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Revamp Your Shop For Fall

Fall is finally here! It’s the perfect time to give your shop a little makeover. Switch up your designs and take advantage of the spooky season by creating themed merch. It’s a great way to drum up interest in your shop and attract new customers.

Here are a few tips to get you started!

Some Spooky Styling

Launching a new design is a fun way to refresh your shop. You don’t need to be a professional graphic designer, either. FREE tools like Canva have a bunch of text and graphic elements that will inspire you. Create a graphic in honor of the new season or add something you know your fans will love. Canva has fun graphics of ghosts, pumpkins, bats, and more to help you stay on brand.

Ask for feedback on your socials and whatever channels you typically use: Twitch for streamers, Youtube for content creators. You want to drum up as much excitement as you can around a new design before it launches. And the more you involve your fans and followers, the more likely they are to buy your merch design when it launches.

If these designs are inspired by the season, they’re probably not going to be in your shop forever. Make sure you let your followers know that these designs are limited and that you’ll be retiring them after Halloween.

Have a Strategy

Think about where your customers spend most of their time. Go to those channels and create conversations. If you already have similar interests, it’s going to be easier to market your merch. You can speak in a personal tone. Beyond what you do on your own, you should also take advantage of offers from Spreadshop!

We have promos running nearly every week this fall. Everyone loves a discount or deal, so use these as an incentive to get people to purchase. Pro tip: cross-promote these promos with the launch of new fall merch to draw more attention! Your socials will be a valuable asset to your shop if you have a marketing strategy in place this fall.

Style Your Shop for Fall

The landing page of your Spreadshop can have a real impact on your fall merch sales. You want it to be inviting, clean, and easy to navigate. This boils down to different design choices and the vibe you want to create with your shop. It’s time to change it up!

If your shop doesn’t have a logo or flashy promo images, let your products do the talking. Have your landing page be a simple banner with product options available to browse (make sure they’re seasonally appropriate). Nephyrus’s shop page is simple but super aesthetically pleasing. Feature your newly launched fall designs here, too. That way, customers won’t be clicking on other sections. It will already be there for them to view and shop.

Maybe things have changed for your shop in the past few months. You have a new message, a new passion. If it’s not there already, toggle on the About Me feature in your shop settings. Create an updated bio that lets people know who you are and why you have merch in the first place.

Promote Your Products

As the fall season approaches, it’s the perfect time to start promoting your merch! Whether you’re a professional model or not, it’s important to show off your products in photos. This will help potential customers feel more connected to your brand.

If you don’t want to be in front of the camera, you can always recruit family and friends to model for you. Just make sure the photos have a natural and relaxed vibe. You don’t want them to look super posed. These shots will be great to reuse on social media in different formats: Instagram stories, static posts, boosted ads. So get creative and start promoting your fall merch today!

Don’t have merch? It’s FREE and easy to open your own Spreadshop!

The True Value of Merch: Beyond Revenue for Brands, YouTubers, and Creators

There’s real value when it comes to merch; and it’s more than just revenue. Brands, YouTubers, and creators can use merch to build their brand and form a deeper connection with their customers. Print-on-demand (POD) merch is more than just a source of income: it’s a powerful tool for building brand awareness, fostering community engagement, and driving customer loyalty. Join us on this journey as we explore the diverse dimensions of merchandise and how it can transform your brand’s impact!

1. The Power of Merchandise in Brand Building

Merchandise isn’t just about generating revenue; it’s a potent instrument for constructing and reinforcing your brand identity. Let’s explore how merch contributes to brand building:

Creating a Strong Brand Identity: Merchandise serves as a canvas for brands to express their unique personality and values, establishing a deeper connection with their target audience.

Increasing Brand Visibility: Branded merchandise transforms customers into walking billboards, expanding brand awareness to a broader audience. But being a billboard doesn’t have to be boring.

Enhancing Brand Recall: Well-designed, high-quality merchandise leaves a lasting impression on customers, increasing the likelihood of them remembering and engaging with your brand in the future.

