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– How much can I earn running my own clothing business? The sky’s the limit! All successful clothing brands have started where you are now. Where can you see yourself in 2 years? 5 years? 10 years?
Materials, equipment, manufacturing, packaging, labels, shipping, rent, marketing and advertising will all have to be taken into account.
Never skimp on quality. Be reliable and honest with your customers. Don´t roam into alternative areas if you haven’t researched the niche thoroughly.
Know your customers and their spending habits and limits. Everyone loves a premium piece occasionally but consistent high prices can put many customers off.
Luxury high end items cost more and don’t necessarily make more profit than basic printed t-shirts and hoodies.
The should be to keep costs as low as possible to start with. Around £2,000 would be a bare minimum, although it is possible to start with less. A lot depends on how much equipment you already own and whether you have premises you can work from. The spare bedroom is fine to begin with but could you cope if your business took off?! Consider sharing premises, this will save you money on equipment and work premises.
You can avoid carrying a lot of stock if you design and sew your own made-to-order items. To be cost-effective, though, you would have to make a large initial investment in fabric and equipment.
Contact local clothing manufacturers, do they do short runs where you can trial your garments? Although, this can be costly.
However, there are other low-cost entry options in the fashion clothing industry, such as print on demand, drop shipping, and second hand consignment (eg a dress agency).
Websites are essential and you´ll probably need transport as well.
Anyone who sets up a new company should have a business plan. Ask yourself “What is my ultimate goal for this product and how am I going to achieve it? “ A strong plan is fundamentally important when you are setting up any business. As a solopreneur, you can start this business as either a sole trader or a limited company .
I’d also strongly consider a hybrid startup structure where you can reap the benefits of both structures with minimal cost and risk.
This could enable you to start trading with the simplicity of a sole trader but also have secured the limited company for marketing hacks and saving tax later if you decide to incorporate your business.
Have you thought of a company name yet? Use our FREE Company Name Checker Tool and find your memorable name. You’ll be searching through a database of over 5 million registered company names and more than 11 million UK domain names.
There are different types of business plans . ( But you can use my 1 page business plan here ) It’s designed to cut the waffle but has enough detail to make it a meaningful tool so that you remain laser focussed on what needs to be done when you set up this business.
Among the clothing business models are:
Handmade : Create and sell your designs directly to people via your own website, internet marketplaces or markets and pop-ups.
Manufacturing partner : Create collections and make clothing pieces with the help of a manufacturer, then offer your clothing line wholesale to other stores. This can be expensive.
Print on demand : Using a print-on-demand strategy, create repeating patterns or designs to print on blank t-shirts and other items and sell them online through your own store. This is the most cost-effective option when dealing with small numbers of orders and is becoming very popular in ecommerce.
If you are unsure what to do at this point I recommend seeking professional advice, my team is available to talk you through this in a clear and concise way you will understand.
Most new businesses find they can't do everything themselves quickly enough. Many businesses don't want to!
We can provide support and outsourcing services in the critical areas your business will need to achieve a successful launch.
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Here are some tips to help you market your clothing start up business effectively:
This is a business that I would definitely want to fast-track from the beginning for growth. You want to get busy as quickly as possible and there is only one real way to achieve this.
Most buyers/potential clients are going to find a clothing business using a Google search. Sure some will use an app, some might ask for a recommendation on social media but MOST will look on Google.
Google knows that when someone is looking for a local clothing business, they want to see results close to where they are located.
This usually means that Google will show a maps listing at the top of the search results like the image below.
If your business shows up here then you are right at the top of the search results, under the nose of people who want to find an innovative, stylish clothing business.
For any type of business/search term where Google shows a Maps listing like this , I describe these businesses as having “ high local marketability” .
High local marketability means if you know what you are doing and tick the right boxes with Google you can get a lot of business enquiries very easily.
So if potential customers can’t find you on Google, they won’t be calling you. And guess what? That means someone else is clothing that client and you’re missing out!
Getting your business on Google maps results can bring in tons of enquiries.
So how do you dominate Google search results for this business? You have to optimise for the Google maps listing. How do you do that?
10 great steps to marketing a clothing business:
Get a website. Make sure it complies with Google’s best practice guidelines. Get your new website in Google so clients find YOU.
Provide LOCAL PROOF . Use a local phone number to tell clients and Google you are definitely a local business.
Provide SOCIAL PROOF . Show reviews from real customers on your site. This is called “social proof” and turns browsers into buyers !
