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How to Run a Promo

We run promotional offers every month at Spreadshop! This is as a great incentive for your followers to buy your merch. Plus, who doesn’t love a good discount?!

These promotional offers vary – 15% off, FREE shipping – and are an opportunity for you to push new merch drops or seasonal products. Give your customers warning ahead of time with dedicated posts and reminders. It’s the perfect time to turn that longtime follower into a paying customer.

See our strategies and tips below!

Plan For Your Promotion

It’s important to give your followers warning ahead of time. We’d recommend reminding your followers about the promotion a week in advance and then dropping additional reminders. You might also want to plan what you want to get out of the promotion.

Obviously, you want to increase your merch sales, but it’s not a bad idea to pinpoint what you want to promote. Your followers will find it more digestible when you pull their focus instead of promoting the entirety of your shop. Drive attention to certain products, especially if they’re in season. Water bottle, baseball hats, and backpacks are perfect items for the summer. This ties into their current needs.

You can also run a promotion to introduce a new merch drop, like this one from artist Nephyrus. Your followers will get excited about new merch, and they’ll be more likely to check it out with a discount.

Be Authentic

We know everyone appreciates a good deal, but your followers also don’t want to feel like they’re being pushed to buy something. You shouldn’t sound sales-pitchy when you’re promoting these offers.

Be personal with your messaging. Come up with a catch phrases or a tag line that ties into the theme of your shop. Create a hashtag that your followers can refer to when theres an active promotion. It should still feel like content you would normally put out on socials. Use funny gifs or memes to make it more relatable to your audience. Stay true to your voice.

Use Fun Graphics

Make eye-catching graphics to peak peoples’ interest, or just re-share ours! We have a Shop Promotions page in the Spreadshop Community where we posts graphics for each promo. We make them in Twitter/Facebook and Instagram Story sizes. This makes it easy for you to share about promos across your socials and creates a cohesive experience.

You can always make your own using Canva or another design service. If you do decide to re-post ours, make sure you tag us so we can share you on our page!

Our promotional offers typically last over three days. This makes it easy for shop owners to check the success of their campaign after. If an increase in revenue was generated over that time period, then the strategy worked.

Not noticing a difference? Tweak your strategy for next time. You can also look at your socials and see if engagement increased or decreased while running a promotion. Don’t be hard on yourself if things don’t pan out like you expected the first time. We have promotional offers going at least twice a month. Practice crafting your marketing strategy. Learn what your audience responds to and have that motivate you.

Open up your own Spreadshop to take advantage of promotional offers and more!

How to Market Yourself on TikTok

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to marketing yourself on TikTok, but there are some key things to keep in mind!

You need to know who your audience is and be comfortable in your niche. This will make it easier for you to build your brand and create your own community. Be authentic. Your followers will appreciate it if you’re genuine and coming from a place of sincerity. Don’t forget to have fun! TikTok is all about creativity and self-expression, so enjoy yourself and let your personality shine through.

Check out our tips for how to market yourself on TikTok below:

Stay True to Yourself

If you’re looking to make a real connection with your followers on TikTok, you need to be authentic. People can see through a fake personality, and you’ll only end up alienating your audience if you try to pander to them. Instead, focus on being yourself and attracting likeminded people. Here are some tips for staying authentic on TikTok:

– Don’t try to be someone you’re not: Be honest with yourself and your audience about who you are and what you stand for.

– Share your passions: Use TikTok as a platform to share the things you’re passionate about with the world.

– Be true to your voice: Don’t let anyone else dictate how you should express yourself on TikTok

Identify Your Target Audience

Having a niche is going to make it easier for you to market your brand and connect with the right people. When people launch their merch lines, they often don’t take the time to think about who their target audience is. As a result, they end up merch that appeals to a wide range of people, which can be difficult to market effectively. It’s important to have a clear understanding of who your target audience is so that you can create merch that speaks directly to them.

Someone like Clueless Bushcraft, for instance, knows who his audience is: people who want to survive in the wilderness. His brand of content is a subsection for people interested in wildlife and the outdoors, but it’s niche enough to be its own thing. Like his audience, he’s new to learning a lot of these things. His merch features catchphrases he uses and other fun graphics.

Start Building Your Brand

If you’re looking to build a brand on TikTok, you’re in luck. The social media platform is perfect for creating and sharing engaging content that can reach a wide audience. Plus, with TikTok’s algorithm favoring fresh and original content, it’s easier than ever to get your brand noticed. Here are some tips on how to build a brand on TikTok:

1. Create quality content

If you want your brand to succeed on TikTok, you need to produce high-quality content that is both entertaining and informative. Remember, people are using TikTok to be entertained, so make sure your content is engaging and enjoyable to watch.

