One important but sometimes overlooked item in any marketing toolkit is promotional products. Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) reports that 73% of people want to receive promotional products more often.
Promotional products or branded merchandise are tangible ways for your potential customers to interact with your brand. Think of how fleeting most marketing ads and campaigns are today—branded merchandise can seem traditional, but they last as long as the products last. This gives you plenty of opportunity to leave an impression on your customers.
For companies, there are two main benefits of promotional merchandise:
- Brand Awareness: Many studies have shown the effectiveness of branded merchandise when it comes to brand awareness. According to ASI, 85% of people who are given a promotional gift will remember the brand that gave it to them.
- Brand Loyalty: Having a physical product to remind customers of the brand will help them get acquainted with the brand. This affinity is valuable when the time comes that they have to make a purchase and your brand comes top of mind. A Sendoso survey shows that 83% of customers who received a corporate gift said it made them feel closer to the company. 73% of consumers are also more likely to consider purchasing from a brand that gave them a branded product they kept.
- Brand Engagement: A PPAI survey shows that 65% of consumers say they’ve kept a promotional item because it was useful. Every time your customers use or interact with your product, they are engaging with your brand. Investing in good quality products that last and deliver consistent engagement with your customers can also reflect a positive and engaging experience with your brand.
Knowing how valuable promotional merchandise can be for your brand, you might wonder what’s next. We curated 7 standout branded merchandise ideas that can increase your brand recognition and drive loyalty and engagement with customers.
Custom Branded Apparel
Elevate your brand through branded apparel that lets your team wear your colors with pride. Branded clothes like hoodies, crew neck shirts, and caps are all items your employees could wear whether it’s at the office or in their day-to-day activities.
According to ASI, promotional t-shirts generate 5,053 impressions over their lifetime. This is great indirect marketing for your business as it turns your employees into walking brand ambassadors whenever they wear the branded apparel.
Tech Accessories
As times change, so do people’s needs. This is why tech accessories have become a popular item to include when it comes to branded merchandise. Whether it’s a branded phone case, power bank, or wireless charger, these items will always find their use in today’s modern lifestyle. Its functionality and usability make it a great pick for brands that want products that their customers will frequently engage with.
Eco-Friendly Merchandise
The last five years have shown a 71% increase in the searches for sustainable goods according to The Economist Intelligence Unit. As the threat of climate change persists, consumers are starting to be more conscious of the goods they are purchasing. Today, brands have embraced being a part of the sustainable movement, and you can achieve this through eco-friendly merchandise.
Given the wasteful nature of cheap merchandise, show your commitment to sustainability by choosing well-built products that are ethically sourced and recycled. Items like cotton tote bags and bamboo notebooks complete that eco-friendly look while still being customisable to display your brand. Promote against single-use plastics by including a reusable water bottle for your merchandise.
Office Supplies
If your customers are based in the office, then one gift they might appreciate would be branded office supplies. Give them a boost of productivity with items that make their day-to-day tasks much easier and simpler. Think of premium branded pens, desk organisers, or even stationery items. This may be a back-to-basics choice for branded merchandise, but one that is evergreen in its usefulness.
Lifestyle and Wellness Products
Are your target customers health buffs? Or are they busy customers would they benefit from a relaxing day at the spa? Depending on their lifestyle, you can tailor your branded merchandise to give them lifestyle/wellness items that support their day-to-day activities. Keep active customers happy with branded merchandise like yoga towels, gym water bottles, or fitness trackers. Indulge your customers in need of relaxation with aromatherapy products, scented candles, and massagers. One thing’s certain, you are showing them that you value their health and well-being.
Home Products
Products that are useful at home like kitchen and home accessories can be another option for branded merchandise. These tick the box for being functional and practical, without having to tailor them very specifically to the lifestyle and preferences of your potential customers. Choose from items such as tea sets, kitchen cutlery, bottle openers, photo frames, and wine racks.
Limited Edition Items
Think of a time you were compelled to purchase something just because they were branded a seasonal item. Limited edition items have this effect on consumers that stirs their desire to purchase because of the exclusive nature of the item. You can play on this by releasing limited-edition branded apparel or collectible items. Collaborate with community artists by releasing an exclusive drop of your branded shirts or release a commemorative anniversary coffee mug that your customers.
Got a Merch Idea? Unleash Your Creativity with Our AI-Powered Merch Generator
Brands are always looking for ways to remain at the top of mind of their consumers. In a world of fleeting marketing ads, promotional products can benefit companies as they serve as a tangible reminder of your brand and keepsakes for your customers. Utilising promotional products in your marketing and brand strategy can be effective for building brand loyalty, customer engagement, and brand recognition.
When it comes to branded merchandise, there are tried and tested options that mean you don’t have to keep reinventing the wheel. Embrace the future of promotional products with Red Tomato’s AI-powered merch generator, which enables you to create unique branded merchandise. Cut down time when brainstorming ideas so you can focus on what matters.
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