As we’re nearing the end of 2022, dismayed at the pace that the year has gone, you might be one of those people who want to still make the most of the rest of the year. If so, there are still a few months left to go to get a new business up and running, and ready to start generating some serious cash in 2023. But, how do you do it in such a little space of time? Is it possible to actually start something in these last few months that will actually take off? The answer is yes, it certainly is. While we are faced with some serious economic shifts and a cost-of-living crisis in most countries, there is still an opportunity to get your fashion brand and business off the ground.
And, what is better than fashion? With fashion being a universally high-demand industry, you will simply need the right idea to get your business off the ground. So, we thought we would take a look at what some of the top fashion brands are doing globally, and how you can start your own, highly profitable business as 2022 draws to a close.
Choose the Right Platforms and Tools
The first thing for you to consider is what tools you are going to need to run your business. Luckily for you, with the age of digitalization, there are tons of digital options for you to effectively run your own business. What is great about these tools, they usually range in price, depending on your needs. So, as a startup, you are able to kick off your brand, with a few select digital tools to get you off the ground.
Let’s take a look at apparel software as an effective tool to manage your fashion business. With this technology, you are able to have the central hub of your business in one, accessible place. Not only can you manage everything like your inventory and customers from one dashboard, but you also have access to support and help whenever you need it.
The dashboard allows you to manage everything from your accounting to purchasing, supply chain, and customer support. You can have a sales platform and engagement channel all in one, effective and easy-to-use place.
Focus on Actual Conversions Instead of Traffic and Likes
There is something that needs to be said for current marketing. In the past, brands used to focus on the number of likes and follows they got on social media. They used to focus on the amount of traffic to the site and whether people were actually visiting it. The problem is that this is not actually enough.
Yes, traffic does translate into conversions. But the fact of the matter is, that if you have a ton of traffic coming in and no sales, you are just not converting. You are dealing with a large amount of traffic bouncing. This means two things for your business. Firstly, you are not getting any. Secondly, Google will be picking this up and it will be impacting your SEO score.
So, even if you are just starting off, it could be worth your while to hire a conversion rate optimization agency to help you get it right. Its ROI is well worth it if you start converting traffic to paying customers as soon as possible. Not only will they be able to assist you with best practices of site layout, but they will know how to structure your marketing to appeal to your audience.
Optimize your Website
Let’s pause on that point for a second. Your website is the biggest tool in your fashion brand and business. It is your sales platform, your calling card, your showroom, and your engagement tool. You need to make sure that from the outset, it is ready and prepared for your customer and has the right user experience principles in place.
Take a venture through your customer journey; each landing page, your product pages, and the sales funnel. How does it look to your customer? Are your landing pages set up in a way that your customer wants to click on the CTA and progress to the next page? How effective is your copy on your site? Are your images compelling and attractive?
From there, you will also want to look at your product pages. You will need several pictures of each garment that you are selling. Different angles, close-ups, attention paid to details of the clothing, and even different colors if there are. Your customer can’t physically look and touch. So, you will have to create the illusion that they can on the site. Also, make sure that you give as many details about the garment as possible.
The Bottom Line: Know Your Customer
Let’s end off with what a lot of brands forget – actually knowing who your customer is. Yes, you will need to know the basic demographics like regions and pay points, but you will also need to know what their interests and behaviors are. How can you market your fashion brand effectively to them if you don’t speak their language? You will need to know how they behave on social media and online. You will need to know what interests them and what captures their attention. With this, you are able to create the website, the campaigns, and the website for them.