2. Use hashtags wisely

Hashtags are a great way to reach new audiences on TikTok, so use them wisely. When creating content for your brand, include relevant hashtags in the caption so that people can easily find your videos. Additionally, consider adding branded hashtags to your videos to help promote your content. We made a hashtag guide for Instagram that might be helpful.

3. Collaborate with other brands

Collaborating with other brands is a great way to reach new audiences and expand your brand’s reach on TikTok. Find brands that produce content similar to yours and reach out to them about potential collaboration opportunities.

4. Be consistent

When building a brand on TikTok, it’s important to be consistent with your content. If people enjoy your videos, they’ll want to see more of them, so make sure to post new content on a regular basis. Additionally, be sure to interact with your audience regularly so that they feel connected to your brand.

Provide Additional Value

If you want to find success on TikTok, it’s important that you offer something different than other users. Think about what makes you unique and use that to your advantage. Creators of all different niches are competing for attention and a chance to get noticed on TikTok. When you promote your merch, it needs to tie into your brand. Even though you’re trying to sell somebody something, it shouldn’t feel like it. It’s okay if it feels like every other video on your page. The ultimate goal is engagement with your audience.

See how other TikTok creators are marketing themselves and their projects in their own unique way.

Find Your Community!

Building your own community isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes dedication and requires trust. Here are some suggestions:

1. Be active on socials

Having a steady social presence shows you’re connected to your followers. People are more inclined to support you when they see you’re passionate about what you’re creating and are consistently engaged. Knowing your audience and where they engage online is key to building a community with merch. Use the platform to your advantage.

2. Engage with comments

It’s all well and good to be posting awesome content, but you need to keep the conversation going. Responding to comments is more than just boosting engagement levels (even though that is helpful). You’ll develop a closer relationship with your followers when you take the time to chat.

3. Share content from your followers

If your followers share videos of themselves promoting something you’re involved with, the least you can do is reshare them! It’s going to make your feed feel like a safe space for all your followers. It’s also going to make your followers feel good. Seeing themselves on your feed will boost their trust in you.

Take the next step in your TikTok marketing journey by making your own merch! We are the merch provider for a wide range of creators with their own unique niches.

Make and sell your own merch for FREE with Spreadshop!

Play on Demand Merchandise: 5 Shops from Podcasters

The number of podcaster listeners is growing and growing, and this trend doesn’t look like it’s slowing down any time soon. It’s no surprise then that more and more people are starting their own podcast. Crazy to think this type of media has barely been going ten years and already is such a dynamic way not just to inform, inspire and entertain, but also to make a living from. It’s well known that advertising is key to making podcasts financially viable, but individual Play On Merchandise Shops are a great way of connecting with listeners and earning yourself some extra cash.

We’re going to introduce here 5 podcasters who can show you how it’s done. From true crime mysteries to tips on dog training, as diverse as the content is these podcasters are united by the fact that they would be nothing without their listeners. Merch is just a great way to further connect with their community. Get stuck into these podcaster Spreadshops and see what inspires you. You’ll be raring to create your own merch in no time.

Murder in the Rain – True Crime Stories from the Pacific Northwest

Emily and Alisha don’t just talk about real crimes, they explore, investigate and try to understand the motives behind the murder. In their podcast Murder in the Rain, the two talk to authors, psychologists, detectives, victims’ families, and their producer Josh. Who were the victims? What were the motives? On their Instagram, Facebook and Twitter pages you can find posts about true crime stories past and present.

The Murder in the Rain Spreadshop has matching merchandise on offer for the fans, with shirts and hoodies available. If you’re coming for bright designs, then you’re in the wrong place. Their merch lets you know this podcast is not for the faint hearted. Complete with Murder in the Rain lettering, these pieces are all about reflecting the grim tone of their podcast.

There’s also an eye-catching cartoon design which shows Emily, Alisha and Josh, ideal for the true fans of true crime. This is available on shirts, hoodies and mugs!

Hundestunde (Dogs’ Hour) – Training for Dogs

What’s it like to live with a dog from the shelter? What are the dos and don’ts when it comes to walking with your four-legged friend? How do I best communicate with them? Every week, Conny Sporrer and Marc Lindhorst, dog trainer and dog expert, talk about the essential rules, training tips and their personal experiences in their podcast Hundestunde. Conny has been working for years as a dog trainer at Martin Rütter Dogs Vienna. Even when owners are frustrated and unsure how to raise their dogs, she knows exactly how to build healthy relationships. You can find these tips on their Spotify-Podcast as well as their Instagram site.

These two call their listeners Stundis – and have some cool merch for them on offer in their Spreadshop. Their online store is awash with the iconic brand colors, yellow and blue. It’s a look you’re not going to forget quickly.

