The use of business branding merch is a hot trend today for startups seeking quick name exposure.
All types of industries are using custom logo merchandising to get their name out there. Brewery merch is one of the top tools for branding new microbreweries. Customers love their craft beers and eagerly buy brewery merchandise such as logo hats and T-shirts to promote their favorite hangout.
Small business promotional items have been used for decades to boost profits for local tourist shops. Visitors happily buy custom souvenirs such as custom bags at the places they enjoyed while on vacation.
A company’s name and logo is seen everywhere branded merch is taken for months and sometimes years. Branded merchandise is a proven and affordable name recognition tool.
Let’s take a deeper look into branding merchandise to find out how it can help your small business.
What is branded merch?
Branded merchandise includes products printed with logos or designs to identify and promote a business. Custom logo merchandise is often chosen for its relevance to the products or services offered by the company.
What are the most popular types of branded merch?
Apparel items are the top branded merchandise used today to promote small businesses. Brick-and-mortar and online companies frequently sell T-shirts, sweatshirts, polos and hats printed with their logos.
Other popular marketing items for small businesses include:
- Lanyards — perfect for venues where ID or entry cards are required
- Bulk custom water bottles — loved at fitness centers!
- Can coolers — sold like crazy at breweries
- Mugs — always a fave at coffee shops
- Shot glasses — a must-have for bourbon trails
- Promotional tote bags — hot items at souvenir shops
- Personalized fanny packs — making a comeback!
- Logo keychains — auto dealers can’t get enough
- Blankets — a good fit for daycare centers
- Custom magnets — car magnets and business card magnets are most popular
- Custom retail bags – keep advertising after customers walk out the door
What are the benefits of business merchandise?
Items as small as promotional pens for businesses can catapult your brand above the competition. Here are a few ways business merch can take your branding to the next level:
An introduction to your business. You’re the new kid on the block so use promotional merch to say hello! Research shows that 86.5 percent of consumers feel promotional products are a good way to learn about a new store or agency.
Build loyalty among your customers. Studies show three out of four people would likely switch brands if they received a promotional product from a company they had never done business with before. People like receiving free stuff and often look more favorably on a store that hands out giveaways. Customers appreciate the kindness, become engaged with the business and are more likely to return.
Spend less on advertising. The cost per impression of promotional items can dip as low as 1/10 of one cent, which is much cheaper than most other forms of advertising. Buying business merch in bulk delivers big savings. For a startup with a tiny advertising budget, it’s a no-brainer.
Expand and promote brand recognition. When customers take custom logo merchandise such as customized water bottles to the gym or wear personalized beanies to school they become personal billboards for your business. Placing your name on quality products people use every day will ensure plenty of good exposure and shine a positive light on your company.
Get known for your generosity. Consumers look fondly at companies that give away useful products and are more likely to shop with them when given a choice. This can be crucial when customers are facing higher prices in a rocky economy.
How can I use small business promotional items?
Custom swag for small businesses can be used during everyday interactions with customers or during special occasions. Here are a few ways to use custom business merch:
- Open house giveaways
- Gifts to first 100 customers
- Incentives for joining a loyalty program
- Sponsored contests
- Promoting new products/services
- Giveaways at trade shows
- Handouts at local parades and festivals
- Lobby freebies for visitors
- Employee rewards and appreciation gifts
Kickstart your business with promotional branding merch
If you’re opening a business soon or are already on your journey, consider creating personalized merch for your startup. You’ll find today’s most popular promotional products at Totally Promotional.
Browse, order and enjoy the success branding merchandise can bring!