2. Building a Community with Merch

Merchandise has an unparalleled ability to foster a sense of community among customers, fans, and followers. Let’s explore how brands can leverage merch to build and nurture their communities:

Exclusive Merchandise for Community Members: Offer special merchandise exclusively to community members to create a sense of belonging. Incentivize people to join and actively engage with your community.

User-Generated Content (UGC) Contests: Encourage customers to share photos or videos of themselves with the brand’s merchandise to increase brand visibility. UGC also strengthens the sense of community among followers.

Limited Edition and Collaborative Merchandise: Collaborate with influencers, artists, or other brands to create limited edition merchandis. Generate excitement and engagement within your community and theirs.

3. Merch as a Tool for Customer Loyalty

Merchandise is a potent tool for cultivating customer loyalty. Here’s how brands can use merch to reward and retain their most loyal customers:

Loyalty Programs: Offer exclusive merchandise as rewards for customer loyalty. By doing so, you’ll incentivize repeat purchases and cultivate a strong base of brand advocates.

Personalized Merchandise: Customized products, such as custom t-shirts or mugs, make customers feel valued, strengthening their loyalty to your brand.

Surprise and Delight: Send unexpected merchandise gifts to loyal customers to create a positive and memorable experience, further deepening their connection to the brand.

4. The Role of Merch in Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing has become integral to many brands’ strategies. Merchandise can amplify the effectiveness of influencer marketing campaigns:

Branded Merchandise for Influencers: Provide influencers with branded merchandise to wear or use in their content enhances brand visibility and credibility among their followers.

Exclusive Merchandise for Influencer Collaborations: Collaborate with influencers to create limited edition merchandise generates excitement and drives sales, strengthening the brand’s relationship with the influencer.

Affiliate Marketing with Merch: Offer influencers a commission on sales generated through their unique affiliate links to incentivize them to actively promote the brand’s merchandise.

5. Merchandise and Social Responsibility

In our socially conscious world, brands are expected to contribute positively to society. Here’s how merchandise can support social responsibility initiatives:

Cause-Related Merchandise: Create merchandise that supports a specific cause or charity raises awareness and funds, while also fostering a connection with socially conscious customers.

Sustainable Merchandise: Eco-friendly or ethically sourced merchandise appeals to environmentally conscious customers and aligns with sustainable practices.

Transparency and Accountability: Communicating the brand’s social responsibility efforts and the impact of its merchandise builds trust and loyalty among customers.

6. The Impact of Merch on Personal Branding

Merchandise isn’t limited to businesses; it’s a potent tool for individuals looking to build their personal brand:

Branded Merchandise for Content Creators: You can’t go wrong with a logo or catchphrase. Strengthen your connection with the audience and generate additional revenue.

Merchandise as a Networking Tool: Branded merchandise helps individuals stand out at industry events or conferences. Make memorable connections with potential collaborators or clients. Remember: It’s more than a T-Shirt!

Limited Edition and Collectible Merchandise: Creating limited edition or collectible merchandise generates excitement and demand, enhancing the perceived value of the individual’s brand.

7. Leveraging Merch for Cross-Promotion

Merchandise is a valuable tool for cross-promoting products, services, or other brands:

Co-Branded Merchandise: Collaborate with other brands to create co-branded merchandise. Find brands that share your vision. This allows both brands reach new audiences and increases both of your brands visibility.

Merchandise Bundles: Offer merchandise bundles that include products or services from multiple brands. This incentivizes customers to try new offerings while driving cross-promotion.

Affiliate Marketing with Merch: Offer affiliate commissions on sales of co-branded or cross-promoted merchandise. This motivates partners to actively promote the merchandise.

8. Merchandising Strategies for E-Commerce Businesses

E-commerce businesses can significantly benefit when they incorporate merchandise into their product offerings:

Product-Related Merchandise: Offering merchandise that complements or enhances the brand’s core products increases average order value and customer satisfaction.

Merchandise Upsells and Cross-Sells: Promote merchandise as upsells or cross-sells during the checkout process. This enhances the overall value of each customer’s purchase.

