HOW TO CREATE MERCH FOR YOUR BAND | Plus creative new merch ideas

IN THIS VIDEO...
I share all about what type of merch sells, what doesn’t, why that is, plus… where and how to create and sell merch for your band / as an artist!
First I go through samples of merch that I have and talk about what you need to keep in mind when creating merch of your own in each of these categories:
0:45 T-Shirts
2:04 CDs
4:50 Electronics
5:28 Accessories
6:33 Books
Then I talk about merch that my husband buys (to bring in an outsider’s perspective):
7:50 He likes Koozies, T-shirts, Hoodies, and Vinyls
Since the coronavirus has pulled musicians off of the road, selling merch online is very important right now:
8:59 Selling merch online
9:42 Examples from Music Biz Besties and Designing the Row clients on what merch they have the most success with
11:52 My 3 “musts” when it comes to selling merch online
13:56 Creative ideas to help you create and sell merch
MERCH ITEMS MENTIONED:
*Some of these links are affiliate links which means I make a small commission if you buy through my link… and it comes at no extra cost to you. Thanks so much for shopping!
• Katherine’s Carry-Alls: www.society6.com/designingtherow
• Performing Artist Pathway, Navigate the Highs & Lows on your Music Journey by Brianna Ruelas*: amzn.to/3cRBLxU
• Get the Gig, A Musician’s Guide to Booking More Live Shows by Jake Laughlin*: amzn.to/2Wbhxs7
• Tour Manager*: amzn.to/35iJH8Y
• Social Media Planner*: amzn.to/2ycocdx
• Market Your Music Online*: amzn.to/3aQsd4E
• Sarah Spencer’s songwriter accessories shop: society6.com/songfancy
• Handwritten lyrics: www.marygauthier.com/store/me... / www.jaimeeharris.com/store/ha... / www.sierrahull.com/store/25-t...
• David Starr’s album bundle: www.davidstarrmusic.com/store...
• Two Way Crossing hat: www.twowaycrossing.com/merch/...
HERE’S WHAT TO WATCH NEXT:
• How to add shipping costs on Squarespace: • HOW TO ADD SHIPPING CO...
• How to edit and add content on Squarespace (this will help you set up your store): • HOW TO EDIT AND ADD CO...
SUBSCRIBE
Click here to subscribe to my channel for more videos on how to grow your music career: / @katherineforbes
CONNECT
Designing the Row | www.designingtherow.com | / designingtherow
Music Biz Besties | www.musicbizbesties.com | / musicbizbesties | / musicbizbesties
Katherine Forbes | www.katherineforbes.com | / katherinedforbes
KATHERINE FORBES
Katherine Forbes is the founder of Nashville based website and brand design company, Designing the Row, whose client roster includes multiple Grammy winning and nominated artists. She is also the creator of a community of thousands of female musicians and industry professionals from around the world called Music Biz Besties. She’s served as co-producer for the International Bluegrass Music Awards, self-published a marketing workbook for musicians, and hosts a worldwide meetup series for women in music. Katherine believes that "your success depends on you taking action" and she's passionate about motivating and encouraging others to do just that!

[@KatherineForbes]

Can't wait to hear if you have any lightbulb moments after watching this video!

[@briannaruelasmusic]

This is so awesome! Thank you Katherine! Appreciate you sharing my book Performing Artist Pathway! XOXO

[@KatherineForbes]

Thanks girl and of course!

[@frankipineapple]

You are a multi-faceted, multi-talented force! Thank you for the info & inspiration. I just started creating merch samples yesterday. I will contact you shortly regarding setting up my online store. PS - my personal favorite merch items are trucker hats.

[@KatherineForbes]

Thanks for watching!! Trucker hats are a solid choice... you should have one in your store! :-)

[@taragozay]

Honestly, t-shirts because it’s usually all they have. Im a huge fan of CDs, even if I only listen to them once (my CD player in my car is broken ugh) I also love mugs and I am thinking about creating chargers with my brand logo on them! Anything practical is good!

[@KatherineForbes]

Chargers are super practical!

[@taragozay]

Love your products and video so much btw, this is IMMENSELY creative and helpful! Just struggling with creating my Instagram shop and finding a good professional designer for my merch at the moment!

[@KatherineForbes]

You've got this! Excited to see what you come up with.

[@SarahSpencerMusic]

Yo, this is SO GOOD. All the merch is inspiring to see, but your creative ideas in the last part of the video are solid gold. Taking notes! (ps and thanks again for the shoutout about my notebook! :) )

[@KatherineForbes]

Yay - the creative ideas are my favorite part too!

[@djshannellb.8841]

Thank you for sharing, this was very informative.

[@KatherineForbes]

So glad to hear! Thanks for watching :-)

[@sondrar.edwards5755]

First shirt was Purple Rain tour with Prince.

[@KatherineForbes]

That’s awesome!! (Sorry somehow just now seeing your comment)