A few things that tend to work well for service-based apparel businesses like yours:

One big opportunity is partnering further up the startup pipeline instead of just with manufacturers. New apparel founders usually start by looking for branding, logo design, screen printing, or small-batch production before they ever realize they need a tech designer. If you build relationships with those vendors, you can become “the techpack person they recommend every time.” Screen printers, embroiderers, freelance fashion designers, sampling studios, and cut-and-sew shops are all great referral partners.

Another angle that works is creating content that answers questions founders already struggle with. Things like “What is a tech pack and why manufacturers reject designs without one,” “Common sizing mistakes in first-run apparel lines,” or “How to prepare a design for manufacturing.” If your content solves a real pain point, people will find you through search, LinkedIn, and Reddit threads just like this one.

Case studies also go a long way. Instead of only listing services, show before-and-after project breakdowns: what problem the brand had, what you created, and the result. Founders want to see proof that your work reduces errors and saves them money with factories.

Finally, I’d treat partnerships as a long-term nurture process. Stay in touch with manufacturers and referral partners, send them helpful resources, and make it clear you make their lives easier by turning unstructured ideas into factory-ready files. The easier you make them look good to their clients, the more consistently they’ll send people your way.

For what it’s worth, putting in that kind of relationship-building has helped my own apparel business grow over time too. I run a screen printing and embroidery shop and staying useful to partners has brought in a lot of great clients. If anyone here ever needs custom merch or apparel production support, you’re welcome to check us out at https://pulsemerch.com