*This is a contributed post by Emilia Ross, schedule-life.com. This post contains affiliate links.
The fashion industry is notoriously competitive and tough to break into. If you’re trying to make it in this field, one of the most important steps is making sure your work gets seen. Whether you’re a boutique owner, stylist, designer, or photographer, it’s important that you build a name for yourself. The great news is that there are plenty of promotional tools that are cheap and easy to use. Read on for some resources that can help you raise your profile and get noticed in the fashion world.
Set yourself up as a formal business entity
If you want to run a successful fashion business, you’ve got to treat it as just that—a business. Register your company as a formal legal entity, like a limited liability company. You’ll enjoy perks like easier tax filing and greater flexibility. Don’t stress about hiring an expensive lawyer to manage the paperwork. Instead, use an online formation service to set it up. However, note that every state has its own LLC formation rules, so check your state’s guidelines before going ahead. You want to make sure you submit the right paperwork.
Create a website to showcase your products and services
A personal website is a wonderful way to share your sartorial talents with the world. For example, if you’re a stylist, you can showcase photos of looks you’ve created. If you’re a designer, you can post your portfolio. Again, there’s no need to hire a pricey professional like a web designer. Instead, put together your own website using a template tool like SquareSpace. Once your website is complete, use social media to share it more widely. There are many platforms fashion pros can try, from Triller to Twitch.
Photo Credit: Cottonbro Studio on Pexels.com
Design business cards to hand out
Digital tools like websites are great ways to promote your work. However, don’t discount the power of analog tools, like business cards. A business card can leave a lasting impression. It’s more noticeable than email, which simply gets shuffled to the bottom of an inbox. You can hand out cards to potential clients and at fashion networking events. If you’re looking to create your own business cards, try these pre-made templates. Select the one you like best and personalize it with text, images, fonts, and colors of your choice.
Attend networking events in the fashion field
A lot of making it in fashion is about knowing the right people. How do you get to know the right people? Networking. Check out fashion industry events online and make a point of attending those that are relevant to you. Come prepared with business cards. You can also connect with the fashion world online, for example by signing up for communities and newsletters. Gitana Styling has a newsletter list that provides you with industry trips and helps you find your own community of fashion professionals to connect with.
Use competitions as a chance to highlight your work
Competitions can be a wonderful way for all kinds of fashion newbies to get noticed. There are competitions for fashion photography, design, and styling, to name just a few. Info Designers has a round up of options that can help inspire you. When researching competitions, make sure to check eligibility criteria. For example, some competitions may only be open to people in certain locations or who have only limited experience in their field. If you win a competition, make sure to showcase that on your website and social channels.
Fashion can be a competitive field. By taking the time to promote yourself, you increase your odds of success. Best practices like creating business cards and attending networking events can go a long way.
Check out these resources for more tips for a successful fashion career.
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