The Hundestunde merch isn’t complete without their logo: a cartoon of what looks like the most relaxed dog you can find, lying on the couch, headphones in, listening to their podcast.

Alongside the shirts with logos, there are also some statement shirts: “Let’s talk about Rex, baby!” – an insider’s joke guaranteed to be a hit for all the diehard Stundis.

Take Dad – A Parenting Podcast

Two young dads dishing out tips for mums, dads and everyone else. In their Podcast Take Dad, Felix and Christoph talk about childcare, winter clothing, childhood sickness, birthday parties and much more. Talking about the weird and wonderful behavior of children, as well as the messy and glorious life as a parent, these two are always talking for a humorous twist. There are dad jokes, the occasional game of “would you rather?” and even a Breilight of the Week (Brei is German for puree, yup we know the best jokes are the ones you have to explain). This podcast is funny, entertaining and relatable for all the dads out there. For those that can’t get enough of the podcast, you can also find them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

The Take Dad Spreadshop shows that these two young dads don’t take themselves too seriously. The Breilight of the Week is available on the podcast and on their merch. Their printed baby bibs are sure to make feeding time that bit funnier.

Dads can also find Play on Demand merchandise in their Spreadshop. The apron with the imprint “Papa – wie Chuck Norris nur krasser” (Dad – like Chuck Norris but tougher) makes it clear: being a dad is sometimes a real challenge, but with humor and lightness you can do anything.

Tollkühn – A Lord of the Rings Podcast

Go with the Hobbits to Isengard every Thursday: This Middle Earth Podcast transports listeners into the fantasy world of the legendary The Lord of the Rings series. In each podcast episode, Max and Ramon read a chapter from the books, before discussing what went down. Max is a huge fan and has read the books several times, whereas Ramon is a complete newbie. This makes it a funny mix between shameless expertise and trying to work out what’s going on. You can find them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

All Hobbitses – that’s what they call their precious listeners – will find all kinds of merch in the Tollkühn Podcast Spreadshop. There are even niche side characters on some products, like with Lutz, the pony that Frodo bought in Bree from the evil journeyman Lutz Farnich and then named after him.

With the lettering “IT’S HÁMA TIME” it is also clear in Max and Ramon’s store: the two podcasters like to go about their business with humor. For all you newbies out there: Háma was a loyal servant of King Théoden in the novels, guarding the entrance to his halls.

The Sound Architect – Interesting look into the world of audio products

Sam Hughes talks to sound designers, voice actors, composers and other audio experts from around the world in his podcast The Sound Architect. They share their knowledge about instruments, software, hardware, recording, mixing and other exciting topics – perfect for anyone with a passion for audio. Why did he create the podcast? To contribute to the audio community and connect with as many great people as possible. Audiophiles can access the interviews on YouTube, and there’s even more content on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

At The Sound Architect Podcast Spreadshop, audio experts, or those who are new to the game, can find some slick Play on Demand merchandise. Whether it’s for cups, caps or shirts, there’s lots of merch available with the podcast logo on the front.

The Sound Architect bags are not only cool merch, they also offer space for equipment as well.

All you need now is a good topic, a custom-made podcast logo and maybe an expert or two – and you’re ready to go with your Spreadshop.

Open Your Spreadshop

Use Merch as a Fundraiser For Your Nonprofit

Making merch is a great way to raise money for your nonprofit. Get donations AND provide supporters with a reminder of your organization.

Merch allows you to build your brand and connect with people in your community. Think about how you want to represent your brand. Keep your mission in mind when it comes to the marketing of your nonprofit and merch. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to making great nonprofit merch that will help raise money for your cause!

Make Money Easily With Merch

Do you want to raise money for your nonprofit, but don’t have a lot of time or money to invest? Merch is the perfect solution! Setting up a Spreadshop is quick and easy, and best of all, it’s FREE.

You can start selling in minutes, and donate 100 percent or a portion (it’s up to you) of profits to your cause. Let people know where the money is going when you’re promoting your merch so they’re more motivated to support you. It will also make them feel better about their purchase. Merch allows you to personalize your nonprofit. You don’t want to feel like a faceless organization – people will be less motivated to make donations or merch purchases. We’re all about the power of personalization and designing and selling your merch plays a big part in that. It’s also a great way to build your brand.

Build Your Brand For the Better

When you think about branding your nonprofit, merch isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But incorporating your logo, graphics, and brand colors onto merchandise is a great way to raise money and solidify your nonprofit as a recognizable entity. You’re already a brand, whether you know it or not.

