Is Your Online Shop Capitalizing on the US Election?

Gail Oliver — October 28, 2016 Follow @AttentionGet

At the last US presidential debate when the phrases “nasty woman” and “bad hombre” starting trending on Twitter, you just had to know that savvy entrepreneurs were on it.

In a matter of hours many stores, including Etsy shops, had t-shirts, mugs, onesies, pins and more items emblazoned with the sayings to capitalize on the social media buzz. Then, of course, the press gets involved (because they always want to write about trends) and the next thing you know these products were being featured on Buzzfeed, Huffington Post, PopSugar, Forbes and Fast Company, driving crazy sales at all of these shops.

There is another opportunity coming. Quick thinking entrepreneurs are already getting their products ready for both a Clinton victory and a Trump victory, not waiting for the actual outcome, so that they are first to market.

Now, if Hillary Clinton is elected it will be history making as she will be the first female president of the United States. Therefore, you may see a lot of items with quotes proclaiming a victory for women or other sayings along the lines of “girl power”. I would also listen closely to her acceptance speech for that key phrase that the press will jump on.

If Donald Trump wins, again, pay attention to his acceptance speech because I am sure there will be lots of interesting and quotable buzz words in there.

Given that it has been a contentious election, you may also see items with slogans and sayings trying to create unity among Americans and restore a sense of peace and calm.

It’s up to you whether you feel these types of products are right for your brand; I just point out opportunities when I see them.

But the way, the current World Series is also a pretty good sales opportunity. Major League Baseball has trademarked all use of actual team logos, but you can come up with your own slogans and sayings that show city pride and the breaking of a long losing streak, since both teams haven’t won in decades. Vintage Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians items are also seeing more searches on Etsy right now.

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