![Custom Printed T-Shirts: how to post engaging content [content idea list]](http://onlineyougrow.com/cdn/shop/articles/cov-marketing-plan-8_10ae554f-5cad-4a74-88c1-27bae26ebca8.png?v=1715865658&width=1100)
Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best custom printed t-shirt businesses use strategically to attract customers.
We know you're busy running your t-shirt business and the thought of managing social media might feel like another burden.
But here's the deal: you don't need to be a marketing expert or spend a fortune to make it work. Just a few minutes a day can bring a couple of new customers to your store.
To help you out, we have built a free list of content ideas - also, for a full action plan, please check our strategy pack for t-shirt business owners.
Get the content idea list made for t-shirt business owners
A lot of t-shirts businesses manage to post engaging content on social media. Here is a free tool to to get you started.
Content that always work well for a custom printed t-shirts business
We have studied dozens of custom printed t-shirt businesses’ social media accounts when building strategy pack for custom printed t-shirts - here is what seems to always work.
| Content Type | Why It Works to Get New Customers for Your Custom Printed T-Shirts Business |
|---|---|
| High-Quality Product Photos | Visually appealing images of your t-shirts can make potential customers excited about the designs, encouraging them to make a purchase. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Videos | Showcasing the printing process, design creation, and your team builds trust and creates a connection with the audience. |
| Customer Testimonials | Positive reviews and testimonials from real customers provide social proof and encourage others to buy your t-shirts. |
| Specials and Promotions | Announcing limited-time offers, discounts, and bundle deals can attract new customers looking for great deals. |
| User-Generated Content | Sharing content created by customers (photos, reviews) engages the community and adds authenticity to your brand. |
| Local Collaborations | Partnering with local influencers or businesses can introduce your t-shirts to a broader, local audience. |
| Event Announcements | Promoting upcoming events, pop-up shops, or special sales can attract new visitors interested in unique shopping experiences. |
| Seasonal and Holiday Posts | Highlighting seasonal designs or holiday-themed t-shirts can attract customers looking for special items during those times. |
| Interactive Content | Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions engage followers and create a sense of community, encouraging them to make a purchase. |
| Design Shares | Sharing the stories behind your designs can intrigue fashion enthusiasts and motivate them to buy your unique t-shirts. |
| New Arrivals Updates | Regularly updating followers with new arrivals keeps your business top-of-mind and encourages spontaneous purchases. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Staff Stories | Featuring stories about the staff members creates a personal connection and humanizes your brand. |
| Fashion Tips | Sharing tips on how to style your t-shirts can engage followers who are fashion enthusiasts and inspire them to buy. |
| Sustainability Initiatives | Highlighting sustainable practices or eco-friendly materials appeals to environmentally conscious consumers. |
| Customer Spotlights | Featuring regular customers creates a sense of community and makes others want to be part of that group. |
| Contests and Giveaways | Running contests and giveaways can increase engagement and attract new followers, many of whom may convert into customers. |
Some t-shirts businesses make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best t-shirts businesses in the world. Replicate them now!
How can t-shirt business owners make great content on social media?
What to Prioritize
You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your custom printed t-shirts are essential.
People shop with their eyes first. Make sure the lighting is good, the designs are clear, and the presentation is appealing.
Also, post regularly to keep your audience engaged. It doesn’t have to be daily, but find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. We have prepared a free social media planner for you.
Of course, respond to comments and messages quickly. People appreciate interaction and it makes them feel valued. Don’t just be another “bland” account.
Show the real side of your business. Behind-the-scenes photos, staff stories, and customer shoutouts can create a personal connection with your audience.
If you want to keep your potential customers excited, highlight any special offers, new designs, or seasonal collections. Make sure your followers know what’s new and exciting.
Finally, share positive reviews and testimonials. Social proof is powerful and can help attract new customers.
What Doesn’t Matter as Much
Overly polished content does not really matter. Your posts don’t need to be perfect. Authenticity can be more engaging than highly produced content.
Also, don’t feel pressured to jump on every social media trend. Focus on what fits your brand “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your custom t-shirt business, don’t immediately go for paid Ads. Organic reach can still be effective with good content and engagement. You will find tons of tactics and strategies in our strategy pack for t-shirt business owners.
How to Do It Fast and Efficient
First, spend a few hours once a week taking photos, recording videos, and drafting posts. This way, you’re not scrambling daily.
Use Scheduling Tools - tools like Buffer or Hootsuite can schedule posts in advance, saving you time.
Repurpose and use the same content across different platforms. A photo on Instagram can be a post on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter.
