get Your Domain
Shopify Apps For Your Back End
SECTION 7: Marketing
Market The Right Way
Organic Marketing
Create An Aesthetic
Plan A Photoshoot
Create Hype Before Release Date
The Secret to Instagram and Facebook Ads
Email and SMS Marketing
SECTION 8: Next Steps
Shipping Products
Pricing Point
Customer Support
Social Proof
Equipment
THE END: Credit
The Start
Starting a clothing brand can be super exciting, but it also comes with a
lot of questions and things to figure out. Don't worry tho, we are here to
help you through it all.
First, let's start with some research. You'll want to tap into your creativity
and think about how you want your brand to look and feel. But it's not just
about the design, you also need to think about the practical stuff. This
includes setting up your website, managing your inventory (making sure
you have enough clothes in stock), and providing excellent customer
service.
Speaking of customer service, you'll also need to figure out how to handle
shipping labels. This means deciding on your shipping policies and
making sure your packages get to your customers on time. It can be a bit
tricky, but with a little organization, you'll get the hang of it.
And of course, the ultimate goal is to drive sales. You want people to buy
your clothes and love them as much as you do. This involves using
effective marketing strategies, creating a strong brand presence, and
providing a great customer experience.
Running your own clothing brand may seem like a lot of work, but with
dedication and a bit of hustle, you can make it happen. Just remember,
it's okay to ask for help and take things one step at a time. You got this.
So, please don't underestimate the challenges involved. This journey is not
a walk in the park or a shortcut to quick wealth. If that's what you're
seeking, then I suggest you stop reading this guide. The industry already
has enough brand owners who are solely focused on monetary gain.
Dig down into your creative taste and inspirations, ask yourself a lot of
questions, like these:
You will find your why and the meaning of your brand. Make sure it has to
do with something with the values and mentality you have, it will be more
authentic and people like that.
Making a brand is a big step and if you keep creating things that align
with your brand’s identity, sooner or later people will catch on and see
your vision, it will be more meaningful and you will create a strong
community this way.
People like brands that inspire, entertain and can feel they are part of.
Oh, and let's not forget about being original. In a world full of clothing
brands, it's important to carve your own path. By creating unique trends
and designs, you'll stand out from the crowd. Remember, imitation is not
the name of the game here. Be true to your brand and let your creativity
shine. Trust me, when you start setting those trends, people will take
notice and flock to your brand like bees to honey.
Every brand needs a hit, one thing that is known for or like a takeoff item.
Why? It will get the ball rolling and then you can play with it.
Look back and identify the key principles that run through all your
projects, designs, work, etc
What most people won't tell you is that the people you look up to didn't
invent them themselves, everyone one has this brain reprogram, once you
learn a thought process you can actually see yourself in that and add to
it.
Find an aesthetic and dig deeper so you can know how to turn the wheel
left or right.
Recreate the ideas and ethos, within the context of your own time and
life.
The first thing you need to do is come up with an awesome brand name.
This is super important because it's what people will call you and
remember you by.
So, make sure it's unique and not something everyone else has used.
Avoid common words like "motion" or "drip" and create something that
has meaning to you or that you came up with yourself.
When you are trying to come up with a name, think of things that inspire,
slang, sayings, things that you heard or words that you like, something
that has meaning to you and is unique.
Step 1
Pinterest has a lot of cool things, concepts, art, ideas that can really
inspire you to come up with a name.
So keep scrolling, write names down and brainstorm and along with that
you can also go outside and see the world, go to restaurants, different
places, see things that people can resonate to so you can have new brand
ideas because you don't want it to be boring and something that people
can't resonate to, and also something that you don't feel, you have to feel
your brand.
You want to grab something from the world that means something to you,
that way you can make it mean something to everybody around you
Just catch little things that make you think "wow i can make something
with this, I can create something with this little piece of thing, that way I
can use it for a name, design or for the things you want to use it for”.
Step 2
Descriptive + functional?
Who created them?
What do you do?
Where do you operate?
Idea + emotion?
Step 3
Write all the names down that you can come up with, every single one on
a piece of paper and eliminate them 1 by 1, that way you can visualize
them and see it.
And be like "Is the top one better than the one under it?”
If not scratch that one
Scratch, scratch, scratch till you are left with three names
Ask yourself " which name does best resonate with the idea that I wanna
go with and fits the concept that I want to present to my customers?
Step 4
Now you have to get people's opinions, you gotta see what really matches
so post a poll asking which sounds the best on your choice of social media
to see which name they like more and have people vote.