Seasonal and Holiday Merchandise: Create limited edition merchandise for holidays or special occasions. This helps drive sales and creates a sense of urgency among customers. It won’t be here for long!

Start reaping all the values of merch TODAY. Make custom merch FREE with Spreadshop.

You are great! – The winners of the Spreadshop Design Challenge 2023

Wow! What a huge achievement. With our 2023 Spreadshop Design Challenge, we put all of you in our community to the test – and you delivered!

The story: The retro trend is everywhere in 2023. So we asked you lot to come up with retro designs in the style of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s and showcase them on your Shop products. Man, did we feel nostalgic! We ended up receiving over 100 incredible entries that turned out to be a real ‘blast from the past’. Our jury selected a shortlist of 10 finalists and we put them to a vote in our community. Shop owners, friends and family went to work voting for their favourite design. Read more

10 Profitable Niches for Print on Demand Businesses in 2023

Print on demand businesses have been gaining popularity in recent years, and with the rise of e-commerce, it’s become easier for creators, businesses, and individuals to sell their merchandise online. In this blog, we will explore 10 profitable niches for print on demand businesses in 2023. We’ll also give you some tips on how to pick the right niche for YOU!

The Power of Print on Demand

Before diving into the profitable niches, let’s briefly discuss the power of print on demand and why it’s such an attractive business model. Print on demand allows entrepreneurs and artists to create custom-designed products without the need for inventory or large upfront costs. Here’s how it works:

Customization: With print on demand, you can offer a wide range of products such as T-Shirts, hoodies, mugs, and more, all of which can be customized with your unique designs.
No Inventory: You don’t need to stockpile products in your basement when you use print on demand. Products are fulfilled and shipped to customers as orders come in, literally when there’s demand.
No Cost: Sell merch at no cost to you when you use a print on demand supplier. Run your website and upload as many designs at no cost.
Make a Profit: You make a portion of every item you sell with print on demand. And you don’t even have to leave your bedroom!

1. Fitness and Health

Fitness and health are evergreen niches that continue to thrive in 2023. With the growing awareness of health and wellness, people are actively seeking ways to stay fit and lead healthier lives. This presents a fantastic opportunity for print on demand businesses to create merchandise that caters to this niche.

Product Ideas:

Workout Apparel: Design stylish and functional workout clothes that motivate people to hit the gym or their home workouts.
Yoga Accessories: Yoga mats, blocks, and clothing with yoga-themed designs are in high demand.
Healthy-Eating Merch: Consider meal prep containers, recipe books, and kitchen tools promoting nutritious cooking.

Visit Spreadshop for customizable fitness and health merchandise

2. Travel

The travel industry is poised for a comeback in 2023 as people regain confidence in traveling after the pandemic. This presents an excellent opportunity for print on demand businesses to cater to wanderlust.

Product Ideas:

Travel Apparel: Create clothing that celebrates travel, featuring iconic landmarks and destinations.
Sustainable Travel: Promote sustainable travel with eco-friendly products like reusable water bottles and tote bags.

Discover customizable travel-themed merchandise on Spreadshop

3. Pet Lovers

Pet lovers are a passionate and growing niche. People adore their pets and are willing to invest in merchandise that reflects their love and devotion to their furry friends.

Product Ideas:

Pet-Themed Clothing: Create T-Shirts, hoodies, and accessories adorned with adorable pet designs.
Home Decor: Offer pet-themed home decor items like wall art, pillows, and blankets.
Responsible Pet Ownership: Promote responsible pet ownership with items like pet care guides, training tools, and grooming supplies.

You can turn your pet into an influencer overnight with just a T-Shirt.

4. Personal Development

Personal development is a niche that’s expected to remain popular in 2023 as more people prioritize mental health and self-improvement.

Product Ideas:

Motivational Merchandise: Design clothing, journals, and home decor with motivational quotes and affirmations.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Offer products like meditation cushions, essential oils, and guided meditation recordings.

5. Gaming

The gaming niche continues to flourish in 2023, driven by the rise of esports and online gaming. Gamers are enthusiastic about showing their love for their favorite games, making it an ideal niche for print on demand businesses.

