How Branded Merchandise Can Benefit Your Company
What is branded merchandise?
Merchandise can be any number of products that individuals may use. Branded merchandise displays a company’s logo, colors, slogan, or aesthetic, turning everyday objects into tangible advertising. Businesses use branded merchandise for several reasons.
Benefits of Branded Merchandise
Instant Brand Recognition
Brand awareness and recognition are key goals of every marketing initiative. It is no secret that when consumers recognize a brand, they are more likely to purchase or use it. When consumers obtain branded merchandise, they are exposed to a business brand anywhere they take the merchandise and any time it crosses their field of vision. From inexpensive promotional products to more substantial ones with noticeable logos or other company-based designs, consider ones around your office or home that have become part of your daily life.
Cost-effective Marketing
Despite its potential for impressive reach, branded merchandise remains an inexpensive advertisement option compared to other methods (TV, radio, billboards, etc.). Purchasing branded merchandise in bulk can also be relatively low-cost.
Since branded merchandise can take advantage of word-of-mouth and even be passed around from individual to individual, the cost per impression is highly favorable.
Employee Moral and Inclusivity
Branded merchandise does not just have to be an advertising tool. It can be used internally, bringing a sense of pride and inclusion to employees.
High-quality branded merchandise can be used as an incentive for employees. It can increase engagement in day-to-day activities, training, and more. Whether through giveaways or incentive/rewards programs, employees who seek out and become saturated in a company’s branded merchandise will feel more included and recognized, driving up retention rates.
Increasing employee satisfaction while releasing more branded merchandise into the wild is a win-win for businesses that employ this strategy.
Stand Out from Your Competition
Branded merchandise can benefit any business. For it to work, all that is needed is a logo or distinct brand identity, and branded merchandise can increase brand awareness and expand a company’s reach.
There may be other businesses like yours, but if yours is the one that is walking around on t-shirts, drinkware, bumper stickers, and more, potential customers will be more likely to think of you should they need services or products you provide.
Establish Brand Consistency
A consistent representation of your company’s brand is essential in establishing brand awareness and recognition. With branded merchandise, you are in control of that representation.
If you are sending a team of employees to represent your business at an event, you want them to look like a team. Branded merchandise—in this example, apparel—deepens connections not only between employees but also with their intended audience, who is exposed to a consistent and memorable brand.
How to Create Your Branded Merchandise
Step 1: Clarify Your Brand Identity
Before doing anything with branded merchandise, there must be a clear brand identity. That means having an established logo and color scheme. A brand must be consistent and clear to be recognizable to consumers. The fun and creativity come into play when deciding where to display that identity.
Step 2: Consider Different Types of Merchandise
You cannot go wrong with apparel such as shirts, jackets, or hats. When you think of branded merchandise, you may also think of standard options such as pens or keychains. These things are popular for good reasons, but you should not limit yourself if you wish to stand out.
Branded merchandise can be unique, especially when you consider options related to your goods or services. An autobody shop may hand out tire gauges with their logo, a radio station may give out Bluetooth speakers with their catchphrase as prizes, or banks may provide piggy banks with their logo to kids. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Step 3: Create a Promotional Budget
Cost per impressions is lower for branded merchandise than many other avenues, but it is still part of your marketing budget and must be accounted for. Consider where the branded merchandise will be used. Cost will vary if it is for a trade show or event, holiday gifting, an internal store, or a simple a giveaway basket for your front desk. So, plan accordingly!
Step 4: Partner with a One-Stop-Shop Distributor
Coming up with designs and themes, where to apply them, where and how to produce them, and ensuring quality that will resonate internally and externally may sound like a lot. That is because it is a lot.
From the brainstorming to the execution stage, having a partner like Empire Printing lean on can mean the difference between a successful branded merchandise campaign and a closet full of low-quality swag that did not move the needle for brand awareness or employee satisfaction. Let us show your brand in the best light!
Corporate Merchandise Examples
Standard Examples
Tested and proven examples of branded merchandise with a near-universal appeal to consumers.
T-shirts
Mugs
Water Bottles
Tote Bags
Backpacks
Notebooks
Stationary
Air Fresheners
Bottle Openers
Pop Sockets
Creative Examples
Stand out from the crowd with more unique options.
Taco Holder
Potted Plants
Clocks
Tech Accessories
Watering Cans
Umbrellas
Calculators
Tents
Binoculars
Aprons
How Empire Printing Can Help
We provide detail, accuracy, and customization, bringing your vision for your brand to life. Our expert-operated custom clothing printing and embroidery services ensure quality in every print and every stitch. We also offer traditional paper printing that provides quality and fast turnaround from brochures to banners and beyond.
We even provide laser engraving! Tumblers, awards, custom gifts… You name it, and we can incorporate it into your branded merchandise plan.
Call or click to start a branded merchandise campaign for your business!
