Objective: Client operates a blog catered to entrepreneurs looking to grow their business ventures. After experiencing a decline in web traffic, I assisted the marketing director in analyzing the drop in traffic, and in turn optimizing content strategy.

Results: After comparing various blog genres and the most popular consulting services sought out, findings revealed that content about fashion startups was the highest-grossing engagement. Applying this feedback prompted a new focus on relevant keywords for entrepreneurs seeking resources for starting a clothing company from the ground up. By adapting to the target audience's wants, 1-on-1 consultation bookings have steadily increased.

Starting a clothing business and not sure how to put your name out there? A strong social media marketing strategy and plan is the missing piece that every new business needs to cultivate its audience online. Social media is such a powerful and underrated tool to promote your new business – especially in the fashion industry. In this post, we will show you where to best focus your efforts for social media marketing. Keep reading to find out which social media platforms to focus on, how to create content that people listen to, and find some ideas for your first post. Show the world you are open for business and use your social media marketing as an extension of your creativity.

You have an amazing tool at your fingertips to engage with thousands, even millions, of people who want to shop with you. At this point, we probably don’t need to sell you on why you should use social media. After all, the Internet is where your future customers are hanging out - it's the easiest and most scalable method to get in front of your audience. Using social media as a business tool allows you to showcase your products, tell your story on a personal level, and engage 1-on-1 with people who want to shop with you.

Every corner of the Internet is different. Fortunately, the most popular social media platforms have moved to primarily visual content. This means that photos and videos draw in more attention, a one-up for fashion companies whose branding revolves around product visuals.

When starting out, there is no need to try to dip into every social media platform. If we could only pick three social media platforms for the highest conversion, hands-down it would be: Instagram, Tiktok, and Pinterest. Once you understand how each marketing platform works, you will hit the ground running in no time.

Instagram is one of the most successful social media veterans for marketing. What started over 10 years ago as a photo-sharing app has evolved into a powerhouse for photo and video content sharing. Their visual and interactive sharing features are a great way to establish a personal connection with your target audience through the screen.

Recently Instagram has been purchased by Meta, (Facebook), which gives you a competitive edge as a business owner in marketing efforts. Should you choose to run an advertisement campaign later down the road, the advertisement tooling integrates well into Facebook’s target advertising campaign setup.

TikTok is a new player in the social media realm for short and long-form video content. If you are on the fence, let's clear the air about TikTok. If you are putting off making an account because you think it's another silly teen app - don't! Fashion brands large and small have amassed millions in views on TikTok faster than Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest combined. TikTok video content can be trendy and short-lived, but you can also focus on evergreen content too.

If you are new to TikTok, give yourself permission to explore a new social media tool. It just might be the launchpad you are looking for.

You may have heard Pinterest described as a visual search engine. Maybe you know Pinterest from its heyday in the 2010s, the place for fashion and wedding inspiration. Moreover, Pinterest is a powerful search engine whose algorithm has outlived the trends, maintaining its relevance for retail business owners in the fashion industry. As a clothing business, you can repurpose content through Pinterest where users can quickly scroll through visuals. When a pin captures someone’s attention, they can click on the pin and be led directly to your storefront. Remember, Pinterest is a master at evergreen content, so your pins can drive traffic even years after you post. It’s low maintenance, high reward.

I know you’re excited to get to posting, but it’s important not to skip through the basics. At this point, you should have a rock-solid marketing plan, and confidently identify your target audience. If you don’t understand who your fashion brand is focusing on, then you are doing the equivalent of going on a road trip without a map. You should also have some digital assets to use in your content, such as product images from a photo shoot.

Know what your end goal is and have your branding and target audience at the ready. For more information on the foundation of your marketing plan, check out our guide on How to Increase Sales in your Clothing Business.

Are you stuck on not knowing what to post? Here are some content ideas to get that creativity flowing! Keep these on hand to design your social media posts, or to share with your marketing team. Personalize them to your brand and have some fun with them!

Teach your audience about your products and how to rock them! Examples: "3 Ways to Style a Silk Scarf” or “My Favorite Claw Clip Hairstyle"

Ask your followers what they like. Example: "Help me choose which outfit to wear to my date tonight! Comment if you like option 1, 2, or 3 best!" By asking for comments, you'll easily boost your engagement!

Offer some free knowledge that your customer will find helpful and will want to stick around for more. Example: "Best colors for brunettes to wear". This is referred to in digital marketing as "evergreen" content; it knows no season and will stay relevant for an extended period of time.

Customers love when you can pull back the curtain and give a sneak peek of your clothing brand. Examples could be you unpacking a new product, or showing how your materials are made (bonus points for sustainability!).

Share a fun anecdote about starting your fashion business, or share some fashion inspiration that compelled you to share your designs! Remember, stories are a great way to stay memorable and personable.

Share before and after pictures of how your personal style has evolved! Don't be afraid to be vulnerable. Embarrassing middle school "before" pictures perform especially well, relating to your audience on a personal level.

The most underrated way to find out what to post? Just ask! Asking your followers what they want to see, and answering their questions, is a wonderful tactic to build trust brand loyalty, and engagement with your viewers.

At this point, we have covered the Big Three platforms and what content performs best. You may have noticed there’s some overlap in what you can post on each site. If you spend all this time on a TikTok video, why not post it on Pinterest too? Why not include Instagram too*? This is the power of repurposing content, aka “Lazy Marketing”. Since online marketing is one of the most effective fashion marketing strategies, circulate your content again and again for maximum reach.

 

Adding social media into your marketing strategy is the best way to sustainably build your fashion brand from the ground up. Incorporating social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok leverage the power of storytelling and visuals, which will ultimately help you create a strong online presence with the people looking for your designs. If you stay consistent and open to some trial and error, you will see your fashion marketing (and sales) reach new heights for your brand.

Ready to elevate your clothing business through social media marketing? Discover more tips, insights, and guidance at [websitename]. Join our community of entrepreneurs and access valuable resources to help you succeed in your fashion startup ventures. Start your journey to success today!