Starting an online clothing business can be a very rewarding experience, provided that you have a clear vision and goals.
Whether you are looking to create a simple everyday clothing line or a more sophisticated collection, this post will give you an overview of the main steps to take to create your own successful business.
What is your niche?
Selecting a specific niche, rather than targeting large groups of people, is vital for success in this industry; your clothes will be easier to market and more affordable, you will have less competition and generate greater customer loyalty.
Once you have picked your target audience, you can then develop the style of your line. You can focus on a particular ethos or need, or cater for specific markets such as nurses, doctors or students of a particular topic…and why not produce a line with a particular, innovative fabric? The more original you are, the more you will be remembered.
Have your business plan ready
Even though you will be testing your business plan on a small scale to begin with, we recommend that you have a rough business plan in the background, in case your line takes off quickly!
Some of the major elements you’ll want to consider when putting together your business plan are:
- Your business model
- Customer personas
- Competitor strengths & weaknesses
- Costs & margins
Remember, due to the unpredictable nature of the fashion industry, your plan needs to be flexible.
Fix a budget for your online clothing business
Start small, perhaps with just one design that you know how to manufacture or buy and get feedback from your first customers. Make sure that you have a budget in mind and that you know how you are going to manage it. You will be able to define your budget once you have a clearer idea as to materials, manufacturing, sales forecast, marketing and advertising. As demand grows, you will be able to review your costs.
How will your online business work?
Are you going to work from home, or are you renting out an office space or perhaps a storage room or a warehouse? Will you be running the business on your own, or will there be other key people involved? Whatever you will decide to do, make sure that your budget is realistic. And don’t forget about business and liability insurance to ensure that your business is protected.
Create your brand and designs
This is the most creative part of starting an online business and, possibly, one of the most important ones. Once you have defined your design and materials, make sure that your manufacturer has all the information to start production.
Picking a name
Picking a name that your audience will remember is essential. You can choose a name that reflects the purpose of your product, or perhaps you can use your own name. Whatever you choose, it will have to be catchy!
Have a name in mind? Check the domain name is available using our Domain Name Search tool: https://www.names.co.uk/domain-names
Manufacturing and packaging
Have a sample made first and make the necessary adjustments before starting a full product line. Also, think about packaging and make sure that it reflects the quality of the clothes, and that it is safe, consistent and recyclable.
You are now ready to take your online clothing business to the market! Good luck!