Like ask people what do think about this name and get their honest
opinions.
You want to get people on your side and get them inspired by the idea so
they think "wow he/she is about to create something special and i get to
be a part of"
Everybody that chooses the name you end up going with will think they
helped you create your business name and that will get them to support
you more. This doesn't mean use the name they choose on the people but
rather consider and get an understanding of your brand.
And once you have a brand name start thinking of pieces that you can
create that can really flow and go with the style of your brand, you can
get the ball rolling and picture all these things revolving around your
name.
Once you have a name, check if it's available on social media platforms
like Instagram and TikTok, as well as in business registries. You don't want
to use a name that's already taken by someone else, unless they're not
using it anymore.
Do your research to make sure the name is not taken on social media,
trademarked or already an LLC where you are from , making a name is
the first and most important step.
After brainstorming some names start removing the ones that you don’t
feel that connected with.
Think of what people will think when they hear it, it has to be a name
people will be able to remember so don’t make it too long, and also don’t
forget it has to look good on clothes too.
Brand Direction
After you've secured a name, it's time to figure out your brand direction.
This means knowing who you want to sell your clothes to and what style
you want to focus on. Do you want to create streetwear, high fashion,
sportswear, or athletic wear?
Also, think about the quality of customers you're targeting. Consider what
they value and what they expect from your brand. By understanding their
tastes and preferences, you can make sure your brand and products cater
to their needs.
Dig into your brand idea and try to be concise and accurate about what it
is or means and have a clear idea of what your brand is about.
Focus down on ideas and iterate around them, to try to hone in and
develop your concepts
Define what your brand is, and what it stands for, by identifying what it
isn't.
Now that we have our brand name and know who we want to sell to, it's
time to create our logo. But wait, what if you're not good at designing or
drawing? Don't worry there are ways to make it work.
This step is really important because your logo is what people see first
when they encounter your brand. It's what represents your brand and
makes it unique.
First, you can try brainstorming and sketching your ideas on paper. Even
if you don't think you're the best artist, it's a great way to get your
thoughts down. But if you're still not confident, you can reach out to a
designer for help.
But if you want to do it yourself, there are some cool tools and apps you
can use for designing. One popular option is Procreate, which works great
on iPads or tablets. It may seem a bit overwhelming at first, but there are
plenty of tutorials on TikTok that teach you how to use Procreate
effectively. It's like having a digital canvas where you can bring your
ideas to life.
Other tools you can try are Photoshop or Illustrator. They are a bit more
advanced, but don't let that scare you.
There are tons of YouTube tutorials that will guide you through the
process and help you master Photoshop and Illustrator in no time.
Once you have your logo sorted, you can move on to the next steps in
building your brand.
Business Plan
If you want to turn your business into a full-time thing, you'll need to work
on a business plan. The business plan needs to be divided into different
parts, and the first part is called the executive summary.
This is where you should start because it's easier than creating a lengthy
30-page plan right away. The executive summary is about five pages long
and covers important aspects like the mission, vision, purpose of your
business, marketing plan, sales strategy, and sales projections. It helps
you establish what your business is, who it serves, how it makes money,
and how much money it should make in the next three years.
One crucial part of the business plan is the mission statement. Initially, I
thought it was just fluff, but I've come to realize its importance. The
mission statement sets the foundation and roadmap for your business. It
communicates how you do business, why you're in business, and guides
you in making decisions. It's like a guiding star for your brand. For
example, our mission at "FKXMEDIA" is to bring clarity to business and
help entrepreneurs build impactful clothing brands. Our mission guides
everything we do, including the content we create and the products we
offer.
We even have a discord server that helps clothing brand owners that we
would highly recommend for you to join if you want to start a clothing
brand or you already own one.
https://discord.gg/thesagaclub
Setting goals for the next one, two, or three years is another essential
part of the business plan. Planning for three years may sound
overwhelming, but it helps you stay on track. For example, set a goal to
reach $120,000 in revenue in the next year, with $10,000 in monthly sales.
Remember, a business plan helps you make plans, set goals, and track
your progress. Stick to your mission and the purpose of your brand, and
you'll be able to work towards those goals.
Get your brand, or your art out into the real world. Allow it to interact with
real people.
It's important that your brand doesn't just live in your apartment with a
few people that you know, it should be out there, other people should feel
like it represents them because it can be your concept but unless you are
finding ways to do community things then it won’t grow
This could mean four people getting together because four people turn
into ten and then you do a party and then there's thirty people.
