10 Ways to Promote Your Business with Heat Printing

June 5, 2009

By Cara Cherry, Contributing Writer

More publicity. Less competition. These are great reasons to start a business during a recession. Whether you’re new to the industry or already established, here are a few promotional ideas to help give your business a boost.

1. Heat apply your company name and phone number on the inside of every garment you personalize in a place where it won’t be seen when worn. This puts your business name in the hands of everyone who wears your product.

2. Sponsor a sports team or recreation league and make the uniforms yourself. Heat apply your company name or logo on the back or arm for additional publicity. You’ll be amazed at the new business this can bring.

3. Local high schools and colleges are a great place to drum up some new business. Contact the schools in your area to ask about having your products placed in the school store. Also, consider advertising your business in the school newspaper or on the school Web site.


Check with school stores and see if they’ll allow you to display items for sororities, fraternities, clubs and other school-related groups. Jacket features Jiminy Cricket custom pre-cut in acrylic felt.

4. Create a custom shirt, hat or jacket for the coach of the team or a company that recently ordered with you. Then when they wear the item and someone asks about the garment, you’ll get a referral.


Create a shirt or jacket for the team’s coach. Parents, assistant coaches and other fans may want one for themselves. Designs created using miniature script pre-cut letters.

5. Display samples! Perhaps you created a trendy print that might appeal to the collegiate crowd or maybe a unique design that might strike the fancy of your more fashion-forward customers. When customers walk in for one item they may end up walking out with a few more once they see all the remarkable products in your store.

6. Consider moving your heat press out of your back room to allow customers to see the application process. Aren’t we all a little intrigued by how things are made? Drawing attention to your press will give your customers the opportunity to see how their orders are made.


Display your heat press and let customers watch the application process. Press pictured: Hotronix Auto Clam.

7. Upsell! It’s always easier to convince someone to buy a little something extra when you’ve already applied their logo or design to a hat or bag. It might even sway them to place another order with you.


Upsell customers by displaying designs to other items. These were created using CAD-CUT Thermo-FILM heat transfer vinyl.

8. Create uniforms for your own employees using different types of materials. Let them select clothes that they like and feel comfortable in. T-shirts, aprons, button-downs, and polo shirts are all great choices for creating professional corporate clothing.

9. Tryouts and player signs ups are a great place to pick up new customers. If you currently decorate uniforms for leagues, ask to be present at the player sign ups to offer your other products and services.

10. Create your own website, write your own blog, start a Facebook page, or Twitter away! Use every possible and appropriate opportunity to communicate your message, upcoming promotions or products to your customers.

* All Images Courtesy of Stahls’ ID Direct

Cara Cherry is a representative of the public relations & advertising department of Stahls' ID Direct, St. Clair Shores, Mich.

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