Grow Your Business With Custom Apparel
If custom apparel is not part of your company’s marketing strategy, then it needs to be.
Offering branded apparel to your customers and employees is a great way to build relationships and advertise beyond the walls of your business.
Read on to find out why your business needs to invest in custom apparel.
What Is Custom Apparel and Does It Work?
Custom apparel is any type of clothing that you can put your company name or logo on. This includes but is not limited to shirts, pants, hats, masks, and socks. The possibilities are endless for your custom apparel designs.
The most common types of custom apparel are done with either screenprinting or embroidery. It is up to you to decide which option is best for your specific needs.
While apparel is visually appealing, it is much more than just a fashion statement. In a recent study, 83% of consumers said they are more likely to do business with a company after receiving a promotional product from them.
Benefits of Custom Apparel
Here’s how branded apparel can benefit your business.
Brand Identity
Building a brand is one of the most important aspects of getting your business on people’s radars. Designing a good logo is the first step to creating a recognizable brand. Once you have established your logo, you can start incorporating it into your marketing plan by putting it on apparel.
Adding your company’s logo to a product will allow existing and potential customers to become familiar with your brand. As more and more people see and recognize your logo or company name, you’ll be on your way to becoming a household name.
Long-Lasting Promotion
If you pay for an internet, television, or radio advertisement, it is gone as soon as your potential customers are done browsing, watching, or listening. This allows your company to be forgotten as soon as customers are done paying attention.
With apparel, your customers can take your company with them at all times. A customer will read an internet ad once or twice, but they will wear a t-shirt hundreds of times. Your custom apparel constantly keeps your business on customers’ minds as they will think about your company every time they put it on.
Cost-Effective Marketing
It is recommended that small businesses spend around 7-8 percent of their gross revenue on marketing. Going too far above this number could cause your company to suffer financially.
With this budget in mind, it is important to be mindful of the marketing tools you spend your money on. Paying out-of-pocket for things like radio and television advertisements can quickly become incredibly expensive and time-consuming.
Luckily, with branded apparel, you turn your customers and employees into walking billboards. Once you provide people with company apparel, the possibilities are endless. Wherever and whenever they wear this apparel, your company is getting free advertisement.
Customer Relationships
Providing your customers with apparel is a great way to build trust. Apparel allows your customers to become familiar with your brand and generates a sense of comfort within your company.
Giving out apparel to first-time customers allows your business to create a great first impression which will, in turn, increase your retention rate.
If you are giving apparel away for free, your customers will appreciate the thoughtful gesture. Even if you are charging for your apparel, you are allowing your customers to create a lasting connection to your brand.
Once you establish this trust with customers, you are more likely to gain them as loyal customers for years to come. They will continue to grow and evolve with your company.
Employee Unity
Custom apparel is not only good for potential and existing customers, but also for your employees.
Dressing your employees in matching uniforms will establish a sense of togetherness and unity. Wearing the same clothes will remind employees that they are a team and should work together to get the job done.
This feeling of togetherness will also promote equality in the workplace. Everyone is wearing the same thing, so nobody will come across as better than anyone else based on their clothes.
Also, when your employees are wearing the company name, they are reminded that they are a direct representation of the business. This will inspire them to put their best foot forward in the workplace.
Establish Credibility
Having your employees wear matching custom apparel is not only good for unity, but also for the credibility of your company. Matching uniforms make your employees come across as professional and put-together.
If you are in retail, it is important to make employees stand out from customers. Having employees wear custom uniforms is a great way to establish this differentiation. Also, when customers see employees wearing matching apparel, they will view them as knowledgeable and understanding of the company.
Promotional/Giveaway Opportunities
Who doesn’t love free things? You can create a giveaway and have your branded apparel be the prize.
If you give away promotional branded apparel, then you are making the winner happy while also gaining more free advertising for your business.
You can also use your products to promote your company at events. If you are looking to learn more about this type of promotion, you can check out our recent blog post on building your brand with promotional products.
Order Your Custom Apparel Today
If you are interested in making and ordering your own custom apparel, then Spotlight Strategies is here to help. Learn more about our embroidery and screenprinting services.
Erin Smith is co-owner of Spotlight Strategies, a marketing solutions firm specializing in print, apparel, promotional product and signs. An accomplished health care administrator turned business owner, Erin brings rare behavioral expertise to the world of small business.
With a Master’s degree in social work, and a thriving business she is a sought after advisor, coach and mentor to many of Indiana’s small business owners and support associations. Erin demonstrates unwavering commitment and facilitates profitability to any organization to which she directs her time and talent, and is successful in motivating and empowering people whether supporting a cause or building a company.
