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Ultimate Guide to Sell and Market Print-on-Demand Merch for the Back-to-School Season in the US

Boost your back-to-school sales with our ultimate guide for Print on Demand sellers. Discover custom product ideas, effective marketing strategies, and key insights to captivate students, parents, and educators with your unique offerings and make money during the lucrative back-to-school season.

As summer begins to wane, the anticipation for the back-to-school season in the United States starts to build. For our print on demand sellers, this period offers a golden opportunity to capture a significant share of the market by tapping into the needs and wants of students, parents, and educators. In this guide, we'll explore the nuances of the back-to-school season in the US, and provide actionable marketing strategies and campaign ideas to help you maximize your sales.

Understanding the Back-to-School Season in the US

What is Back-to-School?

Back-to-school refers to the period leading up to the start of a new academic year. For most US students, this begins in late August or early September. It's a time when families prepare by purchasing school supplies, clothing, technology, and other essentials needed for the new school year.

The NRF's 2023 August Spending survey revealed that more shoppers than ever had started their shopping by early July, with activity surging by the end of the month. 

back to school sale

But even with the early start, consumers are planning on shopping until the last minute, taking their time to find the best value on the items they need. 

back to class

Importance in the US

The back-to-school season is the second-largest retail event in the United States, following the winter holiday season. Data from the NRF’s annual surveys show that back-to-school spending has consistently reached over $80 billion annually for the past five years. This includes spending on K-12 students and college students on categories like school supplies, apparel, electronics, and dorm furnishings.

Key Demographics

  • Parents of K-12 Students: Typically between 25-45 years old, this group focuses on purchasing essential supplies, clothing, and technology.
  • College Students: Between the ages of 18 and 24, college students often buy electronics, dorm furnishings, and personal care items.
  • Educators: Teachers and school staff also purchase supplies and professional attire.

Product Ideas for Back-to-School Merch 

School Supplies

  • Stationery: Notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, and highlighters are perennial favorites.
  • Backpacks: Stylish and durable backpacks are a must-have for students of all ages.
  • Tote Bags: Eco-friendly and reusable catch-all bags for books, lunch, and miscellaneous extras.

Apparel

  • Uniforms: Many K-12 schools have dress codes or uniforms, creating a steady demand.
  • Casual Wear: Trendy yet comfortable clothing for daily wear.
  • Athletic Wear: Gym clothes and sports uniforms for school activities.

Technology 

  • Laptops and Tablets: Essential for both high school and college students, often comes with laptop sleeve and tablet sleeve.
  • Accessories: Headphones, chargers, and laptop bags.
  • Software: Educational software and subscriptions to learning platforms.

Dorm Essentials

Marketing Strategies for Back-to-School Season

Create a Dedicated Back-to-School Section

Develop a dedicated landing page or section of your website for back-to-school products. This page should feature categories, special offers, and bundles. Optimize it with relevant keywords such as "back-to-school supplies," "school uniforms," and "college dorm essentials" to improve SEO rankings. If you have a more targeted niche, be sure to leverage it for long-tail keywords.

Leverage Social Media

Use social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to showcase your products. Create engaging content such as unboxing videos, back-to-school hauls, and DIY school supplies tutorials. Collaborate with influencers who cater to parents, students, and educators to expand your reach.

Email Marketing Campaigns

Segment your email list to target parents, students, and teachers with personalized content. Send out newsletters featuring discounts, new arrivals, and tips for back-to-school shopping. Use attention-grabbing subject lines like the examples below.

  • "Ready, Set, School! 🎒 Back-to-School Deals Inside!"
  • "A+ Savings on Back-to-School Essentials 🎒📚✏️!"
  • "Gear Up for Success: Exclusive Back-to-School Discounts!"
  • "Back-to-School Blowout: Up to 50% Off!"
  • "First Day Ready: Special Deals for a Fresh Start!"
  • "Smart Savings for Smart Students: Shop Now!"
  • "Back-to-School Sale: Stock Up and Save Big!"
  • "School’s Back! Get the Best Deals on Supplies & More"
  • "Dorm Room Essentials: Everything You Need for College Life"
  • "✔️✔️✔️Your Back-to-School Checklist: All Items on Sale!"

Offer Promotions and Discounts

Everyone loves a good deal, especially during a significant shopping season. Offer time-limited discounts, buy-one-get-one-free deals, and free shipping for orders over a certain amount. Consider bundling items together at a discounted rate to increase average order value.

Utilize User-Generated Content

Encourage your customers to share photos and reviews of their purchases by tagging you on social media. Feature this user-generated content on your website and social media channels to build trust and create a sense of community. This is the content new buyers look for when assessing new brands and products.

Campaign Ideas for Back-to-School Season

Back-to-School Giveaway

Host a giveaway on your social media platforms. Ask participants to follow your page, like the post, and tag friends in the comments for a chance to win a back-to-school bundle. This can significantly increase your social media engagement and followers.

Early Bird Specials

Reward early shoppers with special discounts and exclusive products. Promote these early bird specials through your email newsletter and social media to encourage customers to shop early and avoid the last-minute rush.

DIY Projects and Tutorials

Create content around DIY school supplies and dorm decor. Share step-by-step tutorials on your blog or YouTube channel. This will provide value to your customers and position your brand as a helpful resource during the back-to-school season.

Influencer Collaborations

Collaborate with influencers who have a strong following among parents, students, and teachers. Have them review your products, share discount codes, and promote your brand on their platforms. Influencers can help you reach a wider audience and build credibility.

Content Marketing

Write blog posts and articles that provide helpful tips for back-to-school preparation. Topics could include "Top 10 Must-Have School Supplies," "How to Decorate Your Dorm Room on a Budget," or "Healthy Lunch Ideas for Kids." Optimize these posts for SEO to attract organic traffic to your website.

Limited-Time Flash Sales

Host flash sales that offer deep discounts on selected items for a limited period, such as 24 or 48 hours. Announce these sales via email and social media to create a sense of urgency and drive immediate purchases.

Exclusive Bundles and Kits

Create special back-to-school bundles that combine popular items at a discounted rate. For example, a "Student Starter Pack" could include notebooks, pens, a backpack, and a water bottle. Promote these bundles as a convenient one-stop-shop solution for busy parents and students.

Conclusion

The back-to-school season in the United States is a prime opportunity for sellers to boost their sales and expand their customer base. By understanding the key demographics, offering relevant products, and implementing effective marketing strategies, you can make the most of this lucrative period. 

Focus on creating a seamless shopping experience, from optimizing your website for SEO to engaging with customers on social media. With thoughtful planning and execution, your back-to-school campaigns can not only drive sales but also build long-term loyalty among your customers.

Remember, the key to success during the back-to-school season is to stay ahead of the trends, understand your audience's needs, and offer exceptional value. 

For personalized guidance or support in navigating July's trends, join our Facebook group and sign up for our newsletter.

Happy selling!

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