Imagine all these people posting pictures, you can get the ball rolling.
Be specific about who your brand is for. Find open space, away from
generalist categories
Thank them often too for their support and you will create a long lasting
community.
Focus on a product or artwork that represents you most clearly, don't just
do the most common thing.
Sell your product and brand thought your images, videos, and lifestyle
The specific is universal. Be clear about exactly who you represent and
your ideas will be stronger.
Stay Consistent
It's very important to stay consistent because you don't want to be a 1 hit
wonder, drop one tshirt, sell out and everything to then just go ghost.
People are going to want more and ask you questions like
when's the next drop, when 's the restock, etc
Even if your first drop doesn't do well or flops you gotta keep making
more products because you can't just sit there and take that loss.
What doesn't work the first time, can definitely work on the second time,
third time, ninth time…
So don't be afraid to fail and reinvest in your brand because who knows
maybe your fourth, fifth drop is the one.
And when you make your first drop, reinvest into your brand, be smart
with your reinvestment and don't always put your eggs in one basket.
Also just because people bought your first drop doesn't mean they will
buy your second drop just because you are releasing it.
You gotta put effort into this and your creativity into it, so make sure that
you are getting opinions first and that your products are not just what
you like.
Bring engagement to your page and don't just post once a month, post
updates and build the hype.
Having an LLC comes with benefits, you can register it and get an EIN
number to open a business bank account. You can do this by yourself on
irs.gov or use a service like LegalZoom or Tailor Brands so they can do it
for you and make the process much easier.
Using google helps find what websites to use or you can even ask other
brand owners around your area.
The business bank account that you created with the LLC separates all
the expenses which is perfect for when it's time to keep track of
expenses and calculate the Net Profit.
You can build a business credit, get things such as a car or items under
the business, which can be used as a tax write off. A tax write off is any
expense made by a business or individual tax return
Taxes are very important so make sure you keep track and use your
business to pay for your expenses because you might have to get new
supplies or have a business dinner etc, and that counts as well.
Here are some examples on how you can leverage your lifestyle with your
business:
And when it comes to building a brand and generating content for that
brand, there is a crucial element that is frequently neglected: protecting
your intellectual property. In the fast-paced and competitive business
landscape, safeguarding your brand through trademark registration is of
utmost importance.
Let's talk about graphic design and how to make it better. Graphic design
involves creating visuals for different things like posters, clothing, or
digital content. When it comes to designing clothing, it's important to
consider what people would actually wear and how you want to express
yourself through the design.
Sometimes, we forget about the references and inspiration that can help
us create better designs. It's essential to look at the details and
understand why certain design choices were made. For example, why was
a specific typeface chosen or why did they collaborate with a certain
artist? By paying attention to these details, we can elevate our own
designs and create something unique.
Mood boards are incredibly helpful in the design process. They allow us to
gather references, ideas, and see how everything comes together. It's
important to dive into the details when working on mood boards, rather
than just randomly collecting images. Look into the artists, the time
period, or the concepts behind the designs you admire. This helps you
understand the thought process and incorporate it into your own work.
Creativity can strike at any time, and you may not always start with a
mood board. Sometimes, you might already have a few designs you like,
and then you can work backward to figure out how they fit together as a
collection. It's crucial to have clarity and ensure that all the designs make
sense within the overall concept.
With technology, graphic design tools like Illustrator and Photoshop are
easily accessible to everyone. While you can create something yourself,
not everyone has the natural talent or eye for design. In such cases, it
might be worth investing in hiring a graphic designer who can bring new
ideas and expertise to your collection. Make sure to choose someone
whose style and strengths align with your vision.
Make Mockups
It's really important to create your very first design or mock-up for your
clothing brand. There are a few ways you can do this.
You can go on google and search up for vector mockup packs so that you
can use those to customize them, put your designs on them and send
them to manufacturers.
If you're familiar with design apps like Photoshop and Illustrator, you can
use that to create your design. Another option is to use a free app called
Photopea.
When designing your first piece, be creative and think outside the box.
This design will be the initial spark for your brand.
Let’s say your first design is impressive, people will take notice and be
more likely to support your brand in the future. On the other hand, if your
first design is bad, it might not attract much attention.
On Instagram, you can search for designers using hashtags like #PSD or
#PSDdesign. This will give you a list of Photoshop designers, and you can
browse through their portfolios to see their styles and techniques. Look
for a designer whose work aligns with your brand's style and vision.
