How To Promote Your Cause With Custom T-shirts In 4 Dependable Steps
Do you have a cause which you would like to promote and support through fundraisers? Think custom t-shirts!
Custom T-shirts are one of the most popular promotional product items, which you can use to promote your cause. In 2020, the global custom apparel and t-shirt market was worth about $3.64 billion, and between 2021 and 2028, it is set to grow at a CAGR of 9.7%. Also, the Asia Pacific region dominated the custom t-shirt printing market with a share of 37.6% in 2020.
As per a 2020 study by Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), 80% of consumers hold promotional T-shirts. Consumers also tend to hold onto promotional t-shirts for a relatively long period, an average of 14 months. There is an increasing trend towards custom products, as consumers want to display their individuality and stand out from the crowd.
And, promotional t-shirts generate a significant number of impressions throughout their lifetime.
Image via ASI Research
You can channelize this robust promotional power of t-shirts to promote your cause.
Let us take you through the top 4 steps to promote your cause using custom t-shirts.
1. Set your promotional and fundraising campaign goals:
Define why you are planning to promote a particular cause and the goals that you need to set to achieve them. What is your budget for promoting the cause? Are you looking to raise funds for your cause, along with spreading awareness?
Set a realistic end target for fundraising and identify the avenues (crowdsourcing platforms/social media/sale of merchandise on webstore) to achieve it.
Clear and well-thought-out goals will help you share the campaign articulately and connect with volunteers, supporters, and the public.
Shop Local Raleigh teamed up with local artist Paul Friedrich to design this fundraising t-shirt. The aim of the fundraiser was to help support small businesses during the pandemic. The hashtag #ShowSomeLocalLove was used to promote the cause.
2. Design an attractive T-shirt with a powerful slogan
Refugee charity Choose Love partnered with London artist, Lakwena, to release limited edition t-shirts for fundraising. 100% of profits will go directly towards Choose Love’s 180 partner organizations.
Image via merch.choose.love
T-shirts are walking billboards. Design your T-shirt with attractive colors that resonate with your cause. Brainstorm with your creative team and come up with a slogan that will tell the world about your cause and create an impact. Place yourself in your audience's shoes when you are finalizing your cause t-shirt. Is this design leaving an impact on you? Would you like to be seen wearing this slogan on your tee?
Bottom line: Your t-shirts should spark conversations around your cause!
This unique tee was designed by the lead singer Ellie of the rock band Wolf Alice for Trekstock, an organization that supports young adults with cancer. The inspiration for the tee design came from the idea of things that are supposed to be menacing and scary show their human, sensitive side - much like the Beast in Beauty and the Beast. 100% of profits from this tee go to Trekstock, supporting young adults to get moving again, once cancer puts their lives on hold.
Image via Trekstock
3. Scout for a trusted custom merch supplier
Gumtoo, a trusted supplier for all your promotional product requirements
When you are implementing a fundraising campaign using t-shirts, you will have many questions such as:
Based on my budget and campaign, what type of t-shirt material should I opt for: cotton or Dri-Fit?
Should I choose round neck tees or polo t-shirts for the fundraiser?
I intend to create limited edition t-shirts, so I have a low MOQ. How will I get custom tees with a low MOQ?
Will my design and slogan look good on a t-shirt?
Will I be able to get custom-cause t-shirts with a limited budget?
Choosing the right vendor for your campaign is the most important decision you will make! Scout for vendors with a high score and good reviews on genuine rating platforms such as TrustPilot. Check customer testimonials for vendors on their website and social media. Check for clear and transparent payment terms and returns policy.
You should choose a vendor that understands your concerns and is willing to work with you through the entire process. A dedicated vendor will help you with the process of designing the tees, choosing the right material, and the right type of tees to match your budget and fundraising requirements.
4. Promote your cause and fundraiser with an impactful campaign
You can think about using a crowdfunding platform such as Kickstarter, Patreon, or GoFundMe. You can check for more crowdfunding platform options here.
Or you could run the fundraiser on your website or online store or a dedicated landing page with a clear call to action (CTA) for your campaign. Use your social media channels to promote your fundraiser with personal stories that connect with your audience, impactful images and short, but powerful videos on why people should donate to your cause. And remember to create and use relevant hashtags to promote your fundraiser!
We hope you found this post on how to promote your cause and raise fund using custom t-shirts useful!