Encourage customers to share their own photos and tag your business. This is what we call “User-Generated Content”. Reposting these can save you time and build community.
Use apps like Canva for quick and easy graphic design, or Lightroom for photo editing. These tools can make your content look professional with minimal effort.
Low-budget content ideas for t-shirts businesses on social media
Our team has curated this list featuring very specific, low-budget content ideas tailored for custom printed t-shirts businesses, with practical tips to keep costs down and effectively use social media.
You might want to incorporate some of these ideas in the marketing plan of your custom t-shirt business.
| Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
|---|---|
| Smartphone T-Shirt Photos | Use natural light by positioning t-shirts near windows during daytime. Enhance photos with free apps like Snapseed or VSCO. |
| Customer Testimonials | Ask satisfied customers to leave a quick video testimonial on their phone. Offer a discount on their next purchase as a thank-you. |
| User-Generated Content | Encourage customers to share photos of themselves wearing your t-shirts by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag your business on Instagram. |
| DIY Design Videos | Film short, simple tutorials on how to create custom t-shirt designs using a smartphone and a basic tripod. Use free editing software like iMovie or OpenShot. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Stories | Use Instagram Stories or Facebook Live to give a real-time look at your design process or introduce the team during slow hours. |
| New Design Posts | Design simple, eye-catching graphics for new t-shirt designs using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description and a high-quality photo. |
| Staff Spotlights | Feature staff members with a casual photo and fun facts about them. Use your smartphone and a natural setting in your workspace. |
| Simple Polls and Questions | Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their favorite t-shirt designs or suggestions for new ones. |
| Local Event Promotions | Collaborate with local events by offering a small discount or coupon. Cross-promote each other's content to reach a wider audience. |
| Community Involvement Posts | Post photos and short stories about your participation in local charity events or partnerships with community organizations. |
| Customer Spotlights | Highlight loyal customers with their favorite t-shirt designs. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their experience with your business. |
| Homemade T-Shirt Photos | Create attractive settings using inexpensive items like backdrops, props, and lighting from dollar stores. |
| Sustainability Tips | Share eco-friendly practices such as using organic cotton or recycled materials. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of the t-shirt printing process, such as screen printing or heat pressing. Compile them into a quick video using free tools. |
| Simple Contests and Giveaways | Run social media contests where participants like, share, or tag friends to win a free custom t-shirt. Use prizes that are cost-effective like a free design consultation. |
| Seasonal Design Posts | Highlight seasonal t-shirt designs using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the design to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best t-shirts businesses in the world!
There are t-shirts businesses that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Exceptionally creative and innovative content ideas specifically for t-shirts businesses
Investing in high-quality social media content for your custom printed t-shirts business can be a game-changer. Many competitors might not put in the effort, giving you a golden opportunity to stand out, capture attention, and build a loyal customer base.
| Content Type | Why It Could Bring a LOT of Customers |
|---|---|
| Live Design Sessions | Hosting live or recorded design sessions where your artists create custom t-shirt designs in real-time can engage your audience and showcase your creative process. |
| Interactive 360° Studio Tours | Offering virtual 360° tours of your design studio and printing facilities can provide a unique behind-the-scenes experience and build trust with potential customers. |
| Limited Edition Collections | Creating buzz with limited edition or seasonal t-shirt collections available for a short time can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat customers. |
| Custom Design Workshops | Offering exclusive workshops where customers can learn to design their own t-shirts can create a memorable experience and encourage word-of-mouth referrals. |
| AR T-Shirt Previews | Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology that allows customers to see a 3D representation of t-shirt designs on themselves can enhance the shopping experience and attract tech-savvy customers. |
| Themed Design Contests | Hosting themed design contests, such as a Halloween t-shirt design competition, can provide a unique and immersive experience, attracting creative individuals and groups. |
| Design Challenge Contests | Organizing design challenge contests (e.g., creating a t-shirt design in under 30 minutes) can create viral moments, attracting competitive designers and spectators. |
| Collaborative Pop-Up Shops | Partnering with other local artists or businesses to host pop-up shops can introduce your t-shirt business to new audiences and create a buzz in the community. |
| Story-Driven Social Media Posts | Sharing in-depth stories about the inspiration behind your designs, the artists you collaborate with, or the personal journey of your founders can create an emotional connection with customers. |
| Interactive Design Polls | Allowing customers to vote on design elements via social media polls can make them feel involved and eager to purchase the creations they helped influence. |
| Eco-Friendly Initiatives | Launching and promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as using sustainable materials or eco-friendly printing practices, can attract environmentally conscious consumers and media attention. |
| Mobile Printing Pop-Ups | Operating a mobile printing unit at different locations or local events can expand your reach and attract new customers who may visit your main store or website later. |
| Design Subscription Service | Offering a subscription service where customers receive monthly custom t-shirt designs can create a loyal customer base and provide a steady revenue stream. |
| Immersive Design Workshops | Hosting workshops where customers can learn advanced design techniques from your artists can attract design enthusiasts and create a sense of exclusivity. |
| Flash Mob Design Events | Organizing flash mob design events in unexpected locations can create viral content and attract adventurous customers looking for unique experiences. |
Content that never works well for t-shirts businesses on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these strategies. We've seen many custom printed t-shirt businesses make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the crowd or bring in new customers for your business.
