The holiday shopping season is booming! Are you cashing in? It’s not too late to get your piece of the holiday pie!
As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to give your online merch store a final boost. With shoppers on the hunt for gifts and end-of-year deals, here are five easy strategies to drive purchases and end the year on a high note. Ready? Let’s go.
1. Create a Sense of Urgency
It’s hard to believe, but there are only THREE WEEKS left until 2025! That’s it! Use this to create urgency. You want to encourage your fans to shop now vs. later. This is where limited time discounts come into play, because they have a deadline. So a simple post like, “Order by [date] to get XX% OFF my merch!” can create the urgency shoppers need to act quickly.
Pro Tip: FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) comes in all forms. In this case, use the “ticking clock” method to speed up their action. Add a countdown timer to your website or share daily reminders on social media to keep the deadline at the top of their mind.
2. Leverage Video through Stories and Reels
It’s easy to scroll past another “buy my merch” text post. So go for the “pattern interrupt” with creative videos. It’ll be a scroll-stopper to see you having a blast showing off your merch. Use Instagram Stories, TikToks, and Reels to showcase you and your merch in action with engaging content like “Top 3 Reasons This Hoodie Is a Winter Must-Have” or “Me Unboxing My Newest Merch.”
Pro Tip: Highlight fan photos and testimonials in your content to build hype around your products and create FOMO.
Reminder: Be both authentic and engaging in your videos. That energy is contagious and leads to more fans and sales.
3. Offer Exclusive End-of-Year Promo Codes
FOMO works in every category, but one of the best ones is through the use of promo codes. Everyone loves a deal, especially during the holidays. Grab last-minute shoppers by sharing a promo code (like “YEAREND10” for 10% off) to drive traffic to your store. Make these offers for a “limited time only” so fans have to act fast. You can even tease them ahead of time so that fans have to keep an eye on your content for when the deal will launch.
Pro Tip: Add this deal to your bio on your social channels and pin your promo post so fans won’t miss it.
4. Launch & Promote Digital Products
Physical shipping deadlines don’t mean the sales have to stop. Digital products like e-books, art prints, music tracks, recipes and downloadable wallpapers are perfect for those shoppers who waited until the absolute last second to buy gifts. And guess what: 91% of people admit that they have made holiday purchases at the last minute. Lucky for them that these products are instantly delivered—no shipping required! Spring has a wide array of digital products, even for pets! Check out the selection on your dashboard.
Pro Tip: Create an eye-catching design that can flow across different digital products and bundle them together in your content to entice fans to buy them all!
5. Collaborate and Cross-Promote
The great thing about selling merch is…you can piggy back OTHER people who sell merch! It can be a symbiotic relationship. Since the new year is coming, send off 2024 by teaming up with another creator to double your fan reach and your sales. Some ideas include shouting each other out on social media and recommending each other’s merch, or hosting a giveaway to generate buzz and attract more shoppers.
Pro Tip: Use your merch as a prize in a holiday-themed contest, encouraging followers to engage and share.
Make the Most of the Year-End Shopping Season
So, there it is. These quick strategies can help you capture last-minute shoppers and boost your year-end sales. Remember, consistency is key—keep your promotions active and engaging, and don’t forget to thank your fans for their support throughout the year.
Here’s to finishing strong and setting the stage for an even more successful new year! Happy Selling!🎉
Once you’ve designed and launched your products, it’s time to show them off to your fans. But how can you do that without coming across as salesy?
There are many creative and effective ways to promote your Spring products online naturally and authentically.
From ordering samples to creating engaging short-form videos, stunning photos, and collaborating with influencers, we’ve got you covered. Our 7 tips will help you maximize your product visibility, engage your audience, and boost your sales. Ready to make your products the talk of the season? Dive into our strategies below and watch your Spring products shine!
1. Order Samples
First things first, get some samples of your products. Having the actual items in hand lets you check the quality and see how amazing they really are. Plus, it makes it so much easier to show them off in your content (see steps 2 and 3 for suggestions on how)!
Tips for Selecting the Right Samples:
Pick a mix of your best-sellers and new designs.
Get colors that you think will look best on camera.
Make sure to choose designs that really represent your brand.
Benefits of Physical Products for Promotion:
Authenticity: People trust you more when they see you with the real product.
Creativity: You can come up with lots of cool ways to show off your stuff (see steps below for inspo).
Content Creation: From unboxing to styling, the possibilities are endless.
