Every brand has a story (or at least it should) that allows customers to understand why a business exists. If you want customers to genuinely connect with your brand and ultimately purchase from you, you must ensure they understand and relate to your why. If you’re clear about what your brand story is, then you must concentrate your efforts on communicating it effectively to customers, and one effective way to do so is through branded merchandise.
Imagine the following scenario: you walk into a bustling trade show, where numerous businesses are vying for attention, each with their unique offerings, and amidst all of them, there’s one that stands out the most, where everyone wears the same interesting t-shirts and take notes using the same logo-emblazoned pen. This is branded merchandise, which can substantially impact your business.
Understanding branded merchandise
Branded merchandise (or promotional products) refers to items that have been personalised with your business’ slogan or logo, such as printed t-shirts or pens. They can be used for different marketing purposes, like enhancing brand awareness and building customer loyalty.
Businesses often give these branded products away for free as part of their campaigns, aiming to create a positive association with the brand and turn recipients into repeat customers. Your business can distribute such products at events, offer them as gifts to employees and customers alike, and include them in direct mail campaigns as well. Regardless of where you use them, branded merchandise can undoubtedly take your business to the next level.
The benefits of investing in branded merchandise for your business
Enhanced brand recognition
All businesses want to create a solid reputation and stand out from their competitors, but how can you even do this? Well, the promotional product market is a great place to start because people tend to keep these products for a long time, which helps reinforce brand exposure.
When your logo is imprinted on items that customers can use daily, such as mugs or pens, it becomes a mobile advertisement, guaranteeing that your business will be the first one to come to people’s minds when they need your services or products.
Cost-effective marketing strategy
Not all forms of advertising are cost-effective, but that’s not the case regarding branded merchandise. While you must make an initial investment when creating the items, it will be worth it once you reap all the excellent benefits.
Plus, there’s branded merchandise for every budget, as there are different price points available. Suppose you want to create items useful in offices; in this case, you can opt for custom pens or portfolios, which come with a reasonable price tag.
Customer loyalty and retention
Besides helping you reach customers and make a lasting impression, promotional products also have the potential to shape solid customer loyalty. This is because constant exposure to such products can make it easier for people to remember your brand. And there’s also the idea of reciprocity – when you give an item to customers, they will feel like they should reciprocate. In fact, it’s shown that 85% of consumers tend to do business with a company that offers them a promotional product.
People feel like they matter when they receive a personalised item, and who’s a better brand advocate than loyal customers? No one! The truth is they are the best at spreading the word about what you have to offer. So, the next time you have a client convert, be sure to have their personalized lighters or swag bags ready – this will increase the likelihood of them becoming repeat clients.
Ability to differentiate yourself from competitors
Many options are available regarding what kind of items you can put your name on, but you should tailor your promotional products based on your target market and allow the creativity of your brand to shine. How can you make your brand stand out easily? Consider using a catchphrase that will showcase your business’s personality and be sure to stay on top of the trends to discover the newest fad you can put your name or message on, as this will ensure your audience will be interested in your products.
Let’s take the example of lanyards, which have long been used as promotional items. Why not spruce up your marketing strategy by offering an improved version of this product? Instead of providing the traditional lanyards that everyone is used to, go for an upgraded version that comes with a wallet and phone holder—this will likely catch the attention of customers and create lasting impressions.
Generate leads and sales
Promotional products aren’t just branding tools – they are the best tool you can use to generate leads, as they can improve your visibility and strengthen your reputation, ultimately enhancing your sales.
Therefore, it’s of the utmost importance to take the time to choose the right merchandise for your business—namely, the one that represents your brand the most—and be sure to also take your audience into account when doing this. Once you set everything out, promotional products will become a strong factor in helping you build a powerful customer base that will support your business’ growth in the long run.
Ready to tap into the potential of branded merchandise for your business’ success?
Branded merchandise, although viewed as a marketing tool, is much more than that – it’s a robust strategy that will help you connect with your audience on a deeper level and make your brand more recognizable. So, if you haven’t already explored it, now is the time to do so and take your business to a whole new level. Remember, when using branded merchandise to grow your business, it’s imperative to pick items that display your values and resonate with your customers while offering them real value.
While it might take effort, there’s no doubt that branded merchandise is the way to go when delivering your brand’s message effectively and improving your visibility. So, start today, and let your brand shine!
