Looking to attract new print buyers to your Pattern Cloud site but not sure where to begin? You’re not alone. Growing your audience and building meaningful connections with new customers can feel like a challenge - but it doesn’t have to be.
In this post, we’ll share proven strategies and insider tips to help you discover, reach, and invite the right buyers to your Pattern Cloud site so you can expand your studio with confidence.
Why Finding New Print Buyers Matters for Your Studio
Starting out in the print design industry can feel overwhelming - especially when it comes to selling prints online and getting your work in front of the right buyers. Where do you begin?
At The Pattern Cloud, we believe the key is simple: focus on finding new print buyers and building strong, lasting relationships with them.
As a studio owner, waiting for customers to stumble across your work isn’t enough. Success comes from putting in the research and dedicating time each day to market your print designs and connect with the right people. Even a few hours of consistent effort can make a huge difference when it comes to growing your print business.
Traditionally, many designers have relied on in-person visits to manufacturers and offices with a portfolio of prints in hand. While this is still valuable, today’s digital tools make it easier than ever to find clients for print design - without leaving your desk. By combining classic industry practices with modern online strategies, you can expand your reach and attract the right buyers to your Pattern Cloud site.
Identify Your Ideal Print Buyer Profile
Before you start collecting emails or reaching out to potential buyers, it’s essential to build your ideal client profile. Ask yourself:
- What is my USP (unique selling point)?
- Where do I imagine my designs being used?
- Who is my dream customer?
Answering these questions will help you identify the right customers for your studio.
Example: If you run a hand-designed floral specialist print studio, your ideal client profile would likely focus on womenswear buyers - since floral prints are most in demand in that department. There’s little benefit in pitching to the head of menswear when your designs are tailored for dresses, blouses, or resortwear collections.
While this may sound obvious, targeting the right decision-makers is critical if you want to successfully sell your print designs and grow your business.
Leverage Social Media to Showcase Your Patterns
In today’s digital world, social media is one of the most powerful marketing tools for designers. Not only does it give you a direct line to potential buyers, but it’s also the perfect space to showcase your print designs to a global audience.
Fashion and interior designers are highly visual people, so it makes sense that they spend time on platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn - places where creativity thrives and visuals speak louder than words.
At The Pattern Cloud and The Design Agent, we’ve found a winning strategy:
- Start with Instagram to discover brands that align with your studio’s vision.
- Then move to LinkedIn to track down the key decision-makers within those companies.
This simple two-step approach allows you to not only identify potential clients but also connect with the right individuals who can buy your prints.
Practical Tips for Using Social Media to Find Print Buyers
- Use targeted hashtags – Research hashtags your ideal customers follow (e.g., #womensweartrends, #surfacepattern, #interiordesignprints).
- Engage with brands directly – Comment on posts, tag brands in relevant designs, and start authentic conversations.
- Move to LinkedIn for outreach – After spotting a brand on Instagram, use LinkedIn to connect with textile buyers, design managers, or product developers.
Use Email Outreach to Build Lasting Connections
Without a doubt, email marketing is one of the most effective ways to reach print buyers. A well-crafted email campaign keeps your studio top of mind and gives buyers a direct way to view your latest designs.
The key is consistency - sending regular newsletters, ideally once a week or twice a month, helps build familiarity without overwhelming your audience.
The goal is to strike the right balance between showcasing your prints and avoiding inbox fatigue. If you send too many emails, you risk being seen as spammy. If you send too few, buyers may forget about you.
Where to Find Buyer Email Addresses
Building your contact list is one of the most important steps in email marketing. Here are some proven methods:
Use LinkedIn Chrome Extensions to Find Buyer Emails
One of the easiest ways to track down buyer email addresses is by using Chrome extensions designed for lead generation.
Two reliable options:
- Skrapp.io – Sources professional emails directly from LinkedIn and company websites.
- ContactOut – Provides email addresses and sometimes phone numbers.
⚠️ Pro tip: Always use these tools responsibly. Focus on quality over quantity, and only reach out to contacts who are a genuine fit for your designs.
Check Company Websites for Buyer Contact Details
Many fashion and interior brands have team directories, press pages, or career sections where you can find contacts. Even if an exact email isn’t listed, these often reveal the company’s email format (e.g., firstname.lastname@brand.com).
Once you know the structure, it’s easier to reach out directly - and verify your emails before sending.
Networking and Referrals: The Power of Word-of-Mouth
Don’t underestimate the value of referrals and introductions. The best opportunities often come from your existing network.
- Ask current buyers to connect you with colleagues in other departments.
- Build relationships with fellow designers and studios -many are open to sharing contacts.
A warm introduction builds trust and makes it easier to showcase your work to new buyers.
How to Increase Productivity and Send Bulk Emails
When it comes to reaching multiple buyers efficiently, bulk email marketing is a game-changer.
CRM platforms like HubSpot, Klaviyo, and Mixmax allow you to send bulk emails, automate follow-ups, and track engagement.
But if those platforms feel too expensive, or their free trials are limited, don’t be afraid to start with your standard email provider. It may take a little more manual effort, but it still works.
At The Pattern Cloud, you can create direct links to your shop and specific collections, making it easy for buyers to browse your work straight from your email. This ensures your designs are just one click away from a potential sale.
💡 Pro tip: Even bulk emails should feel personal. Include the buyer’s name, reference their brand, and highlight collections that fit their market.
Make It Easy for Buyers to Access Your Designs
Just like sending direct links, you can go a step further by setting up accounts for buyers on your website. Provide them with a ready-to-use username and password so they can log in and view your work instantly.
The easier you make the process, the more likely buyers are to engage with your designs. Removing barriers saves time, shows professionalism, and makes your studio more buyer-friendly - all of which increase your chances of making a sale.
At The Pattern Cloud, we specialise in providing a software solution designed specifically for print studios. Our platform allows you to build your dream online shopping space - a professional, branded hub where buyers can easily browse and purchase your designs.
With The Pattern Cloud, you can seamlessly manage your stock, track your customers, and organise your collections all in one place. This means less time spent on admin and more time focused on what really matters: selling your prints and growing your business.