In the world of small businesses, building brand awareness is crucial. It's what sets you apart from the competition and makes your business memorable. One of the best ways to achieve this is through branded merchandise. No matter if it’s a sticker, hat or tumbler, it’s one of the best investments you can make to help support the growth of your business! In this blog post, let's explore the power of branded swag and how it can help small businesses like yours grow and succeed.
When I attended the
Ultimate Product Party in May 2023, I became a sponsor for their Swag Bags. While speaking with their team, I mentioned that I would prefer to make a logo branded item for each attendee - not with the logo of the conference, but their own company logo so that they could go home with something special and unique to their business. It was a shocking offer, and a complicated undertaking, but they were excited and we made it happen.
On Day 2 of the conference, I had a table setup for attendees to grab their hat on the way in and the reaction was priceless. There were tears. There was a lot of hugging. It was incredible to see the joy and appreciation everyone had, some of which had never seen / worn their logo!
This was not the first time I had done branded swag for a conference. During the
Creative at Heart conference a few years back, I had also done personalized tumblers for each attendee. I made so many connections, and people loved getting something personalized!
This simple act of giving away branded merchandise always ignites a buzz around the event and leaves a lasting impression on attendees. It's a testament to the power of branded swag in building brand awareness and loyalty. So, why should your small business consider investing in branded merchandise?
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Create a Lasting Impression: When people receive a tangible item with your logo, it leaves a memorable mark. They are more likely to remember your business and the positive experience associated with it.
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Build Brand Loyalty: Branded merchandise fosters a sense of belonging among your customers and supporters. When they proudly wear or use your branded items, they become walking advertisements for your business.
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Stay Top of Mind: Having your logo on merchandise ensures that your brand remains on people's minds. It's a subtle yet effective way to maintain visibility and remind customers of your products or services.
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Encourage Support: Branded merchandise can serve as a conversation starter. When someone asks about the logo on a shirt or a tumbler, it opens up an opportunity to talk about your business, potentially turning a curious passerby into a loyal customer.
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Increase Brand Credibility: High-quality branded merchandise can enhance your brand's perceived value. When people see your logo on well-designed items, it reinforces the idea that your business is professional and reputable.
Now that you're ready to make the investment, where do you start? What should you buy? The benefit of buying merchandise from another small business is that you're not only supporting a fellow owner, but you can also order in small quantities, and get more unique items then a corporate supplier can offer.
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Define Your Audience: Identify your target audience and what type of merchandise they would appreciate. If you have a high end wedding brand, perhaps leather patch beanie hats aren't a good fit.
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Design Eye-Catching Merchandise: Invest in well-designed merchandise that reflects your brand's identity. Ensure that it's visually appealing and aligns with your brand's values and colors.
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Choose Quality: Don't skimp on quality. High-quality merchandise not only looks better but also lasts longer, providing more exposure for your brand.
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Distribute Strategically: Think about where and when you'll distribute your branded swag. Events, conferences, and trade shows are excellent opportunities, but consider other options like online giveaways and customer loyalty programs.
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Engage on Social Media: Share photos and stories of people using your branded merchandise on social media. Encourage your customers to do the same. User-generated content can be a powerful marketing tool!
In a competitive business landscape, building brand awareness is essential for small businesses. Branded merchandise offers a fun and effective way to achieve this goal. Just like the UPP attendees in Nashville, or those from Creative at Heart in North Carolina, your customers will appreciate receiving items that showcase your logo. So, why wait? Start exploring the world of branded merchandise and watch your brand awareness and customer loyalty soar. Your small business deserves to shine!
