5 Tips That Will Grow Your T-Shirt Business in 2025 | Videos

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Hey friends, Dave here with Transfer Express and with the new year here, there’s no better time to start your own t-shirt business or grow your hobby, side-hustle or passion into a full time job.

So to kick us off right looking into 2025, we’re going to dive into 5 quick tips that you can put into practice that’ll be sure to build your business or brand!

We’re going to share 5 high-impact and actionable strategies that have helped other apparel decorators build their business, from finding your audience, to leveraging trending decorations, organic marketing and sales strategies and of course, we have to touch on easy ways to improve efficiency.

I guarantee you’ll be able to take away at least one thing from this video and put it into practice to benefit you.

2025 is your year- and here at Transfer Express we’re in your corner every step of the way. In addition to the custom heat transfers, heat presses and blank apparel on our website, we do so much more at Transfer Express to help your business succeed, from the free Easy View online designer to helpful ebooks, trend guides, and even some small business success tips, just like this video!

So let’s kick off your first steps to a successful 2025. Ready? Let’s DIVE IN!

Starting right off the top- the first tip is one of the most important- find a niche and run with it. Finding your audience makes all of your other efforts far more directed, relevant and successful.

You don't even have to look too far, you can start by researching your passions, hobbies and interests! Reflect on what you’re passionate about. For example, do you love sports, pop culture, or books? Aligning your business with personal interests keeps you motivated and authentic- especially with any social media content or advertising you may be doing. But more on that later.

By using something you already know, you’re one step closer to being an expert, because you can focus on what that audience values. Take my father-in-law for example- retiring from the construction trades after a full career on the jobsite, he knows what’s important to other construction workers (and the bosses). Things like moisture wicking apparel, reflective and visibility requirements for safety, of course, all the way down to costs and easily replaceable t-shirts that get ripped and torn easily. He can already leverage the relationships he’s built outside of the decorating for success with selling custom apparel! The little bonuses of knowing workers collect stickers on hard hats can be a big value add, too. But you see, there’s a lot of value not looking too far from what you already know!

In a book club or a member of a local library? Even just suggesting tote bags to carry books can go along with the cozy hoodies you’re printing are a great addition, too! But more on that later.

Have a niche in mind but aren’t an expert? No worries! There’s free tools online that you can use to do even more research. Using AI to do some market research is easy! Just ask Chat GPT, or look at Google Trends, Pinterest, or Instagram hashtags to identify emerging demands.

After you research, you’ll likely come across needs, but also those pain points- or the “ick” that your audience has- And this is where you really build value and stand out!

There’s a wide world of clothing brands and print shops out there. Why would someone choose you? That quick turn time? A wide range of options? The guidance and expert suggestions for apparel? Speak directly to potential customers in your target demographic to understand their needs and capitalize on what they need.

Of course, you’ll want to ensure there’s profitability in your chosen target market too. Say you choose something like surfers in your local area. Sure, there may be a couple thousand actual surfers, but you’re unlikely to sell to every one of them. So if there’s 2,000 people in your target audience, at a modest 10% conversion rate, at best you have 200 customers. Is that enough? Or would it be beneficial to also incorporate beach lovers, or more water-based leisure activities to ensure a more profitable audience for you? Just things to consider.

Remember, you can always pivot or expand down the road, but to maximize your efforts right now, it’s best to speak directly to your target audience and not just “everyone”.

I got into the printing industry printing merch for my band. I knew what our fans liked to buy at shows and the styles that were popular and affordable so we could maximize our profits. I will say, playing shows other bands took note asking “where did you get your shirts printed?!” and it quickly turned into printing for more than just my band. Then, we started doing banners and stickers and even drumhead graphics that gained even more attention from other musicians with the solutions to help them succeed- building value!

With audiences and niches covered, the next tip is using the trending print locations, techniques and finishes that are relevant to your audience. Bulk runs in limited color for those budget-minded customers like our construction example above? Choosing something like a Goof Proof screen printed transfer is going to maximize your spend and amplify your profits, over say UltraColor Max direct to film printing when you're printing for the whole construction crew of 300.

