10 Killing Ideas to Market Your Small Fashion Brand in 2018

It’s easy to start a fashion business, but it’s really hard to succeed in it. Nowadays, in an online fashion market, it can be really difficult for your fashion brand to stand out from the competition and get your first customers.

However, with a proper marketing strategy and planning, you can get in front of your target audience so they become aware of your fashion brand, fall in love with your products, and, as a result, turn into your brand ambassadors.

1. Holiday Campaigns and Promotions
   Depending on the season, you can provide different incentives to your clients. Christmas, New Year, Black Friday discounts are among the most popular seasonal incentives. However, you can also promote unconventional holidays or come up with your own promotions on a weekly basis. For example, the National Wear Red Day or ‘Buy 1, Get 2’ offer. And apart from sending out only brand newsletters offering discounts, you should also remember to share your promotions on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, as well as your blog.

2. Facebook Retargeting Ads
   Majority of people are not ready to make a purchase immediately after seeing an ad or visiting an online shop. Facebook remarketing ads operate as reminders, prompting your visitors to sign up for your newsletter or visit your website again.
   In order to retarget visitors to your website, you need to create Custom Audiences with Facebook. Also, try to target Lookalike Audiences to expand your reach.

3. Influencer Marketing
   Collaborations with bloggers and Instagram influencers can help you gain social validation, expand your audience, and get unique content. It’s important to understand that those bloggers and vloggers with large audiences have already built a reputation for their brand and are respected by their followers, therefore, they can have a huge impact if they choose to mention on or review your products.  

4. Customer Referral and Loyalty Programs
   Nothing works better than referrals and word-of-mouth marketing, so keep your existing clients extremely happy with your service and encourage them to refer your products to their friends.
   So, how it works? First, you need to set up a referral scheme that rewards your clients or partners for any customer they send your way. The reward can be anything from a percentage of the order’s value to a shopping voucher.
   And remember that happy customers will be the best ambassadors for your fashion brand.

5. SM (Instagram) Giveaways
   Running a giveaway on Instagram is a surefire way to increase both brand awareness and the size of your audience. Moreover, giveaways are really easy to organize. Just ask your Instagram followers to comment on why they want to win the item in the photo and then tag 2 or 3 of their friends that would want to take part as well. Make sure you use recognizable brand hashtags or create a special hashtag just for this particular item giveaway.

6. Building your community
   Treating your customers with respect and delivering high-quality products is the best way to turn the clients into the brand ambassadors. And giving them an outlet to share their thoughts can make them stay on your website, blog, Instagram account or Facebook group longer. Your mission should be to empower, inspire and guide your community on their fashion journey.

7. User Generated Content
   User Generated Content (UGC) is one of the hottest marketing trends of 2018, that can increase engagement, build the trust of your consumers and ultimately drive sales. Interestingly, almost 85% of users trust visual UGC more than brand photos or videos.
   There is nothing more persuasive than an Instagram influencer with a large following wearing one of your latest pieces of clothing. Encourage your followers to post photos wearing your fashion pieces by giving out promo codes for the reviews, tags and social mentions.

8. Launching a Blog
   Launching a blog for your fashion brand is not only a way to promote your products, but also let consumers know who you are, and provide them with advice. Make your blog a source of valuable information for your audience. Style guides, fashion news, and lookbooks will also be of great help.
   For example, style guides can show your visitors how to wear and combine your items in their everyday life. Style guides can be created seasonally (spring, summer, fall, winter), for holidays (Christmas, New Year), and for more topical themes: party, wedding, travel, work, etc.

9. Marketing Materials with the QR Code
   QR (‘Quick Response’) codes are barcodes that allow people to quickly access a website or a landing page by scanning them with smartphones. The main benefits of using QR codes include user convenience and cost-effectiveness. The best part - actions triggered by these codes can be easily traced to website analytics or other marketing tools.
   QR codes can be integrated into any type of printed materials and merchandise, including business cards, posters, flyers, postcards, packaging, stickers, etc.

10. Thank You Cards Value your existing clients and send them ‘thank you’ cards each time they’ve made an order. Handwritten messages, for example, can add that personal touch and make your customers feel unique and valued. This small gesture will take your relationship with the customer on another level, build trust and encourage them to make another purchase and tell their friends about your company.