In a world with well-thought-out branding strategies and marketing, it can be challenging for some brands to stand out.
However, one often-overlooked strategy for promoting your brand is using branded merchandise.
From logo-emblazoned t-shirts to custom mugs and pens, these tangible items are powerful tools that can play a crucial role in shaping your brand’s image, fostering lasting relationships with clients and customers, and creating a corporate culture that your employees will rave about.
In this blog, we’ll delve into what branded merchandise is, why it’s important, and the many benefits of branded merchandise for your brand.
What is branded merchandise?
Branded merchandise refers to promotional products bearing your company’s logo or slogan.
These are items you’ve seen before — for example, apparel, office supplies, accessories, and anything else you can imagine donning your logo.
The primary purpose of these items is to increase brand visibility and engagement with your audience. When your branded merchandise strategy is well-thought-out with the right items, you’ll help your brand stand out.
The question is: what items should you choose?
Which items work best for branded merchandise?
The most important rule of branded merchandise is choosing items that your audience will love — above all else, you want the recipients of your products to actually use the products!
You know your audience better than anyone — it can be tough to personalize for such a large group, but any knowledge of your clients, customers, and employees can help you choose branded merchandise that they will appreciate.
Here are some examples of fantastic branded merchandise options.
- High-quality apparel – Whenever you think of branded merchandise, apparel is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Choosing high-quality items, whether it’s a t-shirt or a comfy hoodie, will mean that your audience will want to wear the apparel instead of letting it whither away in the closet.
- Drinkware – Coffee cups, water bottles, and more — the sky’s the limit with drinkware. As long as it’s a quality drinkware item, your audience will use it. Everyone needs to drink!
- Bags – From hiking to beach outings, a great bag can be a game changer. When your logo is added, it turns into a walking billboard advertising your brand to the world.
No matter what items you choose, the key is to stick to quality items. You don’t want to be known as the brand giving away low-quality merch!
Why is branded merchandise important?
Adding branded merchandise to your corporate gifting strategy brings many positives to your brand — let’s look at four primary benefits.
It plays a role in branding and identity
Your brand is not just a logo; it’s an entire experience.
Branded merchandise is a tangible representation of your brand’s identity and values. These items are a constant reminder of your brand’s existence and core message, reinforcing your identity in the minds of your clients and customers.
Imagine a branded t-shirt. It doesn’t just showcase your logo; when done correctly, it communicates the lifestyle and values associated with your brand. People who wear it are ambassadors for your brand, promoting it to a wider audience.
The more your branded merchandise is used or seen, the stronger your brand’s identity becomes.
It’s a continuous advertisement
Branded merchandise is an evergreen form of advertising. When someone sips from your branded water bottle, they’re reminded of your company. When they use a pen with your logo on it, they’re promoting your brand without even realizing it. This ongoing, subtle exposure is ideal for brand retention.
Consider the longevity of a well-made branded item. It can last months or even years, making it an exceptionally cost-effective marketing tool. The more an item is used or worn, the more impressions it generates, making it a continuous, low-cost form of advertisement.
It helps with corporate culture
Branded merchandise isn’t just for your customers and clients — it can help foster an incredible corporate culture with employee gifting!
Internally, branded merchandise plays a crucial role in shaping corporate culture and fostering a sense of belonging among employees. Custom company apparel, for instance, fosters team spirit and strengthens a shared company culture.
When employees wear branded clothing, they not only look unified but feel unified. This boosts morale, team cohesion, and a sense of pride in the workplace.
This theory can also extend to the office space. Branded stationery, decorations, and office supplies can create a cohesive, branded environment. When employees see your brand’s logo and message every day, they become more connected to the brand’s mission and values.
Employees who feel proud to be part of a company are more likely to be engaged and loyal. In addition, they are more inclined to share their positive experiences with your brand outside of work. They become brand ambassadors in their personal lives, extending your reach and influence beyond the office walls.
It can help foster relationships with clients and customers
In the world of business, relationships matter — strong relationships with clients and customers can be the key to success. Luckily, branded merchandise is an exceptional tool for relationship building.
Consider the power of gratitude and appreciation. Gifting branded merchandise to loyal customers or clients not only says “thank you” but also keeps your brand top-of-mind. These gifts act as a constant reminder of your brand’s presence and the positive experiences associated with it.
Promotional giveaways at events or trade shows are another effective use of branded merchandise. When potential clients or customers receive a quality, useful item, they’re more likely to remember your brand and engage with it. This helps in starting and nurturing relationships that can lead to long-term partnerships and collaborations.
Branded merchandise can also create a sense of reciprocity — when people receive something of value for free, they are more likely to reciprocate by engaging with your brand or making a purchase.
It’s a simple yet powerful psychological trigger that can boost customer engagement and loyalty!
Find all the branded merchandise you need from Swag
If you’re looking for high-quality branded merchandise that your audience will love, we have what you need at Swag.
We have top-notch apparel, drinkware, bags, office supplies, and much more — our branding method makes it easy to upload your logo and order the branded merchandise you need.
Take your branded merchandise strategy to the next level — shop our products today!