Use LANDING PAGES . A landing page is optimised for a specific search term making it rank higher than your competitors. Landing pages are for people who want to buy your service now. They show the client what they want to see
Provide great CTA’s (CTA =call to action). Make it super easy on your website for clients to get in touch with you by including features such as a messaging/chat app and CTA’s that show clients exactly how to contact you.
Share FEEDBACK . Go the extra mile to provide an outstanding service and you are sure to collect plenty of positive feedback from clients. Ensure you harness this by collecting reviews from every new customer.
AUTOMATE – You won’t have time to be manually updating your website. Make sure you automatically show the new reviews on your website, driving more clients to your business.
PROMOTE – Regular updates to your website and using Google tools will give your website an extra edge.
MAINTAIN – From time to time websites need technical maintenance to the software they run on to keep peak performance.
Most businesses in this sector DO NOT invest enough time and money to execute this simple marketing strategy providing you with the opportunity to step in and DOMINATE in the local search engine results.
The Live Chat Function This is great as it gives your potential customers a “one click method” to message you straight from your websites – you get the messages on your usual Messenger account, this is probably something that your competitors won’t have and we’ve had clients getting great success using this tactic. Make it easy for your potential clients to get in touch with you.
Using live chat on your website can boost the number of enquiries you will receive.
Here are 8 more great tips to help you market your business effectively: Promoting your clothing business is crucial to attract new customers and grow your business. Here are some tips to help you market your clothing business effectively:
The clothing industry is super competitive, so it’s important to research your competitors in your local area and nationally if you are online. Identify what you can offer that others don’t. This will help you differentiate your business and attract more customers.
Keeping to your brief, this will help you attract customers and they will be able to find you more easily, spread the word to like minded customers and come back for more. Gender, age, income, where they live, work place, social habits all play a part.
If you´ve done your research correctly you will know your future customers inside out! Understanding your niche’s individual wants helps you to reach out directly to them in your branding and advertising campaigns—you’ll have a better chance of grabbing a buyer’s attention and getting their business if you make it apparent that your product is exclusively for them.
Create a great, stand out company name
Protecting your brand name (IP or intellectual property) requires a company name, domains and trade mark registration.
Brand identity encompasses more than simply a logo and a name; it is the way consumers perceive the business you represent. If you will, it is the human side. This is where your fashion brand’s appearance, feel, and voice come into play.
Choose a name that is related to you and your business, doesn’t conflict with any other companies, and is memorable for your potential customers.
Remember to steer well clear of similar sounding names as the fashion industry will come after you hell bent on revenge. Stay safe and use our Company Name Search tool!
Company Name Search
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We can quickly and easily help you get the ball rolling with this, registering your company and domain name and even providing you with fully featured business email boxes making your business look more professional, adding credibility when you are approaching new customers.
So instead of emailing from an @yahoo or @hotmail address you can be emailing from @mycompanyname. Doesn´t that look better?
You will then have to register a domain name for your website . We all know websites are crucial nowadays so make sure you get yours registered as soon as you have chosen your trade name. Take a look at our Domain Name FAQs which will explain why a domain name is so important to getting your business up and running.
Let´s get you onto the world wide web with our Domain Name Checker!!
Protect your Company Domain Name
Use our domain name search tool to find available names for your business.
Not thought of a company name yet? Take a look at our inspirational tips and ideas
SEO (Search engine optimization)
is the art of getting your website to the top of the search results on Google and the other search engines so that you have the best chance of getting their business.
If you’re new to running a website it’s easy to get caught out with a low cost SEO service that just doesn’t work.
We can help put together an affordable SEO package and we’ll always tell you what we are going to do and what results you might expect to achieve.
Create a website and showcase your style!
We all know a fast, inspiring, easy to use website is essential in the clothing industry today.
Tell your brand’s story and draw your viewer in. A little information about yourself and the inspiration behind your designs can make the business more personal and boost customer confidence. Showcase your experience and qualifications.
High quality photos and videos are a must and give lots of clear, concise information about your products, size guides and returns info etc. If you have the budget, investing in augmented reality (AR) and 3D photos will make you stand out from the rest!
Websites are also essential for contact purposes, bookings and enquiries.
Always ask for references and reviews on your website. This is so important. Ask your customers what drew them to your brand. The more information about your customers you can get the better. What would they like to see in your range?
And remember a special offer can always get the ball rolling? Free P&P over a certain purchase amount?
