Did you know that the global licensed merchandise market was valued at approximately $320 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach around $445 billion by 2027? That’s a staggering growth and a clear indicator of the massive potential in merchandise sales​. Whether you’re a YouTuber, a blogger, or an influencer, selling branded merchandise can be your golden ticket to deeper engagement with your audience and greater financial independence.

Selling Branded Merchandise: WHY?

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why selling branded merchandise is such a brilliant idea. Here are a few compelling reasons:

1. Brand Visibility: Every piece of merchandise you sell becomes a walking advertisement for your brand. Imagine your fans wearing your logo or catchphrase – it’s like free advertising!

2. Engagement and Loyalty: Merchandise sales can foster a stronger connection between you and your audience. When fans purchase and wear your merch, they feel a part of your community.

3. Additional Revenue Stream: Who doesn’t love extra income? Branded merchandise can provide a steady revenue stream, supporting your creative endeavors and allowing you to reinvest in your content.

4. Diversification: Relying solely on ad revenue or sponsorships can be risky. Merchandise sales diversify your income sources, providing more financial stability.

5. Brand Differentiation: Unique and well-designed merchandise can set your brand apart, making it more memorable and distinctive.

Creating Your Branded Merchandise

1. Know Your Audience

Understanding your audience is key to successful merchandise sales. What do they like? What are their interests? Conduct surveys, engage in social media polls, and look at your most popular content to gather insights. Your merchandise should reflect the preferences and interests of your audience.

Demographic Insights

Analyze your audience demographics to tailor your merchandise appropriately. Age, gender, location, and interests can heavily influence product choices.

Behavioral Patterns

Track your audience’s behavior, such as their purchasing habits and the type of content they engage with the most. This can provide valuable insights into what merchandise they might be interested in.

2. Design Matters

Invest time in creating high-quality, eye-catching designs. This could mean hiring a professional designer or using design tools like Canva. Your merchandise should stand out and be something your audience would be proud to wear or use. Remember, the design should align with your brand’s identity.

Prototyping

Create prototypes of your designs before mass production to ensure they meet your quality standards and appeal to your audience.

Feedback Loop

Share your design concepts with a small group of loyal fans or trusted friends to gather feedback before finalizing your products.

3. Choose the Right Products

From T-shirts and hoodies to mugs and stickers, the possibilities are endless. Choose products that resonate with your audience and fit naturally with your brand. For example, a fitness influencer might sell branded water bottles or gym bags, while a travel blogger might offer branded backpacks or travel journals.

Seasonal Products

Consider offering seasonal products like holiday-themed items or summer wear to keep your merchandise relevant year-round.

Eco-Friendly Options

Offering eco-friendly merchandise can appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and enhance your brand’s reputation.

If you are also looking to sell online courses to increase brand visibility while also making a difference, we have got you covered.

4. Quality Over Quantity

It’s tempting to offer a wide range of products, but quality should always come first. High-quality merchandise not only looks better but also lasts longer, leaving a lasting impression on your customers.

Supplier Vetting

Thoroughly vet suppliers to ensure they meet your quality standards and can deliver consistent products.

Customer Reviews

Monitor customer reviews to identify any quality issues early and address them promptly.

Setting Up to Selling Your Branded Merchandise

1. Choose a Platform

There are several platforms you can use to sell your merchandise. Some popular options include:

Myntra: Ideal for creating a fully customizable online store. 

Printrove: Great for print-on-demand products. 

Craftsvilla: Perfect for handmade or unique items.

Choose a platform that fits your needs and budget. Each platform has its own set of features, so take the time to explore and find the one that’s right for you.

Integration Capabilities

Look for platforms that integrate seamlessly with your existing website and social media channels to streamline sales and marketing efforts.

User Experience

Ensure the platform provides a smooth user experience for your customers, with easy navigation and a straightforward checkout process.

2. Pricing Your Merchandise

Pricing can be tricky, but it’s crucial for your merchandise sales strategy. You want to make a profit, but you also want your prices to be accessible to your audience. Consider your costs, including production, shipping, and platform fees, and then set a price that provides a reasonable profit margin while remaining attractive to your customers.