How to Find Manufacturers
Let's dive into finding the right manufacturers for your clothing brand.
One great website to check out is Alibaba. It's a Chinese website where
manufacturers showcase the products they can make for you. It's an
excellent starting point, especially if you're looking for low minimum order
quantities (MOQs), meaning you don't have to order a huge amount of
items.
But don't overlook Instagram and Google. Instagram can be a bit tricky
since there are some unreliable manufacturers out there, so be sure to
check if they have valid vouchers from other clients they've worked with,
especially from the US. Google is fantastic for finding local screen printing
shops near you. This is useful if you prefer quick and local production,
without having to go overseas.
Now, let's explore Alibaba together. Go to Google and search for Alibaba.
The website should pop up. It might have a lot of ads, but don't worry
about those. Alibaba is a platform where you can find Chinese
manufacturers with low MOQs. To start, search for the specific product
you're interested in, like an acid wash hoodie, for example. Click on the
product that catches your eye.
Never pay upfront full price for your order, always pay 30% or 50% to get
started, also ask them if they can send pictures of the sample as it's being
created and before they send it to you.
If you are a beginner never order 1000 pieces or any large quantity, keep
it small at first because you gotta see what your supporters like, so post
pictures or mockups , samples, new
releases just so you can get a taste of what audience you have, if you
invest a lot on a product that does not sell because you were the only one
who liked it and didn't test it out to see if your target audience liked it as
well, it may take you longer to sell
Printing Method
When it comes to choosing a printing method, it's crucial to consider your
brand's identity, budget, and the quality you want to give. Don't simply
choose screen printing because it reduces costs or print-on-demand
because you think it's popular. Look into the reasons behind your choices
and ensure you work with reliable suppliers who can deliver quality prints
within your timeline. Apliiq and Super Color are excellent resources for
heat transfers, and local screen print suppliers can also be a good option.
Once you have your product design finalized, it's essential to keep track
of your inventory. For our FTGU merch launch, we created an inventory
process to monitor the units we received and the stock available for the
launch. We also planned to distribute some inventory to certain
individuals to help spread the word.
It's crucial to keep detailed records of the materials and products you
receive from suppliers. Double-check the received units against invoices
and product lists, counting sizes and ensuring everything matches up.
Mistakes can happen, so it's important to catch them early to avoid selling
items you don't actually have.
Creating a SKU (stock keeping unit) number for each product category is
also helpful. This allows you to organize and locate items easily, whether
on shelves or in boxes. By implementing a thorough inventory process,
you can ensure accurate stock management and provide a seamless
customer experience.
When you visit their website, you'll find a range of products. Look for the
specific shirt you're interested in and click on the "size chart" link. This will
show you the measurements for different sizes of the shirt. The most
important measurements you'll need are the body length, chest width,
and sleeve length. These are the common measurements used when
making a shirt.
You can also find videos online of people wearing the exact shirt you're
interested in. This can help you see how it fits and decide if you want to
make any changes to the measurements. For example, if you like the fit of
the shirt but want it to be a bit shorter, you can decrease the body length
measurement by an inch or two. Similarly, if you want a looser fit, you can
increase the chest width.
Getting the measurements from the size chart into your own "tech pack"
is a simple way to get started. You can use the LA Apparel measurements
as a starting point, and then make adjustments based on your
preferences. For example, if you want a tighter fitting shirt, you can
decrease the chest width measurement. If you want it more oversized,
you can increase the chest width. Remember not to make drastic changes
in measurements, and it's usually best to make adjustments in small
increments.
If you want more measurements for your shirt, you can visit other blank
clothing websites. One example is Made Blanks, which also has size charts
with measurements for different parts of the shirt, like the neck opening
and sleeve opening. You can get those measurements as well if you like
the fit of their shirts.
Another method is to measure a shirt that you already have and like the
fit of. This method requires a tape measure or a flexible measuring tool.
You can measure different parts of the shirt, like the chest width and body
length, to get the measurements you need. You can also measure more
specific parts, like the armhole or under the sleeve, which may not be
available in size charts. This method allows you to customize your
measurements exactly the way you want them.
Remember, you don't have to use every measurement from your favorite
shirt or any other garment. You can choose the measurements that you
like and adjust them as needed for different sizes. It's also important to
note that some measurements may stay the same across all sizes, like the
neckband rib height.
