Introduction
Starting on my e-commerce journey Tee Drip Studios
1. Conceptualization
The concept of my e-commerce business was born from a combination of creativity and the potential for passive income. I decided that creating unique and detailed t-shirt designs would be a fun and rewarding venture. However, I had no idea where to start. From registering my LLC, opening a business bank account, and a few name changes in between Its been quite the process. I initially hired freelancers from Fiverr, but quickly realized the importance of having a professional team. Making mistakes along the way was a little bit costly and my first lesson in my journey.
2. Design and Development
Recognizing the need for expertise, I crafted a professional job listing on Upwork and hired a team of web developers specializing in Shopify store creation. Their portfolio impressed me, and I was confident in their abilities. Over the course of two months, and with significant investment of time and money, we developed an incredible fully custom made professional website that is finally ready to launch today.
Creating detailed and appealing t-shirt designs involved extensive research into popular trends. I aimed to offer designs that were not only intricate but also stood out in the market.
3. Marketing and Promotion Strategies
To navigate the complex world of social media marketing, I also hired a dedicated marketing and promo expert named Hazzy. His role is to help my brand go viral and manage advertising across TikTok, Amazon Merch on Demand, Facebook, and Instagram. Initially, we are focusing on organic marketing to gauge which designs resonate with our audience and where to concentrate our efforts.
4. Setting Up Social Media Presence
With the website in development, I knew the importance of a strong social media presence. I created business pages on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. These platforms are essential for reaching potential customers and building my new brand Tee Drip Studios. Developing these pages involved strategic planning and consistent effort to engage with followers and build a community around the brand.
5. TikTok Shop Acceptance
Getting accepted to TikTok Shop was a significant milestone. The process required dedication, with Hazzy spending three days straight uploading designs and crafting listing descriptions. TikTok Shop offers incredible sales potential and positions itself as a new Amazon, making early entry very exciting.
6. Lessons Learned So Far
Throughout this journey, I have learned invaluable lessons. Hiring the right team is crucial, as is being organized from the start. Dedication and hard work are essential, and the process requires continuous learning and adaptation. There were nights my brain was frazzled and trying to learn all the ins and outs of these platforms was very overwhelming. I honestly think my love for computers and the fact im kind of a geek helped me push through these stressful moments.
Conclusion
Launching my e-commerce website has been a challenging yet rewarding experience. From the initial idea in March to today's launch, the journey has been filled with learning and growth. If I sell even one shirt or 20,000, starting my first real business has been an amazing experience.