Breaking into the super tough fashion industry and launching your own clothing brand is a journey full of difficult decisions.
Not least of which is figuring out how you’re going to stand out from the crowded marketplace and win over customers. One of the first big questions you’ll face as you come up with your battle plan is where to take your fight – to the high street or online?
We’re here to argue the case for the internet.
The rise of online retailers
In recent years, the statistics have proved time and again that online retailers are beating the high street, especially when it comes to sales.
Even during retail’s notoriously busiest time, Christmas, bricks-and-mortar stores struggled to make an impact on shoppers.
Whilst big department stores are closing around the UK, a growing number of fun, fashionable and budget-friendly online retailers, like AX Paris, are making a killing selling party dresses and chic clothes to young markets or have a look at the younger punk fashion. Cool coat for punker.
Taking over the online fashion world
Their success, coupled with the high street’s recent slowdown, makes ecommerce the most realistic and financially sound option for new fashion entrepreneurs.
But that doesn’t mean it’s not also competitive and incredibly tough to crack.
To help you make your online clothes shop a roaring success capable of tackling the current industry leaders, we’re sharing a few top marketing tips that are proven to work. Check them out.
#1: stick to what you know best
From high-end luxury to vintage finds and cheap, quick fashion, there are lots of different paths you can take with your fashion business. Choose the one you understand best and you’ll find it much easier to identify and speak to your customers.
Then, once you’ve got your target customers crystal clear in your mind, you can start with all the fun stuff, like ordering in new season stock establishing a strong and recognisable brand identity.
#2: focus on building trust
With so many dodgy sites and scam companies online, plus stories of hackers constantly circulating in the media, customers are incredibly wary of new online retailers. To be successful, you need to prove that your website is trustworthy, and you need to do it quickly.
Small things like having an SSL certificate or trust badge from companies like McAfee clearly displayed will make a big difference, as will ensuring your site runs smoothly and looks professional. You can find freelance web developers and designers online to help you achieve this high standard.
#3: get savvy with marketing
A strong and comprehensive digital marketing strategy is essential for getting your online shop in front of your customers.
From PPC and email marketing to blogging and promotion through social media, there are lots of different elements to get right. If hiring an external marketing agency is outwith your startup budget, don’t worry. Sites like Moz offer plenty of free advice on SEO to help you get started.
Follow these three steps as you launch your online shop and you’ll be leading the fashion industry in no time.