Chances are, you own at least one piece of branded merchandise. Whether it’s a t-shirt from a resort or a hat from your favorite brewery - branded swag is everywhere and is loved and cherished by your most loyal customers. These items are invaluable marketing tools that can help you promote your brand messaging and give you an extra boost of revenue.
However, if you’re new to company-branded merchandise, the vast amount of options available may be overwhelming. We’re here to walk you through everything you need to know about company-branded merchandise so you can start branding today.
Let’s take a closer look:
What is Branded Merchandise?
Branded merchandise is any item that includes your logo, brand messaging, or symbols that represent your brand's identity. Whether it's to promote your brand, a product launch, or an upcoming event: Most branded merchandise is created for a particular goal. Business owners use these items to strengthen their connection with their target audience and gain authentic brand exposure in the community.
If you're looking to sell branded merchandise to your current customers through your website or in your store, you'll want to aim for high-quality items that people would feel inclined to purchase.
For example, if you own an outdoor brand and your target audience is hikers or campers, you'll want to brand items that relate to this niche audience. This could be drinkware, stainless steel mugs, or other traveling essentials they use.
Marketers also use branded merchandise as a marketing tactic to connect with customers and promote the business through marketing initiatives. Merchandise is commonly used as giveaways, raffle prizes, or event promotional freebies. These are typically low-cost items, and the main purpose is to generate excitement and get more eyes on your brand.
Regardless of the strategy behind branded merchandise ideas, you'll always want to consider your audience, overall goal, and the purpose of the products you choose to brand.
What are the Types of Branded Merchandise?
Apparel
T-Shirts
Custom t-shirts allow you to get creative with your brand. They welcome big ideas and are great for improving brand visibility. If you plan on selling branded t-shirts in your store, aim for a higher quality option to excite customers and ensure they wear them when they're out and about.
- Our Top Choice: District The Concert T-Shirt
- Our Top Choice: The North Face Tech ¼ Zip Jacket
- Our Top Choice: Custom Dad Hat
- Our Top Choice: The Original Cotton Shopping Tote
- Our Top Choice: Rally Clear Backpack
- Our Top Choice: Nimba 22oz. Double Wall Stainless Steel Bottle
- Our Top Choice: Cayman 16 oz. Travel Tumbler
- Our Top Choice: Tri Band Pen
- Our Top Choice: Pathfinder Journal
Jackets
Jackets have high-perceived value and great branding capabilities. You can keep things sleek and professional or have fun with bold colors and complex designs. If you plan on selling products to your customers, we recommend pairing your logo with name brands like Nike, North Face, or Ogio.
Hats
When was the last time you threw away a promotional hat you received or purchased? Chances are it’s been a while. Hats are hardly ever thrown away. This is why branding a hat is a great way to increase the longevity of your marketing initiatives and elevate your marketing.
Bags
Cotton Tote Bags
Cotton is the way to go if you want to brand a higher-end tote bag built to last. These items have an eco-friendly look and feel and will expertly complement your branding. Many options welcome multi-color designs and are great for big branded merchandise ideas.
Backpacks
Backpacks are a great way to improve brand recognition and awareness. If it’s a high-end or good-quality backpack, customers will use it for school, trips to the office, or whenever they are traveling. This ensures more eyes will be on your brand, everywhere your customer goes.
Drinkware
Water Bottles
Who doesn’t love a stainless steel water bottle? These are must-have branded merchandise ideas because they appeal to a larger audience and have a high-end look and feel.
The best part? You can get as creative as you want with your branding. Whether you keep things sleek with a laser-engraved logo or want to have some fun with a full-fledged design - there’s a water bottle out there for your brand.
Tumblers
Water Bottles
Coffee tumblers are perfect gifts and online store items for the working professional. The coffee tumbler will stay with your customer when they head to the store, school, or office.
Stationary
Pens
Pens are a low-cost promotional product that will leave an impact. These are great to pair with journals or other stationary items. If you have the budget, you can consider giving away a free branded pen with every order that is over a certain threshold. This way, individuals always have a piece of your brand.
Journals
Branded journals are great for universities, marketing agencies, law firms, and B2B businesses. With branded journals, you can feel confident that your customers and prospects will use the journal and appreciate the thought behind branding one.
How Branded Swag can Help Your Business
Establish your Brand Identity
Company-branded merchandise helps you establish your brand identity and improve brand awareness. You can choose from a wide variety of branded swag that will relate to your customer's interests and complement your branding. You can keep things fun and vibrant with playful designs or go sleek and chic with modern items - the choice is yours.
Improve Customer Loyalty
Loyal customers want to show off your brand. They like to sport sweatshirts and backpacks with your logo and share how much they love your brand with their friends. With the right branded swag, you can help your customers feel part of a community.
Add an Extra Line of Revenue
Branded merchandise is a great way to add an extra line of revenue. If you focus on creating high-quality branded merch that your audience will like, you can increase customer lifetime value while also marketing your brand.
Awareness and Recognition
Everywhere your loyal customers or employees go, your brand will be seen by new prospects and potential customers. When you brand items like t-shirts, jackets, or backpacks - you ensure at least a few people will see that item every day someone uses that item.
Improve Employee Morale
Branded merchandise is also great to gift and give to your employees! With branded swag, they’ll always feel like they are part of something bigger. This will help them feel more connected as a team and excite them to show off your branding.
Explore Branded Merchandise Ideas With Bagmasters
Whether you’re looking to sell branded swag at your store or want some high-end items you can give to clients - we’re here to help. Branded merchandise is a must-have marketing tool all businesses can benefit from. At Bagmasters, we offer a wide variety of branded solutions that your customers will appreciate.
Start shopping on our site to find high-end company-branded merchandise today!