Using social media tactics can help in your negotiations. Highlight your
brand's achievements or mention that you have the number one brand in
the city. This can sTry to order a sample first, but feel free to tell
manufacturers you are interested in ordering bulk after your sample.
Now let's say you have your sample now and you love not like it.
Go ahead and take pictures of it, post them on Instagram, create content
on tiktok, take pictures for your website, etc
Start practicing poses and how you are going to market your product too.
how the manufacturer that works with you can be beneficial and
encourage them to be more cooperative.
Remember, you need the manufacturers as much as they need you. Treat
them with respect and dignity when communicating with them.
When starting a clothing brand, think about how you want your customers
to feel and react. Do you want them to wait three to five weeks, or would
you prefer them to receive their orders in three to five days? It's essential
to consider your capabilities and what you can create.
With pre-made, you pay upfront for your inventory, receive it from the
manufacturer, and then release it for shipping to your customers. This is
the best option for growing your business and ensuring prompt delivery.
On the other hand, pre-orders can be risky, especially for new brands.
Your customers may not be accustomed to waiting for a month or longer
to receive their products. While some people advertise pre-orders as a
way to start with no upfront costs, it may not be the smartest choice for
beginners. It's best to go with pre-made ones if you have the capital, and
once you have more resources, you can switch to pre-orders.
Both pre-orders and pre-made orders have their ups and downs. With
pre-orders, customers may get frustrated and constantly message you,
asking about the status of their order. It can put a lot of pressure on you.
On the other hand, with pre-made orders, you need to carry inventory,
and there's a risk of not selling everything, which can be problematic.
However, if you have good marketing skills and know what you're doing, it
will be easier to sell your products and manage your inventory effectively.
In the end, the goal is to ensure your customers are happy and receive
their orders in a timely manner. So, consider your options and choose the
path that works best for your brand and customers.
You don't need $2000 to start a business, most people think this way but
it's not true, you can start one with just $500 if you use your resources
right.
Don't risk it and order 1000 pieces because you don't know if your
customers will like it that much, you don't know your popular sizes yet
and you are still learning your audience you are building.
Here's a beginner order size quantity if you are unsure, it can go like this
XS: 1
S: 3
M: 2
L: 2
XL: 1
XXL: 1
If your audience is younger, small and medium are popular sizes along
with large running up. If your audience is older, the popular sizes could be
medium, large and extra large. It may not be the same for everybody tho.
The next step is to set up your Shopify store. Shopify is the top platform
for e-commerce, including dropshipping, clothing brands, and online
shopping. You can manage all your orders, build your website, ship orders,
get paid out, get your 1099 for taxes, have all your email lists and
customers all in one application, add apps for marketing purposes and
more.
Shopify is the best one so far and big brands in the scene use it so we
strongly recommend it specially for beginners. And If you want to create
an account just go to http://shopify.pxf.io/fkxmedia
You want to have a clean and straightforward layout with a cool logo at
the top and a white background or animation if you want it to be
eye-catching.
Once you have your Shopify store set up with a catchy name and a
user-friendly website, it's crucial to focus on driving traffic to your store.
https://m.youtube.com/@fkxmedia
Godaddy is your website host, here you are able to buy your domain and
then you just need to connect it straight to your shopify, but don’t it’s a
very easy process.
Getting a domain is not expensive, and it helps your brand look more
professional and your brand site trustworthy so this is definitely
something you have to do to start your brand.
These things will help you take your brand to the next level.
An order tracking page: this will allow customers to easily come on your
website and track their own order. so they don't dm you constantly asking
where their order is
When using these phone numbers try not to spam your customers, or send
them false advertisements.
Update your subscribers when you drop new products, sales going on,
and other significant events.
An app to make your cart page easier to use and with incentives to get
them to checkout.
Any of these apps for email and sms marketing so you can send emails
and texts to people for abandoned carts, offers, etc and create popups to
collect their info
The Apps names are: Klaviyo, Mailchimp and Yotpo SMS and EMail
Marketing
Apps for upsells and Cross sells so you can get people to spend more that
they already did, or get them to buy more things with a bundle discount
The apps names are : One Click Upsell and Upsell and Cross Sell
An app that will let people who ordered something from your brand leave
a review.
The app name is: Ali Reviews
Focus on TikTok and Instagram for growth. Building a brand identity and
understanding your target audience is crucial. For example, you can start
your page with football and basketball content but expand it to include
other sports and general quotes. Understanding your audience helps you
create the right content. Growing on Instagram can be challenging. At
first you have to rely on organic growth through resharing and building a
high-quality audience. It's important to build an audience before selling a
product. After growing your audience use paid shoutouts, send products
to friends and athletes, and hold giveaways to boost engagement.