2. Create Short Form Videos
Did you know that over 1 billion people use TikTok each month, and Instagram Reels get nearly 22% more engagement than regular Instagram posts? More and more people are starting to prefer video content, so don’t skip making short-form videos about your products!
They’re quick, fun, and shareable, making them ideal for capturing the attention of your followers and potential customers. Check out these creative ideas and best practices for making awesome short-form videos to boost your sales.
Ideas for Short Form Videos:
Unboxings: Capture the excitement of opening your product for the first time. People love seeing the unboxing experience and imagining it for themselves.
Behind-the-Scenes: Give your followers a peek into your creative process. Sharing the story behind your product can make it feel more personal and special.
Fan Highlights: Show off your fans using or wearing your products. Real reviews from real people can build trust and influence purchasing decisions.
Best Practices for Engaging Video Content:
Keep it short and sweet: Aim for 15-30 seconds to keep your viewers engaged. Attention spans are short, so make every second count.
Use trending music and hashtags: This can help your videos get noticed and reach a wider audience. Stay up-to-date with popular trends and incorporate them into your content.
Add clear calls-to-action: Encourage viewers to take the next step, like “Check out the link in my bio” or “Swipe up to buy.” Make it easy for them to find and purchase your products. If you haven’t already, make sure you add our social integrations to make shopping your products easy.
Be yourself: Show your personality and connect with your audience. Don’t just try to say, “Buy this product.” Instead, talk about your new lineup the same way you talk in all your videos or social posts. Being authentic helps you sell more and not lose your fans’ trust.
3. Take Stunning Photos
Amazing pictures can make your products pop and grab people’s attention instantly. Did you know that posts with high-quality images get 94% more views than those without? So, let’s make sure your photos are on point and stand out in the feed!
Tips for Taking Professional-Looking Product Photos:
Lighting: Natural light is your best friend. Shoot near windows or outside to avoid harsh shadows and get that soft, even lighting. If you’re shooting indoors, try to do it during the day when the light is best.
Background: Keep it simple so your product is the star. A clean, neutral background (like a white wall or a wooden table) works wonders. You can also use colorful backgrounds if they match your brand vibe.
Angles: Try different angles to find the most flattering shots. Shoot from above, the side, or get down low. Mix it up to show all the cool features of your product.
Detail Shots: Include close-ups to highlight special features. Whether it’s the texture of a fabric or the intricate design on an accessory, zoom in to show it off.
Tools and Resources for Photo Editing:
Apps: Use apps like VSCO, Lightroom, or Snapseed to edit your photos. These tools have awesome filters and editing features to make your pics look pro.
Editing Tips: Play with brightness, contrast, and saturation to make your photos pop. A little tweak can make a big difference. Just don’t overdo it—keep it looking natural.
Consistency: Stick to a consistent editing style to keep your feed looking cohesive. Use the same filters and adjustments for all your photos to create a recognizable and aesthetic brand look.
Where to Post These Photos:
Instagram: Share posts, stories, and highlights. Instagram is all about the visuals, so make sure your photos shine. Use stories for behind-the-scenes shots and highlights for organizing product categories or collections.
Pinterest: Create eye-catching pins to drive traffic to your store. Pinterest is great for visual discovery, so make your pins pop and link them directly to your product pages.
Facebook: Post in groups and on your page to reach more people. Join relevant groups and share your photos there, or post them on your business page to keep your followers engaged.
By taking stunning photos and sharing them on the right platforms, you’ll make your products stand out, attract more followers, and boost your sales on Spring!
4. Post on Social Media
Social media is your playground for promotion, where you can make your products shine. With platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter, you have the power to reach a massive audience and engage with your followers in fun and creative ways.
Wherever you normally connect with your followers is where you’ll want to post about your products. So, if you’re a gaming creator on Twitch, post about it there. If your fan base is on YouTube, show off your products on that platform.
Strategies for Creating Engaging Posts:
Storytelling: Share the story behind your product—what inspired you, and what makes it special. People love to know the “why” behind what they’re buying. Did you design that awesome hoodie because you wanted to create something cozy and stylish? Tell your followers!
User-Generated Content: Encourage your fans to share their photos and tag you. There’s nothing better than seeing real people rocking your products. Repost their content, give them a shoutout, and watch the magic of social proof work wonders.
Wear Your Products in Normal Posts: You don’t always need to be talking about your products or calling them out in order to promote them well. If you have hoodies, tees, hats, etc. wear them in your normal posts or videos to let your fans see you wearing them in your day-to-day life, instead of just hearing you telling them to buy your merch.