People are more likely to donate to a cause they feel connected to, so by creating merch with your branding, you are building a stronger sense of community and connection with potential donors. And when people see your branded merch around town, they’ll be more likely to learn about your nonprofit and what you do – which is exactly what you want! It’s going to boost brand recognition, overall. The more people see your logo and your colors, the more likely they are to remember you.

Market Your Mission Effectively

Ad campaigns work well for large corporations, but not everyone has that kind of cash. For small nonprofits, merch is a useful promotional tool that costs a fraction of these big budget campaigns. And Spreadshop does all the heavy lifting for you. We’ve got payments, production, fulfillment, and shipping covered. All you have to do is upload your designs.

Sure, ads can be targeted to different demographics and wide-reaching, but merch feels more personal. Your merch itself would even make for good promotional posts on socials. Do giveaways on your social media asking people to follow you and comment for the chance to win merch. Take photos of volunteers and supporters at events in your merch for authentic marketing material. This kind of post is going to be beneficial on multiple fronts. You’ll increase social engagement, draw attention to your business, and bring awareness to new merch.

Merch Has Extra Value

Making merch is not only an efficient marketing initiative, but a chance for you to showcase the values of your nonprofit. Partners and supporters will associate you with your merch. This can create more responsibility, but should be taken seriously to benefit your organization. You will become a unique and engaging brand. Whether that’s people investing in your resources, or sharing your social media posts, it’s all beneficial.

The t-shirt may as well be the new business card. Sure, business cards are still important to help build brand exposure, but merch leaves a lasting impression a piece of paper can’t. Having merch on-hand when you’re at community events or large fundraisers is going to set you apart. You want people to remember what you’re about long after the events of the day have wrapped up.

Merch is a fun and easy way for you to raise funds for your nonprofit. It’s also going to help you build you brand and give you more visibility. Start marketing your mission with merch!

Making and selling your own merch is FREE with Spreadshop.

Why You Need to Make Band Merch

Are you a musician looking for a way to connect with your fans and generate some additional income? Then you need to make some merch!

Band merch is a great tool for small musicians. It helps you to promote your music and form a deeper connection your fans. It’s also a great revenue stream considered streaming services like Spotify pay artists pennies. See how some of our shop owners/musicans are using band merch to their advantage:

Create Your Logo

A logo is an important branding tool. It makes your band look more professional, and becomes an identifier for fans of your music. Your logo can also sway potential fans. It sounds shallow, but it can have an impact on whether people listen to your music. It should reflect the style or vibe you are portraying with your sound.

Talkalots wanted to make their band merch look simple, yet feel unique. So they used a couple versions of their logo for merch designs, which are available to shop on hoodies, hats, and buttons. They looked at other bands’ logos for inspiration, which is something they’d recommend to artists looking to create their own. As long as you don’t try to rip off material and credit it as your own. Having those influences and inspirations is important.

Your logo can dictate what the rest of your band merch and branding looks like. But it’s just the jumping off point.

Build on Your Likeness

You can start to have more fun with your band merch after you design a good logo. Trestles are an indie band based in Santa Cruz, California. They started their band when they were in high school and started selling merch right away. They saw that they could form a connection with their fans and began experimenting what they could do with their merch designs.

“The first Trestles merch drop was literally a sketch that our bass player, Sophia, drew on the back of a flyer while we wear waiting to go on at a show. We liked the drawing so much that we digitized it and released it as our first drop.”

These kind of ideas can take your band merch to the next level. You don’t need to play it safe all the time. When you’re comfortable in your music and know who your audience is, it makes it easier to take risks and do something different.

Make Exclusive Online Merch

Buying band merch online is a great option for people who can’t make it to a live show and still want to support an artist. Want to drive sales? Make your releases exclusive so people are more motivated to make purchases. That’s what Flobots did!

They partnered with Spreadshop for exclusive merch drops on their tour this spring. Limited merch drops happened for fans that couldn’t make it out to the live shows. Having an online presence is so important for bands today, and it’s important that your merch is a reflection of that. This also makes it easy to promote to people on socials: you just direct them to the shop link in your bio.

Stylize Your Show Promotion

Have a big show coming up? Preparing for a mini tour? Use band merch to get the word out ahead of time. Make posters and post them to bulletin boards in your community. Make buttons and stickers with your band name to hand out to people who buy a ticket in advance.

Anton Johansen is a singer/songwriter who promotes his brand of grunge rock by playing live in his community. We love the poster he created for a show he was playing! You can create designs like this using design tools like Canva. They provide you with tons of different templates and graphics to play with. You don’t need to be a professional designer to create band merch.

Band merch is more than just stylizing your sound, it’s taking the next step in your musical career. These shops know how to brand themselves because they know their music. Are you ready to take that step?

Start making and selling your own band merch for FREE with Spreadshop!