Post viral content and pull your audience's interest, test a lot and it will
help you release successful products.
Organic Marketing
Here are strategies for gaining customers and getting more attention to
your brand on Tiktok and IG. It's important to be consistent on TikTok
because it's not just an app where your posts automatically get a boost. It
actually works on an algorithm, which means there's a system to how
things get promoted.
To get your content out there and get it promoted, you need to stay
consistent. Here's what you can do: create a content calendar on your
phone for Monday through Saturday. Plan out the videos you'll post each
day and figure out the time at which people are engaging more, there's
no excuse for not posting. If you want to boost your account even more,
try posting two to three times a day because TikTok rewards active users.
Here’s a chart with the best times to post on Tiktok and also a link to a
site that has a pdf with ideas to post on your clothing brand’s tik tok
account.
https://stan.store/thesagaclub
When you're posting on TikTok, use sounds that are relevant to your niche.
For example, if you're into underground music, use sounds from artists
like Playboy Carti or Ken Carson instead of mainstream artists like Drake.
Your target audience is more likely to watch videos related to the
underground scene, so use sounds that resonate with them. You can also
include some trendy sounds that everyone else is using, but stick to
sounds that work for your niche and brand.
It's tempting to follow the trends, but I encourage you to create original
content. Try something new and shoot videos that nobody has seen
before. TikTok loves promoting fresh and unique content, and people will
resonate with it more.
Now, let's say you're doing all of these things but your videos still aren't
getting many views, let me give you a trick called A and B testing. It's
basically testing out two different strategies using the same app. Create
two similar videos with the same content and sound, but switch out the
hashtags. Post them at the exact same time and see which one performs
better in terms of engagement and views. Once you figure out which
hashtags work best, use them for all your future videos. If the results still
aren't good, then it's time to switch up the hashtags, content, or music.
You need to find what works for your audience.
As for Instagram, it’s an awesome platform with over 3.5 billion users who
are ready to shop from brands like yours.
Lastly, ask them to share the post on their Instagram story, and that
counts as five entries. If someone with 1,000 followers shares your post,
all of their followers will see it. Who knows, some of them might check out
your brand page, and at least 10 people are likely to join the giveaway
and share it on their own story. Instagram giveaways are an excellent
way to grow your clothing brand organically and gain traction. People will
see your other products and get excited about upcoming releases.
Apart from giveaways, another strategy you can use is repurposing your
TikTok content and posting it on Instagram Reels. While hashtags aren't
as effective on Instagram, you can still use them to promote your content.
It's a great way to reach a wider audience and engage with your
followers.
Create An Aesthetic
A great way to market is to sell with pictures, for this taking great
aesthetic/popping/clear photos helps, especially for marketing and social
media engagement
Style and aesthetics matter. Take high-quality photos, show attention to
detail, and create an aesthetic for your brand. You want people to be
wowed by your photos, whether it's a model wearing your clothes or a
well-arranged product shot. Presentation helps build trust with customers.
Consider professional photoshoots too. They enhance the perception of
your brand and make it more relatable.
Plan A Photoshoot
Let's talk about starting a photo shoot for your clothing brand. First things
first, you need to think about the theme of your photo shoot. Different
brands have different approaches, like using a white background, a
college theme, or something else. It's important to consider what you
want your customers to see and how you want them to feel.
Your photo shoots need to be super cool and give a lifestyle vibe that
matches your clothing. The vibe and feeling you want to give off is crucial,
so brainstorm and plan before your first photo shoot.
Next, you need to find a location. You can shoot outdoors, at a local gym,
or even book a photo studio. Websites like Peerspace can help you find
studios with different aesthetics and vibes. Explore options that enhance
your brand's photos. Pinterest is another great resource for finding cool
locations just search up your city and put aesthetics at the end. Then drag
and drop a picture into Google to find the exact location.
Once you have a location, it's time to find models. This is important
because you want your models to fit your brand's aesthetic. Hiring friends
and family who align with your brand's style is a cost-effective option. If
you want professional models, search on Instagram for models in your
area and reach out to them.
Now, you need to find a photographer who can capture your brand's
vision. Look for photographers on Instagram who specialize in the style
you're looking for.
