Why make merch?

Calling all creators! Merchandising isn’t just another revenue stream, it’s an opportunity to grow your brand, fund your next project and a chance to get creative. Although here at Teespring we believe there are a million reasons to create merch, here are our top five…

 

1. Brand recognition

Your brand is how people see you and how you’re spotted. If your logo/style isn’t instantly recognizable, merchandise is a great way to solidify your brand. It takes 5-7 impressions before someone will remember your branding and logo, so if you’re not sure on your brand, trying out designs on merch is a great start!

Save it for the Show podcast is instantly recognizable with their consistent branding.

Make sure to incorporate your channel branding, logo, color scheme and general personality into your merch and storefront! Consistency makes your brand recognizable across all platforms. 

 

2. Create YOUR OWN awesome products

73% of creators use sponsorships or sponsored content to generate revenue. Sponsored posts and brand deals are a fantastic way to earn money, but what could be more unique than creating your own products where you create the product and you make 100% of the profit?

Back in the day, pricing and logistics would make this nearly impossible. From having to source and design quality products, bulk ordering stock that fills up your home, having to package and post every single product and handle customer support too. Luckily Teespring handles all of the logistics of selling merch for you, so you can focus on creating content and engaging with your audience. 

Plus, your merch doesn’t have to be….merch-y. YouTuber Kelly Strack created her own merch collection of wearable fashion pieces that she knew her audience would love. Check out our top recommended design resources for help getting started. 

Kelly Strack modelling her own ‘wearable’ clothing line

 

3. Utilize your platform

You already have an existing audience. They are waiting for you to release merch. Subscribing to a YouTube channel, downloading a podcast or following an instagram account means so much more than just consuming content, you become part of a community. What better way to unite that community than creating merch that your audience can use to spot each other at events, share inside jokes and strike up conversations with potential new friends!  

If you’re stuck for ideas, remember, you have your supporters at your disposal to give you those ideas! Read the top YouTube comments, most retweeted tweets or favourite photos to give you inspiration of what your audience resonate with.

Don’t forget your milestones! Creating apparel when you hit milestones immortalises the moment and allows your fans to celebrate with you. Check out this post for more ideas on how to create designs for an existing audience.  

 

4. Make money

This one may seem obvious, but it is still worth mentioning! On Teespring YOU set your profit, so YOU choose how much money you make.

Teespring works on a flat pricing model where there is a flat ‘base-cost’ per item. But don’t worry, you don’t pay this, it works that if the flat cost for a tee is $10 , if you set your retail price at $25, then we take $10. Which covers everything from printing, shipping, customer service etc. and you take ALL the profit, without having to lift a finger.

 

5. Give something back

Your fans are your support system. Without them, you wouldn’t be where you are today, so let them know how much they mean to you. Create a line of merch that speaks to them.

Influencer? Ask your audience on social media sites like Twitter where you can use polls. Podcaster? Ask your audience to submit merch suggestions. Youtuber? Try engaging with your hardcore fans on the YouTube Community Tab.

With Teespring’s verified donation feature (available for US products) you can also choose to donate from 10% to 100% of your profits to a verified charity automatically when you make a sale. No need to lift a finger. Utilize your platform and give something back!

Lucy Watson utilized her audience, raising money for an Animal Sanctuary through t-shirt sales