My team can build you a website that will promote your clothing business
Word-of-mouth advertising is the most powerful and successful way of marketing, the one that people value most of all and is certainly going to boost sales for your company.
Create a mind blowing first experience for your customers and they´ll spread the word without you doing anything! However, many customers will stop doing business with you after a single poor experience so make sure everything is perfect, no incorrect orders or late deliveries.
Try and get yourself in the local press or on local radio. Cause a splash in your local media!
Reach out to other local businesses.
Shout about your clothing brand wherever you go! It should never be underestimated!
Design an eye-catching logo
Your logo is an important aspect of your brand identity, so it’s essential to design a logo that represents you and your business and can be used everywhere, including car stickers, business cards, and leaflets.
You can hire a graphic designer to create a logo for you or use online logo makers to create one yourself. Again remember the fashion industry will retaliate if a brand feels your logo is a rip-off of theirs.
Social media platforms such as Facebook , Twitter/X, Instagram and TikTok can be incredibly powerful marketing tools for your fledgling clothing business.
Again, this is where you have to use your research and insider knowledge about your potential customers. Use your niche to lure then in.
Send samples to influencers, bloggers and fashion writers. This is great PR and can help get your designs seen by a huge number of future customers. Be BRAVE!
Join local business Facebook groups or similar platforms to promote your business and connect with potential customers.
You can also create social media pages for your business and post regular updates, photos, and promotions to attract more customers.
Local markets and pop-ups in shopping centres are a good way to gauge interest without having to spend a lot of huge manufacturing runs. Give a personal service, it´s easy to do and the rewards can be life changing.
Run competitions/giveaways but keep it simple and decide what your objective is –
I ncrease exposure = Like and share to enter
Gain followers = Follow and share to enter. Or, follow and tag a friend to enter.
Collect email addresses = Click this link and enter your email.
Create hype with limited items of clothing or invite only viewings.
There are many apps available that can help you manage your business more efficiently. They can be used for booking appointments, saving customer and supplier details and receiving payment.
Project management software will be vital especially as your business starts to grow. Companies such as Asana, Clickup, Monday.com and Zoho all offer good packages that will help you take control of your business and keep those projects running smoothly.
By implementing these marketing strategies, you can attract more customers, improve your brand identity, and grow your business.
Let’s talk about the boring stuff!
Open a bank account Keeping your personal and business finances separate is crucial for several reasons. It simplifies accounting and bookkeeping, making it easier to track business expenses, income, and tax obligations. It also helps demonstrate financial transparency, which can be important for legal and tax purposes.
How about a contactless card payment machine? There are plenty on the market now and easy for you and your customers to use. Perfect for when you are on the move.
You will need Insurance There are lots of companies offering their services so have a good look around and take their advice.
You will require public and product liability cover. Whether you have a shop, a pop-up, market stall or sell online, having the correct insurance will make you feel protected in the event of an accident or your stock being damaged or stolen.
If you employ someone Employers’ liability insurance is essential to cover any injury and illness sustained whilst whilst being employed by you,
Then there is insurance for your equipment and tools, protecting you from theft, damage and loss.
If you have a car/van make sure your insurance company knows it is a works vehicle. And make sure your eye-catching logo and your contact details are prominently displayed!
Launching your own clothing business is an exhilarating journey that blends a passion for fashion with entrepreneurial spirit.
By following the steps in our successful guide, you’ve gained insights into defining your niche, conducting market research, developing a business plan, setting up an online presence, building a brand identity, making your company legal and registering name, domain and trade mark.
Remember, the road to success in the fashion industry requires a focused blend of creativity, adaptability and strategic thinking.
You must keep one eye firmly on the future of fashion. Technology is infiltrating all areas. Whether it´s using apps that use body data to suggest size choices or changing room mirrors that show your customer wearing an outfit without them removing their clothes. The importance of green, eco-friendly, sustainable fashion is growing rapidly, make the right choice now and stick to your principles. Fashion diversity and inclusivity will continue to grow, plus-size garments and gender fluid ranges are becoming more noticeable on our high streets and online.
Stay in touch with these market trends, embrace the uniqueness of your brand, and engage frequently with your audience both on and offline. And remember to give that important personal touch whether you´re packing up a basic printed hoodie or a one-off ballgown, make shopping fun again.
Here’s to stitching t ogether a successful and stylish future in the world of fashion entrepreneurship!
Go grab your sketchpad and let’s dive in.
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