Product Ideas:

Gaming Apparel: Create clothing and accessories featuring popular game logos and characters.
Gaming Comfort: Consider ergonomic gaming chairs, blue light glasses, and gaming guides that emphasize healthy gaming habits.

6. Food and Beverage

The brewery industry is still kicking, and people love exploring new restaurants. With the growing interest in cooking, dining, and sustainable food practices, there are plenty of opportunities to cater to food enthusiasts.

Product Ideas:

Food-Themed Apparel: Design clothing that celebrates favorite dishes, ingredients, and culinary experiences.
Kitchen Tools: Create kitchen tools and accessories that make cooking and dining more enjoyable.
Sustainable Cooking: Promote sustainable cooking practices with products like reusable straws and food storage containers.

7. Sports

The sports niche is poised for a resurgence in 2023 as people eagerly return to live sporting events. This presents a fantastic opportunity for print on demand businesses to cater to sports fans.

Product Ideas:

Sports Apparel: Create clothing and accessories featuring the logos and colors of popular sports teams.
Sports Accessories: Consider items like sports-themed phone cases, water bottles, and home decor.
Sports Training: Promote healthy sports habits with products like sports equipment and training tools.

Visit Spreadshop for customizable sports merchandise

8. Music

Music is a timeless passion that continues to thrive, thanks to the rise of streaming services, record-breaking concerts, and the enduring love people have for their favorite artists. Print on demand businesses can tap into this niche by offering a range of music-related merchandise.

Product Ideas:

Band Merchandise: Create t-shirts, hoodies, posters, and accessories featuring popular bands and artists.
Music Education: Consider offering sheet music, instrument guides, and music theory books for aspiring musicians.

Turn your band into a full-blown brand.

9. Education

Education is a niche that continues to grow in 2023, driven by the rise of online learning and remote work. People are constantly seeking ways to enhance their skills and knowledge, creating opportunities for print on demand businesses.

Product Ideas:

Educational Apparel: Design clothing and accessories that celebrate learning and knowledge.
Educational Tools: Offer educational books, study guides, and online courses.
Lifelong Learning: Promote the idea of lifelong learning with merchandise that encourages continuous self-improvement.

10. Art and Design

Art and design enthusiasts are always on the lookout for unique ways to express their creativity. Print on demand businesses can cater to this niche by offering a wide range of art-related products.

Product Ideas:

Artistic Clothing: Create clothing, accessories, and home decor featuring original artwork and designs.
Art Supplies: Offer art supplies and materials for aspiring artists.
Art Education: Promote art education with products like art history books and online art classes.

Choosing the Right Niche

Selecting the right niche is critical. It needs to be authentic to you if you want to find success with your print on demand business. Here’s what you should consider when choosing your niche:

1. Passion and Knowledge

Choose a niche that you are passionate about and have knowledge of. Your enthusiasm will shine through in your designs and marketing efforts, and your expertise will help you create products that resonate with your target audience.

2. Market Demand

Research the market to determine the demand for products within your chosen niche. Look for trends, keywords, and competitor analysis to gauge the potential customer base.

3. Audience Engagement

Consider the engagement level of your target audience. A niche with an active and passionate community can lead to more significant sales and brand loyalty.

4. Competition

Analyze the competition in your chosen niche. You need to find a unique angle or design approach to stand out from the crowd.

5. Profitability

Assess the potential profitability of your niche. Production costs, pricing strategies, and profit margins all need to be considered. Some niches may command higher prices for premium products.

Congratulations! You now have a solid understanding of ten profitable niches for print on demand businesses in 2023 and how to choose the right niche. As you embark on your print on demand journey, remember that success often requires persistence and continuous adaptation.

Thank you for joining us on this exploration of print on demand niches and monetization strategies. Start making money with your niche in 2023!

Spreadshop and the IU have a few questions for you

Spreadshop and the International University of Applied Sciences (IU) have launched an exciting new project. Why? Here at Spreadshop, we’re always working to improve your Shop Owner experience and share useful knowledge for your merch business with you. And you can help. How? Read on to find out or take part in the survey now!

Take part in the survey