When creating your brand’s marketing strategy you have to ask the main question: how do you deliver your brand’s message to its audience effectively? Marketing is no one-size-fits-all, and you’ll often have to try different strategies to engage your audience. 

One form of marketing that is often overlooked is branded merchandise. Which you may also know as promotional products or the less formal “swag”. Branded merchandise is ranked the number one method of advertising to create action across all generations, even before online or print. With that being said, here is how branded merchandise fits in your marketing strategy!

Gain Brand Awareness Through Branded Merchandise

Branded merchandise is tangible marketing that takes your brand into the world. If you look at the people around you in your daily life; on the subway, on the street, at their house, you’ll see branded merch. From t-shirts to backpacks and totes your brand messaging is being spread (and loved) all over town. Plus, 81% of people keep these products for more than a year! 

Branded Swag is an Extension of Your Brand

What does your brand stand for? What does it look like? What is your service? Diving into your brand and everything it represents is valuable information for creating meaningful products. Think of it as an extension of your brand! 

These t-shirts from Hover is a creative way to play with merch!

Branded Merchandise Creates Client Loyalty

82% of people had a more favourable impression of a brand after receiving their promotional merchandise. An unexpected gift can go a long way, and create a positive association with your brand. Having useful products like desktop items or stationery can ensure that your product is being used, and your brand is on display in front of clients as a reminder of you!

Our friends at Hover created a unique gift for their partners, a handmade lotion with custom branded packaging. Not only were their partners so happy with the gift but it’s a useful and thoughtful item from Hover that they can keep at their desk. 

Branded Merch is Already Built Into Your Other Strategies

Branded merchandise can complement your other marketing strategies like events, activations and tradeshows. Handing out something is welcoming a conversation about your brand, and giving them something to remember you by. The versatility of merch in your other strategies are endless, looking to do an experiential campaign? A social media post? A giveaway? A blog post? Merch has got you covered.

At the end of the day…

Branded merchandise is a key component of your marketing strategy. When these products are done well, they are an effective way to market your brand and reach your audience. Next time you’re thinking of your marketing strategy, outline all the ways your brand can stand out, starting with branded merchandise!