To hype up your drop first create a timezone chart and post it on your
story. Many people miss this step, most of your customers are from
different time zones so you need to make a chart so they don’t miss your
release.
Second, enable the password page on your shopify store and if you have
one of our FKX Themes like the Premium one this step will be much easier
but add a countdown to your site 2-3 weeks before the release date and
using your sample, post pictures and videos ope instagram and tiktok.
Ask them to join your waitlist so on the day of the drop you can sen an
email or text to all the people that joined letting them now the drop is now
live
.
Another thing you can do is tell them that if they join they will get early
access to the drop, and then you can schedule an email or text to sned
them the early access code which is actually the password but we will call
it that, 5-10 minutes before the drop so people get fomo (fear of missing
out) .
Then you can open the site to the public and leave it open for 1 month,
7-10 days or till they sell out you choose.
Now, onto Instagram ads. Instagram ads are more for engagement and
followers than conversions. If you're looking for conversions, it's better to
run actual Facebook ads.
Before you start running ads on Instagram, it's important to ensure that
your mockup or picture is of high quality. This will help you see better
results in your ad campaigns. Instagram has an ads algorithm that
determines which ads get more visibility. Sometimes, certain ads are
promoted more than others, and it's not necessarily because someone is
spending more money.
For example, in our client’s first drop, they had two posts. The first post
reached 110k people, while the second post only reached 14k. You might
think we spent more money in the first post for it to reach more people,
but that's not the case. The reason the reach was low on the second post
was because one of the colorways in the picture was blurry, causing the
engagement to decrease. This shows that Instagram has an ads
algorithm that prioritizes certain ads over others.
What's even more surprising is that the post that only reached 14k
actually outperformed the post with 110k in terms of sales. So, it's not just
about the number of people reached, but the quality and effectiveness of
the ad.
We use "custom" ads for half of our client’s collection and "Automatic"
ads for the other half, which helps them gain over 900 followers a day. It's
important to have followers who are genuinely interested in your content.
Also, select "More Profile Visits" and make sure your website is in your bio.
This will drive more followers to your page and increase traffic to your
site. Investing $20 a day in an Instagram ad can make a significant
difference, but we recommend not spending more than $30 a day in each
ad.
Now, let's talk about Facebook ads. They run on both Instagram and
Facebook, so it's important to connect your Facebook business page to
your Instagram account to run ads. We usually invest $15 a day in
Facebook ads since they often result in more shares and website clicks
compared to Instagram. The maximum we would invest per day is $20.
Set the age range on Facebook to "18-35" as most active users fall within
this range. Also, think about showcasing your entire collection in the ad
rather than just one piece. That way, people can see the full range of your
brand, which is pretty cool, right? Absolutely!
Once your ads are up and running on both social media platforms, you'll
start to see an increase in interactions within a couple of hours. Give it a
week to see how many followers you gain rapidly. Trust us on this.
That's where many brands go wrong and why it takes them a long time to
grow. So, please don't stop a drop within a week. Keep it running as long
as you see positive results.
However, if you're just starting out, running Instagram ads on a fresh
account may affect the reach of your organic content. Instagram wants
you to spend more money on ads, so be mindful of that.
Many clothing brand owners overlook the power of SMS and Email
marketing, but it's actually a valuable tool that shouldn't be ignored. Think
of it like this: imagine you've built up a following of 20K followers on
Instagram or TikTok, but you haven't been keeping track of your
customers or their information. What happens if your account gets
banned or those platforms fail? Suddenly, you have no customers, no
data, and no way to reach out to them.
That's why it's crucial to build up your email and SMS lists. These lists
allow you to have direct contact with your customers and reach out to
them even if something goes wrong with social media platforms. On
Shopify, you can find helpful apps like SMS Yotpo, PostScript and email
marketing tools that assist you in managing and utilizing these lists
effectively.
Even though some say email marketing is dead, it's not true. Collecting
emails while your website is closed and then sending out emails when you
release new products is powerful. It reminds your customers that you're
back and encourages them to check out your clothes. People willingly
provided their email for a reason, so don't neglect this valuable marketing
tool.
Remember, marketing is an ongoing process, so stay consistent, be
creative, and explore different strategies to promote your brand
effectively.
Shipping Products
The main goal of a clothing brand is to get people to wear your products.
But how can you achieve that if you don't know how to ship orders
efficiently?
We will teach you everything you need to know about packaging and
shipping out orders. We'll cover all the necessary settings, shops, and
apps you'll need if you're using Shopify.
