The stereotype goes that shoes is a woman’s weakness. While this isn’t true about all women, it’s definitely true about most fashionistas.

But it’s not just the shoes is it? It’s also the hair, the makeup, the coat, that scarf, the perfect pair of jeans… or yoga pants. There are many components to the perfect outfit, and fashionistas know how to pull it all together seamlessly.

Yet many struggle to transfer these same skills to their marketing and PR campaigns – whether they’re showing off their outfits or selling them. So here are five trendy tips to build your brand as you invite us into your closet and store.

1. Take High-Quality Photos

High quality photography is an asset for any brand, but none more so than those in the lifestyle sector. High-end photography sends a message about the quality of your products and services – even if it’s just to give advice on your personal blog.

With this goal in mind, consider investing in a professional camera and/or professional photographer. Selfies are a great way to show off an authentic look on occasion, but a media shot does a much better job of showing off your looks at all the best angles.

2. Focus your Social Media Efforts on Instagram

Many big fashion brands turn to famous celebrities to endorse their brands. This is a great strategy, but not one everyone can afford. That’s where Instagram comes in. Instagram is teeming with models looking for photographers to work with, and brands to endorse. Use this to your advantage.

You should also focus on growing your own Instagram account by posting some of those professional shots you took. Try to avoid posting pictures of just the clothing. People have a much better sense of how something fits by seeing it on someone else.

Now that Instagram is owned by Facebook, promoting posts on the website is as easy as cheese. As long as your pictures meet Instagram’s quality standards the Promote button will pop up. Click on it and follow through with the instructions. Set a budget for the month and spend it wisely.

3. Create an Online Store

Some fashionistas are really only concerned with showing off their looks – and that’s okay. For those looking to grow their income through selling their own brand, or recommended looks, consider opening an online store.

Back in the day, shoppers were skeptical about buying clothes online. We wanted to try them on and see how they fit first. These days, most of us gladly take the risk as long as we can get the size right. So be sure to include details on the sizing beyond just S, M, L etc.

Great sizing detail we’ve seen included some or all of the following details about the customer the clothing would best fit:

• Height
• Bust Size
• Waist Size
• Hip Size
• Weight
• US, UK and Asian size translations

4. Land Magazine Features

It hurts to say it, but print media is dying out and this is a fact. Many magazines and newspapers have shut down, reduced publication, and/or moved to an online platform.

Even so, there are still plenty of opportunities to get your work featured in magazines – whether you’re a fashionista who wears the clothes, makes it, picks it out, or sells it.

Contact editors months ahead of the publication season you have in mind. Editors create their content management schedules as early as six months ahead – sometimes more. It would be a bad idea to wait until summer to pitch bathing suits. You might want to reach out as early as winter or spring.

Pitch not just print magazines, but online magazines. Outside of big media publications, there are also smaller indie mags looking for talent to feature. Don’t rule them out. It could be a great opportunity to grow your portfolio as they usually allow more creative freedom.

5. Dress People

All visual media involving people requires clothes, right? Okay, these days, maybe not all. But for the most part, every mainstream video includes trendy dressers – whether they’re showing off dance moves, making us laugh, or applying ten pounds of makeup.

If you own a brand, this is a great way to get some air time. Contact your favorite comedians, fellow fashionistas, travel bloggers, yogis, and dancers to see how you can partner together.

You can try to pitch an ongoing deal with them to make them a brand ambassador, or simply send them free gear to wear in their videos.

If possible, always ask for credit in the footer of their videos, or at the end. This helps to build SEO for your website and boosts your visibility.

—

The ease of starting a clothing line and sharing outfits on blogs make the fashion industry one very saturated playing field. Even so, standing out from the crowd is easy if you know how to brand yourself.

If you’re a fashion brand looking to build a buzz above the saturated noise, drop us a line.

About the Author

Alexis Chateau is the Founder and Managing Director at Alexis Chateau PR. She is an activist, writer, and explorer. Follow her stories of trial and triumph at www.alexischateau.com.