Business Builder

Impress Customers and Drive Sales with Branded Websites

When a customer is curious about you and your business, what is the first thing he or she will do? Ten years ago, he might have picked up the phone and called around to his business contacts to see if they knew anything about you. But today, the first step your customer will take is a whole lot easier and less time intensive. It’s more than likely your customer will look for you and your brands on the Internet.

Having your own professional website is crucial (if you don’t have a website call SanMar for free help), but along with communicating what kinds of services your company offers, it’s important to familiarize your customers with your brands. Sure, they’ve probably heard of Hanes and Jerzees, but they may be less familiar with Port Authority and other proprietary brands. Making customers comfortable—and even excited—about the quality and styling of your brands will make them more eager to buy.

You’re in luck. SanMar offers branded websites for all of its proprietary brands. Each of these websites has a look and feel that’s specific to the brand, communicating the essence of that brand, in addition to allowing users to view the entire collection of apparel and accessories (without prices listed).

Port Authority®, Port Authority® Signature, Port & Company®: www.portauthorityclothing.com
District Threads™: www.districtthreads.com
Sport-Tek™: www.sporttekusa.com
CornerStone™: www.cornerstoneworkwear.com

How can you put these branded websites to use

A great presentation tool.

Chances are, you won’t be taking a line’s entire collection with you to a sales call, but if you have a laptop with you or your customer has an easily accessible computer, you can navigate through the entire line with the click of a mouse. You have a chance to show your customer that you’re a savvy business person with a full range of products online. And you can suggest that your customer add these branded sites to their “Favorites” so they can go back to look at product later.

Link to your own website.

Providing links to branded websites from your own website will make your site more robust, and you’ll be a better resource for your customers. Because there is no mention of SanMar on the branded websites, they will work seamlessly with your own site and the branded product showcases will be all your own.

Imprint on business cards.

Listing key branded websites on your business card—or on the back of your business card—is a great way to engage prospective customers. Say you meet someone at a party and give them your card. They can immediately satisfy their curiosity about your product offering by going online.

Customers like to be confident that they are about to do business with someone who has a keen business sense backed by great product. Telling your customers that you possess those qualities is good, but showing them is even better. Get a leg up by using branded websites.