Whenever you hear about Mcdonald’s, what is the first image that comes to your mind? Is it its iconic arched M and mascot sitting with arms spread? It is amazing that the very mention of a name can spontaneously bring images associated with it to mind. That’s the power of branding.
A specially curated branding effort can make your brand memorable among your clients. It can make your business relatable and trustworthy. It can establish your brand as you wish to be perceived. One of the most popular ways to achieve that is through brand merchandising.
You might have heard about giveaways, freebies, and rewards. In most cases, the items you receive by participating in these activities are free products. When you get a free item, you remember the occasion and how you got it.
Unconsciously, your perspective about the brand or personality shifts. It’s an ultimate marketing tool. According to ASI, about 85% of consumers globally remember the advertiser that gave them a shirt or a hat.
That’s why, in this highly competitive market, companies are increasingly focusing on offering customized merchandise.
What is Customized Branded Merchandise?
Branded merchandise is any product that contains your brand logo or any other brand identity. It is used to promote and advertise your brand.
Commonly, marketers create merchandise for those items that consumers use the most. It may include a hoodie, t-shirt, bag, pen, custom pin, stationery, coffee mugs, etc.
Where Can A Brand Distribute Its Custom Merchandise?
Most common occasions where customized brand merchandise is offered include:
- Conferences
Conferences are aimed to promote your brand on a broader scale among industry leaders and your peers. Therefore, what could be a better opportunity to boost your brand recall than a conference!
- Social Media Giveaways
One of the most popular and effective promotional mediums for any company is social media. Here, you not only interact with your audience but also boost your brand awareness by playing giveaway games. Offer your brand merchandise as a gift so that people can familiarize themselves with your brand.
- New Joinees
Nowadays, many companies offer a hamper of custom merchandise to welcome their new joinees. In most cases, they are encouraged to share the images of the hamper on their social media. It is an ingenious way to promote your brand indirectly.
Most Acclaimed Custom Merchandises
- Hoodies & T-shirts
These are two of the most loved merchandise companies opt for to promote their brand. They are popular among educational institutions as well. Apart from the company logo, you can customize them with quirky quotes and graphics to make them more appealing.
- Caps & Totes
As per ASI’s global survey, outerwear caps and tote bags make a lasting impression among consumers. It is because these items are used on a daily basis. So, it’s a great way to establish your brand identity. Every time the consumer picks the items and uses them, they are reminded of your brand.
- Wearable Custom Pins
This is one of the trending merchandise. Custom pins can include lapel pins, cufflinks, tie bars, money clips, etc. They make a great impression among potential investors, high-value customers, and leading dignitaries.
Here Are 4 Ways Custom Merchandise Can Boost Your Business
Increase Your Brand Awareness
For every marketer, the aim of an advertising & marketing campaign is to increase brand awareness and establish brand value. Let us consider the marketing campaigns run by companies like Mcdonald’s, KFC, or Nike. People recognize these brands. So, the more their recognition, the greater their sales opportunity is.
You can gift products that can be used daily. When they use a product daily, gradually, they tend to notice your brand everywhere. Thus, your customers will remember your business for an extended period of time.
The quality of the merchandise also plays a significant role here. Premium items can keep your consumers hooked with you for a long time. So, consider investing in high-quality custom branded merchandise that creates a far better impression and fondness for the brand.
Beneficial for Building Brand Loyalty
Building a strong relationship with your customers and employees is the foundation for ensuring loyalty and retention. It is common knowledge that acquiring new clients is costlier than retaining old customers. So, the better your rapport, the greater your chance to source new clients, and retain existing customers.
And nothing drives loyalty better than gifts. When a customer receives merchandise that adds value to their lives or sparks an interest in them, they feel appreciated. Thus, branded merchandise is useful for retaining and affirming brand loyalty.
Affordable Marketing Tactics
The primary aim of every business is to sell products and services and to make a profit. Unlike other forms of advertising like TV and print ads, radio jingles, or hoardings, the lifespan of brand merchandise is much longer. For example, if you are offering custom apparel, they can be washed and worn for many years.
If you are giving out non-wearable items such as custom pins, bottles, or coffee mugs, they last even longer. So, it is a good idea to order them in bulk and get them at a much cheaper rate. This is one of the most cost-effective marketing tactics to promote a brand.
Encourage Community Building
With merchandise, you nurture the loyalty of your customers and employees. This allows you to curate a community of supporters and advocates for your brand.
That’s why many famous YouTube celebrities and influencers are more prone to selling and giving out free merchandise. It augments their supporters’ sense of real bond with their favorite celebrities.
Therefore, it is safe to say that well-designed, chic-looking merchandise is a versatile community-building tool. It helps maintain cultural momentum through social engagement and loyalty benefits.
Key Takeaway
We hope this article has given you a fair idea of how robust custom-made merchandise is for any business. Customers are the lifeline of any business. It is then a universal truth that the success of your business lies in the happiness and satisfaction of your customers.
Merchandise can ensure that for you. Offering existing and potential customers your official company merchandise can not only add a personal touch but also encourage them to refer your brand to friends and family.
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at BlueFashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2013. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
