How to Market Your New Garment Business

Starting a garment decorating business is exciting, but gaining traction and getting customers can feel like the hardest part. The good news? You don’t need a huge marketing budget to start making an impact. With some smart, hands-on tactics, you can build buzz and bring in orders quickly.

Here are some easy and effective ways to start marketing your business and gaining customers:

Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are perfect for showing off your custom work.

Tips:

 

• Share behind-the-scenes videos of your printing or embroidery process.
   
• Post reels or time-lapse clips showing a design from concept to final product.
   
• Use popular hashtags like #CustomTees, #DTFPrinting, or #EmbroideredCaps.
   
• Tag customers who wear your apparel (with permission) to boost reach.
   

 

One of the smartest ways to break the ice and show what you can do is by selecting a few local businesses, like a barber shop, restaurant, daycare, or gym, and creating a few sample items using their logo.

Deliver a custom tee, polo, or cap as a free gift and say:
“We just launched our garment decorating business and wanted to show you what we can do. If you ever need uniforms, merch, or promo wear, we’d love to help.”

This creates a great first impression and gives them a real product to remember you by.

Setting up a small booth at community events, farmers markets, or vendor fairs gives you exposure and a chance to talk directly to potential customers.

Bonus: Offer on-the-spot personalization (like adding a name to a hat or shirt). It draws crowds and generates immediate income.

You’re your own best billboard. Always wear your own branded or custom-made apparel when out and about. And consider gifting a few pieces to local influencers or friendly business owners in exchange for a social media shout-out or referral.

Each time you complete an order, ask the customer for a quick review. A great review helps others trust you, and you can post these testimonials on your website, social media, or Google listing.

Pro Tip: Offer a discount on their next order as a thank-you for leaving a review.

Ask customers if they'd like to be added to your list for:

 

• Exclusive discounts
   
• Early access to new designs
   
• Subscriber-only giveaways
   

 

Starting your list now will pay off in repeat business down the road.

Encourage your happy customers to send their friends and family your way by offering a referral bonus, like a discount, free item, or store credit for every person they refer who places an order.

You don’t need a massive marketing budget to build a buzz around your garment decorating business. By starting local, using the power of social media, and offering real value to customers, you can start generating income and building a strong reputation quickly.

Remember: Sometimes a free shirt with the right logo in the right hands is the best marketing money you’ll never have to spend.