Are you sick and tired of working at a job that is not fulfilling creatively and professionally? We hear you! There’s nothing worse than getting in the car and driving to a job you don’t love – especially since you’re probably there more than anywhere else. That said, there’s no better time to change things up and focus on what matters most – which is doing what you love and what makes you happy.
These days, it’s entirely possible to make money doing what you love. Whether you’re a photographer, foodie, floral aficionado, or artist, there are so many ways to turn your passion into a business venture. If you’re ready to say goodbye to that unfulfilling office job and say hello to doing what you love, you will not only improve your day-to-day, but you’ll improve your mental health, too.
While we’re totally on-board with following your dreams, we recommend taking things slow at first. When you open your side business, you get to be your own boss, designer, creative director, and marketing professional. And with online sales growing more and more, there’s never been a better time to set up a website and start selling your goods.
The benefits of online retail are huge! We’ve talked to so many customers who’s lives have been changed by taking the plunge into their own T-shirt Setting up an online retail store allows for:
Little to No Start-Up Costs
With a retail store, you need inventory, employees, computers, and supplies. With an online store, you need no inventory (you can print products when you get orders), no physical space, and zero employees, which is a major win when it comes to overhead costs.
Experimentation
When you have an online store, you can create new products, test what works and what doesn’t, and try things that are fun and outside-the-box. When you experiment in the online space, you won’t lose as much money if you create printed, physical collateral that a retail store would require.
We know how crucial product testing is, which is why we have no minimums–we want our customers to be able to order small runs of different styles so they can test the waters with no risk. Customers are also free to snag our images from our media gallery, photoshop their artwork on the images and upload as their own. We stock over 60 million blanks, so as soon as you know a style is going to be hot, we can turn your order the same day it’s received!
Results
With an online store, you have the benefit of using SEO marketing, which will help you become more visible to potential customers. SEO allows you to reach more and more people over the internet, in comparison to traditional offline marketing, which targets specific people and demographics.
To start your own online store and do what you love, we recommend that you first find your niche and run with it. Next, generate beautiful designs by working with a designer or using an online site that’ll help you create imagery that your customers will love. Once finished, setup and launch your store by working with website hosting companies that match your aesthetic. Finally, when it comes to marketing, it’s key to target people who match your niche and will enjoy what you’re selling. Facebook and Instagram offer an easy-to-use, low-cost ad platform that allows you to target your market. Try to create ads that feel more lifestyle (as opposed to promotional) because those are the ads much more likely to convert leads into customers.
While a 9-5 job is no doubt a secure option, it’s so nice to turn what you love into a career. If you aren’t satisfied with your job, try starting an e-commerce store as a side project. You’ll be amazed by the initial customers you’ll snag just through your own network of friends and family. Ready to take the plunge and begin a gig you’ll enjoy? Let us know what you’re planning to do in the comment section below!