Knowing what print locations to use is important, too. Say for that construction niche, having information as large back prints is important for visibility, as workers are typically, well, at work so their back is more visible than their front, when they’re laying in all of that electrical cable.

Getting samples is a great way to understand the different printing options you can produce with just a heat press, to show off maybe those specialty effects like reflective prints, or glow in the dark, puff or just those high-detailed, full color designs like UltraColor Max direct to film are capable of.

Samples will also help customers trust in your quality and with those DTF transfers, you can even just order one, to create a custom sample or prototype to help you convert those sales more!

Regardless of small orders or big orders, there’s a heat transfer you can use to ensure you can price your services competitively and still profit!

Next up, of course, is embracing social media for organic advertising. Social media is more important than ever before, and if you’re not posting about your business, you’re missing out.

Now, I know alot of us aren’t the social media pros, and you don't have to be! Be authentic and you and your audience will find you. And even if you’re shy about being on camera, you can always just snap photos of your finished products and just talk about them. The main thing here is to show what you do. If you don't show or tell people what you do, how will they know?!

It’s easy to find prospective customers this way too. Find the platform your audience is on. Construction companies or local businesses? Let’s head over to Linkedin or Instagram where those business owners are. Going for a community-centric approach, Facebook can be your go-to. Comment on others posts. Offer advice or expertise, participate and your following and visibility will grow!

No body is good at the start, but the pro tip is to just be consistent. Find a schedule that works for you and post. Maybe it's 2-3 times a week to start. Share your work, show the behind the scenes or spotlight one of your customers. There’s 3 content ideas right there! The best thing about this is there is no cost, it’s free. All it takes is a little time.

I know I mentioned it before, but upselling is our next tip. While getting new customers is awesome and a great way to grow your business, it can be time consuming or expensive to attract new customers. Try to sell more to those customers you already have! Maintaining relationships and staying top of mind is important but if you can add on 50 tote bags to the 50 hoodies you’re already printing (like our example earlier) that really pads your revenue, and profit.

Our last tip here today is finding the tools that makes everything you do quicker and easier. From things like Easy View online designer that makes creating custom t-shirt artwork easy and effortless for anyone, regardless of your experience with Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator. Free designs can be a huge differentiator for you that can help you stand out from the competition. And Easy View is your secret weapon!

I will say, if you’re spending hours on design, you should be charging accordingly for it. Time is money in any industry, and especially in the printing industry. But with the catalog of trending, customizable layouts, premade designs and clipart, you’ll have t-shirt artwork ready to go in minutes! Coupled with the mockup tool in here, you can go from idea to a mockup for your customer in minutes, all for free. No expense needed (until you need to order the transfers themselves, of course!)

I did also want to mention, as a small business, side-hustler, or hobbyist, every decision you make builds your foundation for success. One of the biggest keys to growth is quality. Your customers will remember the feel of a premium t-shirt, the vibrancy of a print, and the confidence of wearing something that lasts.

Skimping on the cheapest transfers or cutting corners might save a few dollars now, but it can cost you in the long run. Poor quality means returns, refunds, and lost trust—things that can stunt your growth. Investing in reliable, professional-grade transfers sets you apart, earns customer loyalty, and makes you the go-to business in your niche.

Quality isn’t just a product—it’s your reputation. When you prioritize it, you build a business that lasts. 2025 is the year to stand out, deliver excellence, and grow beyond your expectations.

Ready? Of course you are! This is the year you turn dreams into action. Whether you’re running a small business, growing a side hustle, or leveling up your hobby, remember this: you have what it takes. The world and your customers needs your creativity, your grit, and your unique vision.

Of course, challenges will come, but they’re just stepping stones to growth. Stay focused, embrace new tools, and don’t be afraid to stand out. Success is built one decision, one project, one customer at a time. By taking just small steps consistently. Come this time next year, you’ll look back and see just how far you’ve come.

Believe in yourself, trust the process, and keep pushing forward. 2025 is the year you rise. Let’s make it happen!

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Until next time, I'm Dave, happy pressing!