Industry
Marketing and PR
Q: Should I work with a public relations firm to market my business?
A: While many designers do not, some find it beneficial to hire a professional, familiar with the media, to help you gain exposure through media placements and strategic events.
Additional Resources:
aboutpublicrelations.net
prfirms.org
The New Rules of Marketing and PR by David Meerman ScottQ: How do I market my business?
A: There is no one correct answer to this question. Marketing is a very broad area and therefore may require a lot of time and thought in order to build a good marketing plan. However, it is a crucial component to every successful business. First, determine your target customer. Then decide what channel and type of media will best reach your audience. In order to do this you must first have a clear idea of the identity of your brand or business. This includes the style, over-all themes and which category it falls into. This will help you choose the colors, fonts and images that represent you best.
You should incorporate your identity into your look books, line sheets, hangtags, website, press kit and anything else that you plan to use to market yourself. While fashion shows and trunks shows are another way to market your line, you should not undertake these events until you have all of your selling materials and brand identity in place.
Additional Resources:
fadmashion.com
sba.gov
score.org
The Fashion Designer Survival Guide by Mary GelharOnline Marketing Success Stories: Insider Secrets From the Experts Who Are Making Millions On the Internet Today by Rene Richards
Q: What are lookbooks and line sheets?
A: Lookbooks are “catalogues” produced by a designer each season displaying the lines they are selling to buyers or their customers. Line Sheets provide the details of each garment, color availability and suggest retail pricing among other details.
Additional Resources:
fashion-incubator.com
The Fashion Designer Survival Guide by Mary GelharQ: How can I market my product online?
A: Online marketing can be a cost-efficient way to provide the public with access to your line. It is however, a specialized channel and you should consult with a professional web designer and online marketing specialist. Together they will insure that your website is seen by your target customer by providing invaluable tools to optimize it’s placement on the internet. There are many things to consideration before marketing online. Please refer to some of the resources below to help you get started.
Additional Resources:
fadmashion.com
knowthis.com
sba.gov
score.gov
Online Marketing Success Stories: Insider Secrets From the Experts Who Are Making Millions On the Internet Today by Rene RichardsStreet Smart Internet Marketing – Tips, Tools, Tactics and Techniques to Market Your Product, Service, Business and Ideas Online by Justin Michie
Q: Should I hire someone to do my marketing?
A: Hiring a firm or individual that specializes in marketing can be beneficial in managing your time and gaining their expertise. However, this is an investment that you should plan into your budget, and interview several firms to make sure you find the right person that understands your business and is a fit for you.
Additional Resources:
sba.gov
score.org
The Fashion Designer Survival Guide by Mary GelharOnline Marketing Success Stories: Insider Secrets From the Experts Who Are Making Millions On the Internet Today by Rene Richards