Competitive Analysis

Research what similar creators are charging for their merchandise to ensure your prices are competitive.

Tiered Pricing

Offer different pricing tiers for basic and premium products to cater to various budget levels.

3. Setting Up Payment and Shipping

Make the buying process as smooth as possible. Ensure you have reliable payment options and clear shipping information. Transparency is key – let your customers know how long it will take to receive their items and if there are any additional shipping costs.

Multiple Payment Options

Provide multiple payment options like credit cards, PayPal, and other digital wallets to accommodate different customer preferences.

Shipping Partners

Partner with reliable shipping companies to ensure timely and safe delivery of your products.

Marketing Your Branded Merchandise

1. Leverage Social Media

Social media is your best friend when it comes to promoting your merchandise sales. Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to showcase your products. Share photos of your merchandise, run contests, and encourage your followers to post pictures of themselves using or wearing your products.

Hashtags and Trends

Use relevant hashtags and participate in trending challenges to increase the visibility of your merchandise.

Live Streams

Host live streams to showcase new products, provide styling tips, and interact with your audience in real-time.

2. Collaborate with Influencers

If possible, collaborate with other influencers to promote your merchandise. This can help you reach a broader audience and boost your sales. Choose influencers whose audience aligns with yours for maximum impact.

Affiliate Programs

Create an affiliate program where influencers earn a commission for every sale they drive. This incentivizes them to promote your merchandise more enthusiastically.

Co-Branded Products

Consider creating co-branded products with influencers to tap into their loyal fanbase.

3. Create Exclusive Offers

Everyone loves a good deal. Create exclusive offers, such as limited-time discounts, bundle deals, or free shipping. These incentives can drive more sales and create a sense of urgency among your audience.

Loyalty Programs

Implement a loyalty program where customers earn points for each purchase, which they can redeem for discounts or exclusive merchandise.

Early Access

Give your most loyal fans early access to new products or sales to make them feel valued and special.

Tools like Rigi can help streamline these processes, making it easier to manage your exclusive offers, loyalty programs, and early access events.

4. Utilize Email Marketing

Don’t underestimate the power of email marketing. Send out newsletters to your subscribers featuring your new merchandise, special offers, and behind-the-scenes content. Personalize your emails to make your audience feel valued and connected to your brand.

Segmentation

Segment your email list based on purchase history and preferences to send targeted and relevant content to different groups.

Automated Campaigns

Set up automated email campaigns for abandoned carts, new product launches, and special promotions to keep your audience engaged.

Selling Branded Merchandise : Analyzing and Optimizing Sales

1. Track Your Sales Data

Use analytics tools to track your sales data. This will help you understand what’s working and what’s not. Look at metrics such as best-selling products, average order value, and customer demographics. This data is invaluable for refining your merchandise sales strategy.

Sales Funnels

Analyze your sales funnels to identify any drop-off points and optimize the customer journey to reduce cart abandonment rates.

A/B Testing

Conduct A/B testing on different elements of your store, such as product descriptions, pricing, and call-to-action buttons, to see what resonates best with your audience.

2. Gather Customer Feedback

Ask your customers for feedback. This can be through reviews, surveys, or direct messages. Understanding their experience with your merchandise can help you make necessary improvements and ensure they keep coming back for more.

User-Generated Content

Encourage customers to share photos and reviews of your merchandise on social media. This provides social proof and valuable feedback for improvements.

Post-Purchase Surveys

Send post-purchase surveys to gather detailed feedback on their shopping experience and product satisfaction.

3. Stay Updated with Trends

The world of merchandise sales is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest trends in design, marketing, and e-commerce. Adapt and innovate to keep your merchandise fresh and appealing to your audience.

Industry News

Follow industry news and subscribe to relevant newsletters to stay informed about the latest developments and trends.

Competitor Analysis

Regularly analyze your competitors’ merchandise offerings and marketing strategies to identify opportunities for differentiation and improvement.

Conclusion

Selling branded merchandise is more than just an additional revenue stream – it’s a powerful way to build a deeper connection with your audience and boost your brand’s visibility. By understanding your audience, creating high-quality designs, and leveraging the right platforms and marketing strategies, you can turn your merchandise sales into a successful venture.