Creating merchandise that is Instagram-worthy is an exciting journey that combines creativity, quality, and a deep understanding of your target audience. In today’s social media-driven world, having merchandise that grabs attention, inspires engagement, and looks fantastic on Instagram can be a game-changer for your brand.
So, let’s dive into the steps you can take to create merchandise that will make your Instagram feed shine!
1. Identify Your Brand Identity and Target Audience
The first step to creating Instagram-worthy merchandise is understanding your brand identity and your target audience. What sets your brand apart from your competitors? What are your values, personality, and aesthetics? Once you clearly understand your brand, you can tailor your merchandise to align perfectly with your brand identity. Equally important is understanding your target audience. What are their preferences, interests, and style? And most importantly, why are they following you? Do they want to see your products, purchase through Instagram or learn more about behind-the-scenes? By knowing your audience inside and out, you can create merchandise that resonates with them and captures their attention on Instagram.
Take Vegemite for example, their audience is Aussie enthusiasts passionate about everything Vegemite. However, the profile also has followers from across the globe, because Vegemite is iconically Australian. The page has a strong visual identity to the brand’s style guide; consistently using the yellow, red, black and white accompanied by professional campaign photography. It’s a stylish, fun and professional social media look.
2. Design and Aesthetics
When it comes to Instagram, visuals are key! Your merchandise should have a design and aesthetic that is visually stunning and reflects your brand’s unique style. Consider the colour scheme, patterns, typography, and imagery that will make your merchandise stand out in the Instagram feed. Research what your competitors are doing too, this might help you differentiate.
3. Quality
Instagram-worthy merchandise doesn’t just look good in photos; it also feels great in real life. Ensuring high-quality materials and printing methods will not only enhance the overall look and feel of your merchandise but also contribute to customer satisfaction and positive reviews. When your customers receive a well-crafted, premium-quality product, they’ll be even more excited to share it on Instagram. This means additional content for your brand, as it will appear in the tagged section of your profile. Plus, if the content is really good, you can even ask the customer’s permission to repost your brand’s profile (this is also known as User-Generated Content or UGC).
A great example of this is local artists turning their creations in retail, profitable, promotional products. Take Veronic Porlier for example. What started out as a cute illustration back in 2020, has turned into a range of cute character pins, socks and bags. We love this creative business approach to merchandise.
4. Photography
In the world of Instagram, stunning product photography is a must. Invest in professional-grade photography to showcase your merchandise in the best possible light. Good lighting, creative compositions, and attention to detail are crucial for capturing attention on Instagram. Experiment with different angles, backgrounds, and setups to create captivating images that make your merchandise irresistible.
5. Packaging
Don’t forget about the packaging! The unboxing experience is a golden opportunity to make a memorable impression. Design packaging that not only protects your merchandise but also looks Instagram-worthy. Consider unique details, personalized messages, or even surprise extras that will delight your customers and encourage them to share their unboxing experience on Instagram.
The most well-known packaging brand that has aced its social media strategy is noissue. Has one of the founding packaging companies to provide fully decomposible and eco-friendly packaging options, small to medium businesses fell in love with their aesthetics. Many use noissue because they have a huge range in colour and design options — making packaging and unboxing orders that much more enjoyable.
6. User-Generated Content
One of the most powerful ways to showcase your merchandise on Instagram is through user-generated content (UGC). Encourage your customers to share photos of themselves using or wearing your merchandise and create a branded hashtag to collect and feature their posts. UGC not only provides free publicity for your brand but also fosters a sense of community and authenticity around your merchandise.
7. Influencer Marketing
Collaborating with Instagram influencers who align with your brand can significantly boost your visibility and reach. Seek out influencers who have an engaged audience that matches your target demographic. When influencers feature your merchandise, their endorsement carries weight and can generate buzz and interest among their followers. It’s a fantastic way to increase brand awareness and drive sales.
Fashion retail social media pages are great at using influencers to showcase their products. A great example of this is Cider, who uses a range of Instagram mid-level influencers to musicians like Willow Smith.
8. Tell A Story
Instagram is not just a platform for pretty pictures; it’s a storytelling platform. Use your captions, images, and videos to tell the story behind your merchandise. Share the inspiration behind the design, the craftsmanship that goes into creating it, or the impact it has on your customers’ lives. By sharing meaningful stories, you’ll create a deeper connection with your audience and make your merchandise even more appealing.
9. Create Teasers and Launch Campaigns
Building anticipation for your merchandise launch is key to generating excitement and curiosity among your audience. Teasers and launch campaigns can create a buzz around your upcoming merchandise, generating a sense of anticipation and exclusivity. Utilize social media platforms, email marketing, and your website to provide sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or teaser images/videos that leave your audience wanting more. Engage them with captivating captions and compelling storytelling that build excitement and intrigue. As the launch date approaches, intensify the campaign, revealing more details and offering incentives or limited-time promotions to encourage early purchases. By strategically crafting teasers and launch campaigns, you’ll create a sense of anticipation that sets the stage for a successful merchandise launch. Get ready to watch the excitement unfold and see your audience eagerly await the moment they can finally get their hands on your amazing merchandise!
In summary…
In conclusion, creating Instagram-worthy merchandise involves a careful blend of creativity, quality, and a deep understanding of your brand and target audience. Following these steps and infusing your merchandise with style and storytelling can captivate your audience and make your brand shine on Instagram.
So, embrace the power of Instagram as a platform to showcase your visually striking merchandise. Invest in high-quality design, photography, and packaging to create an exceptional visual experience. Encourage user-generated content and collaborate with influencers to amplify your reach.
By taking these steps, you’ll not only create merchandise that is Instagram-worthy but also foster a strong connection with your customers. Unleash your creativity — your brand’s success on Instagram awaits!