Number one, you are going to need a label printer, it’s what actually
prints the labels that you get printed onto the package so that’s one of
the most important components.
The best one is the rollo label printed, most brand owners have that one
Number two, if you have a label printer you will need printer paper so go
ahead and get the 4x6 label printer paper, that way you can actually print
out every single label that you create.
You need to be able to ship out so the very minimal things that you need
to have available in order to ship on your own are things like a tape, some
poly bags and boxes.
Now the reason that you want to have these items is because if
somebody buys one item then you can package it in a poly bag if they
buy multiple things then you can add them to a box.
Custom boxes or mailer bags would help a lot for branding but at the very
minimum make a business card, it should include information about what
your brand stands for, what it represents and what the mission is.
You want to put something special inside the package like a thank you
card, freebies like your brand stickers, a handwritten note, etc
The idea is to get somebody involved emotionally into your brand in order
for them to become a repeat customer but more importantly
spread the message of what you're trying to do.
Number 3. You will also need a small weight scale because all shipping
carriers need to know how much the package weighs for them to give you
a price and after that now it's going to be time to actually set this up.
Now when it comes to selling products online, one of the biggest issues
that you're going to encounter are lost packages so when this happens
you either have to reship a product to the customer or refund them on
their order and either option is a lose for you as a business owner
especially if you're doing sales and promotions around certain holidays
or certain brands or collections that you're launching.
But that’s why we recommend Pirate Ship, it offers coverage for all parcel
and freight carriers, and also cheap prices for your labels, you can sign up
on their website.
Pricing Point
Alright, let's break down how to determine the price of your clothing in a
simpler way. There are three main factors that people consider when
deciding to buy clothing: status, aesthetic appeal, and emotion.
Status: Some clothing brands can elevate a person's status, like Rolex,
Versace, or Gucci. The price of these brands is part of what you're paying
for. If a Gucci hat was priced the same as a $20 hat, it wouldn't have the
same perceived value. People buy these brands to show that they can
afford exclusive items.
Aesthetic Appeal: This refers to how the clothing looks and fits. It's about
whether the clothes have a cool, high-quality, and pleasing design. People
are attracted to well-crafted, fashionable clothing that makes them look
good.
To keep things simple, figure out which category your brand falls into. Are
you a lifestyle brand, connecting with a specific subculture or identity,
and evoking emotions? Or are you focused on using high-quality
materials and craftsmanship? Alternatively, are you aiming for the
high-status market like Gucci or Versace?
Once you know your category, check out your competition. Look at how
they price their products with similar features to yours. Consumers are
accustomed to spending a certain amount on specific types of products.
You want your prices to align with what customers are used to paying. If
your products have unique features or attributes that genuinely set them
apart, you can raise the price accordingly and explain the added value.
Customer Support
People are very different and you don’t always know how they perceive
your brand, but by always being active, responding to their dms and
helping them with their concerns you will receive their support.
People always like to support brands that care for them, so be kind and
put customers first, care about them like friends would because they will
help you succeed.
Create a lifestyle around your brand that they would like to be part of.
Never take them for granted, you could lose them at any moment, they
are a very important part of your brand, so you already know they always
have to come first.
Don’t do anything that will ruin your reputation, nowadays people can just
post negative stuff about your brand and you could lose everything.
You want your customers to be proud when they are wearing your clothes
or when they talk about your brand.
Never lie about things like the shipping time or anything like that, always
be honest with them and most importantly make them feel taken care of
and that they are part of something big.
Social Proof
At first when you are only getting a couple of orders make sure you
take pictures of them and show the behind of scenes because you
want people to trust you and in the beginning this can be hard but
repost people’s stories on your page once they get their order,
feature them so they know you are legit
The key is also to screenshot the conversations you have with them
and post them on your stories, this will help you because you need to
show them that other people also want your product and that there’s
engagement going on, it can be as simple as responding to a
someone asking for the price, when’s the drop, sizes available or
what size would fit them the best.
Equipment
Here’s a Clothing Brand Essentials Sheet we created so you can get all the
equipment necessary to start your brand.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iTnYnBakOFHUGO4cFcGWzOO
lgmJf1bSv2momr4DY8Jg/edit?usp=sharing
Credit
Thank you for reading this guide until the end.
https://fkxmedia.com/
https://instagram.com/fkxmedia/?hl=en
https://www.tiktok.com/@fkxmedia
https://m.youtube.com/@fkxmedia