| Content Type | Why It Never Works for T-Shirt Businesses | Do This Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make your brand appear unoriginal or untrustworthy. | Use real photos of your custom t-shirts, your design process, and your team to create a genuine connection with your audience. |
| Overly Promotional Posts | Constantly pushing promotions can feel spammy and turn off followers. | Mix in engaging content like behind-the-scenes stories, customer testimonials, and interactive posts to keep your audience interested. |
| Unrelated Content | Posting content that has nothing to do with t-shirts or your business confuses followers and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on your t-shirts, design inspirations, events, and related topics to maintain relevance and interest. |
| Low-Quality Videos | Poorly shot or edited videos can reflect badly on your business's quality and professionalism. | Invest in basic video equipment or hire a local videographer to produce high-quality videos that showcase your t-shirts positively. |
| Political or Controversial Posts | These can alienate parts of your audience and lead to negative backlash. | Stick to neutral, positive content that focuses on your t-shirts, community, and your business's unique offerings. |
| Too Many Hashtags | Overusing hashtags can look desperate and reduce engagement by making posts look cluttered. | Use a few relevant, targeted hashtags to increase visibility without overwhelming your audience. |
| Automated Replies and Messages | They can come off as impersonal and frustrate customers looking for genuine interaction. | Respond personally to comments and messages to show that you care about your customers and value their feedback. |
| Overly Staged Photos | Photos that look too perfect can seem inauthentic and less relatable. | Use natural lighting and casual settings to make your photos feel more genuine and inviting. |
| Constant Self-Promotion | Only talking about your t-shirts can bore followers and reduce engagement. | Share user-generated content, collaborate with local artists, and highlight community involvement to diversify your content. |
| Negative or Defensive Responses | Responding poorly to criticism can damage your reputation and discourage potential customers. | Address negative feedback calmly and constructively, showing that you are willing to improve and value customer input. |
| Ignoring Social Media Trends | Being out of touch with current trends can make your business seem outdated and unappealing. | Stay updated with social media trends and incorporate them creatively into your content strategy to keep your audience engaged and excited. |
| Excessive Posting | Posting too frequently can overwhelm your followers and lead to unfollows. | Maintain a consistent but moderate posting schedule, ensuring each post adds value and keeps your audience looking forward to your updates. |
| Complex or Confusing Promotions | Promotions that are hard to understand can frustrate customers and deter participation. | Offer simple, clear, and straightforward promotions that are easy for customers to grasp and engage with. |
| Ignoring Comments and Messages | Not engaging with your audience can make them feel undervalued and reduce their loyalty. | Regularly respond to comments and messages to build a strong, interactive community around your business. |
Make your custom printed t-shirts store more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best t-shirts businesses in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your custom printed t-shirts store
We understand that as a custom printed t-shirts business owner, you might feel hesitant about diving into social media marketing.
The world of social media can seem foreign and filled with confusing jargon. You might believe that it's more suited for big corporations rather than small businesses like yours.
The day-to-day demands of running a custom t-shirt business are already overwhelming, leaving little time for additional tasks like social media.
It's common to think that social media marketing is an expensive endeavor, one that your tight profit margins can't support. Plus, the sheer number of social media platforms can lead to indecision and skepticism, especially if previous efforts haven't yielded the results you hoped for.
That's why we've created a "marketing pack" specifically tailored for custom printed t-shirts businesses like yours.
Our pack addresses all the issues you might face, offering simple, cost-effective strategies that don't require a marketing expert or a big budget for your t-shirt business. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small custom t-shirt businesses on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your t-shirt business's visibility online.
With our marketing pack, you can invest in your business's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your custom printed t-shirts store could make more money!
Most t-shirt business owners don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.