Importance of Consistent Posting and Interaction:
Consistency: Post regularly to keep your audience hooked and wanting to buy your products. Use a content calendar to plan your posts ahead of time. Mix it up with different types of content—photos, videos, stories, and more. On average, it takes about 7-10 touchpoints before someone decides to make a purchase, so staying consistent is crucial.
Interaction: Respond to comments and messages quickly. Show your followers you care. A simple “Thank you!” or “Glad you love it!” goes a long way. Engage in conversations, ask questions, and make your followers feel valued.
Stories and Live Sessions:
Stories: Share behind-the-scenes content, sneak peeks, and product launches. Stories are perfect for giving your followers a glimpse into your day-to-day life and designing or unboxing your products. Use stickers, music, and filters to make them fun and engaging.
Live Sessions: Host a few live sessions where you can show off your samples and talk about your products. Engaging with your fans about your products and answering their questions can encourage them to buy.
Pro Tips:
Hashtags: Use relevant hashtags to increase your reach. Mix popular hashtags with niche ones to target your specific audience.
Collaborations: Team up with other creators or influencers for shoutouts, takeovers, or joint projects. It’s a win-win for everyone involved. (See step 6 for more info!)
Analytics: Keep an eye on your social media analytics to see what’s working and what’s not. Adjust your strategy based on the data to keep improving.
5. Tap into Community Channels
Community channels like forums, Facebook groups, and Reddit are awesome places to share your products with people who are into the same stuff as you. If you’ve got a decent following and a specific niche, these channels can be super powerful for getting your products out there. Here’s how to do it right!
Identifying Relevant Community Channels:
Find Your Niche Groups: Look for groups that match your niche. If you sell fitness gear, join fitness communities. Love gaming? Find gamer groups. Whatever your passion, there’s a community out there for it.
Get Involved: Be active in the community before promoting your products. Comment on posts, answer questions, and share your insights. Build relationships and trust first—people are more likely to support someone they know and like.
How to Authentically Share Products:
Share Your Journey: Talk about your experiences and the story behind your products. Be genuine and relatable. People love hearing the behind-the-scenes details and what makes your products special.
Offer Exclusives: Give community members something special, like exclusive discounts or early access to new products. This makes them feel valued and part of an insider group.
Don’t Spam: Focus on providing value and building connections. Share helpful tips, join discussions, and only mention your products when it fits naturally into the conversation.
Benefits of Community Engagement:
Word-of-Mouth Marketing: When people in the community love your products, they’ll talk about them. Happy customers will spread the word to others who trust their opinions.
Get Feedback: Direct feedback from your target audience is gold. Use their input to improve your products and better meet their needs.
Build Support: Create a loyal community that supports your brand and mission. Engaged community members are more likely to be repeat customers and brand advocates.
6. Team Up With Influencers and Collab
Influencers are your ticket to reaching new audiences and building street cred. According to Influencer Marketing Hub, businesses are raking in $5.20 for every $1 spent on influencer marketing. Here’s how to get in on the action:
How to Find and Approach Influencers:
Research: Find influencers who vibe with your brand and have an engaged following.
Approach: Slide into their DMs with a personalized message. Explain why they’d love your product and highlight the benefits of working together.
Benefits of Influencer Marketing:
Reach: Access the influencer’s audience to expand your reach.
Credibility: Influencers have earned their followers’ trust. Their shoutout can boost your brand’s credibility.
Engagement: Influencer content often gets higher engagement rates than brand posts.
Ideas for Collaboration:
Giveaways: Team up with influencers to host giveaways. This boosts engagement and attracts new followers.
Co-Branded Content: Create content together, like blog posts, videos, or social media takeovers.
Reviews: Send your products to influencers for honest reviews and feedback.
By partnering with influencers, you can create exciting, authentic content that resonates with a wider audience and builds your brand’s presence.
7. Host Giveaways and Contests
Giveaways and contests are a blast and a great way to create buzz and get your products noticed. According to Tailwind, Instagram accounts running contests grow 70% faster than those that don’t. Here’s how to make the most of them:
How Giveaways and Contests Can Boost Product Visibility:
Engagement: Contests get people to like, comment, and share your content.
Reach: Participants often share the contest with their followers, spreading your reach.
Customer Acquisition: Giveaways attract new followers and potential customers.
