If you’re in the shirt-making, tumbler-printing, sticker-selling, or custom product industry, you know one thing: getting customers isn’t always easy! With so many businesses selling similar products, standing out and making consistent sales takes strategy.
But don’t worry—I’ve got you! Let’s break down the most effective sales strategies for small businesses so you can increase revenue, attract loyal customers, and scale your business. 👇
1. Sell the Experience, Not Just the Product
Customers don’t just want a custom tumbler or a printed shirt—they want a product that feels unique, personal, and high-quality.
📌 How to Sell the Experience:
✅ Use high-quality lifestyle photos that show your product in real use.
✅ Highlight what makes your product different (e.g., handmade, premium materials, limited editions).
✅ Tell a story! Share why you started your business and what makes your brand special.
🔥 Pro Tip: Use mockups from Placeit or design your own in Canva to create stunning product images!
2. Create Limited-Time Offers & Scarcity
People are more likely to buy when they feel a sense of urgency. A limited-time offer makes them feel like they’ll miss out if they don’t act fast.
📌 Examples of Scarcity-Driven Sales:
✅ "Only 10 left in stock!" (Perfect for limited designs!)
✅ Flash Sales – “24-Hour Sale! Get 15% Off Today Only!”
✅ Seasonal Exclusives – Limited-edition holiday or event-based designs.
🔥 Pro Tip: Add a countdown timer to your website using Hurrify to increase urgency!
3. Offer Bundles & Upsells
Instead of just selling one product, make more per transaction by bundling products together or offering upsells at checkout.
📌 Easy Ways to Increase Order Value:
✅ Offer a "Buy 2, Get 1 Free" deal.
✅ Bundle matching items (e.g., Custom Tumbler + Matching Sticker Pack).
✅ Add upsell pop-ups at checkout (e.g., “Upgrade to a larger size for just $3 more!”).
🔥 Pro Tip: Use ReConvert (Shopify app) to add upsells to your checkout page!
4. Use Social Proof to Build Trust
People trust other people more than they trust businesses. Show proof that real customers love your products!
📌 How to Use Social Proof to Boost Sales:
✅ Share customer reviews & testimonials on your website and product pages.
✅ Feature user-generated content (photos of customers using your products).
✅ Add a “Best Seller” tag to popular products.
🔥 Pro Tip: Use Loox (Shopify app) to collect and display photo reviews automatically!
5. Leverage Social Media for Sales
If you're not promoting your products on social media daily, you’re missing out on free sales!
📌 How to Sell More Using Social Media:
✅ Post behind-the-scenes videos of your production process.
✅ Run Instagram & TikTok giveaways to gain followers.
✅ Use Instagram & Facebook Shops so customers can buy directly from your posts.
✅ Post customer testimonials & shoutouts to build trust.
🔥 Pro Tip: Use Later to schedule social media posts in advance and stay consistent!
6. Make the Checkout Process Friction-Free
If your checkout process is complicated or confusing, people WILL abandon their cart.
📌 Ways to Improve Your Checkout Process:
✅ Offer guest checkout (don’t force customers to create an account).
✅ Accept multiple payment methods (PayPal, Apple Pay, Shop Pay).
✅ Display clear shipping costs upfront—no surprises at checkout.
🔥 Pro Tip: Use Shopify Payments for one-click checkout that makes buying faster!
7. Follow Up with Abandoned Cart Emails
📌 Did you know? 70% of online shoppers abandon their carts before completing a purchase! You can recover lost sales by sending a follow-up email.
✅ Send a reminder email (“Oops! You left something behind!”).
✅ Offer a small discount to close the sale.
✅ Include product images to tempt them back.
🔥 Pro Tip: Use Klaviyo to automate abandoned cart emails and recover lost sales!
8. Run Targeted Facebook & Instagram Ads
If you want consistent, predictable sales, running ads can put your products in front of the right people.
📌 Best Ad Types for Small Businesses:
✅ Retargeting Ads – Show your product again to people who visited your site but didn’t buy.
✅ Lookalike Audiences – Target people similar to your existing customers.
✅ Seasonal Promotions – Run holiday, birthday, or event-based sales ads.
🔥 Pro Tip: Use Meta Business Suite to track and manage ads easily.
9. Offer a Loyalty Program to Keep Customers Coming Back
Repeat customers spend 67% more than first-time buyers. A loyalty program gives them a reason to keep shopping with you!
📌 Ideas for Loyalty Programs:
✅ Points System – Earn points with each purchase to redeem later.
✅ VIP Tiers – Exclusive discounts for frequent buyers.
✅ Refer-a-Friend Bonus – Customers get rewards for bringing in new buyers.
🔥 Pro Tip: Use Smile.io to create a Shopify-friendly rewards program!
10. Build an Email List for Repeat Sales
Social media is great for marketing, but email is where the real money is. Your email list lets you sell directly to people who already love your brand!
📌 How to Build Your Email List:
✅ Offer a discount in exchange for their email (“Get 10% off your first order!”).
✅ Send weekly or monthly product updates.
✅ Create an exclusive VIP list for first access to new products.
🔥 Pro Tip: Use Shopify Email to send branded emails directly from your store!
Final Thoughts: The Key to Sales = Strategy 🚀
Making consistent sales as a small business is possible—but it takes more than just posting your products and hoping people buy. You need a clear strategy that attracts customers, builds trust, and increases conversions.
✅ Sell the experience, not just the product.
✅ Use urgency & scarcity to boost sales.
✅ Bundle products & offer upsells.
✅ Leverage social proof & customer reviews.
✅ Simplify your checkout process.
✅ Follow up with abandoned carts & email marketing.
💬 Which sales strategy has worked best for your business? Let’s chat in the comments! 🚀
