Branded merchandise is a strategic way to promote your business.
However, it’s often disregarded, particularly by companies with limited resources.
This article explores:
- 8 promotional products you can use as branded merch
- How to create branded merchandise
- FAQs to answer any questions you might have
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Why Is Branded Merchandise Important?
8 Promotional Products That Companies Use as Branded Merch
How to Create Branded Merchandise
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is Branded Merchandise?
Branded merchandise is any promotional item that has the name or logo design of your company on it.
It’s a form of advertising that promotes a brand’s message and attracts potential customers. You can think of it as the business card of your company that people see everywhere.
There are four types of merchandise:
- Convenience—This includes essential goods such as food or hygiene items;
- Impulse—Impulse merchandise is mostly inexpensive extra products that people purchase when grocery shopping;
- Household and electronic—People tend to compare brands when buying these types of products;
- Specialized—High-priced branded items people buy less often but spend more money on.
Usually, an organization has a graphic designer that creates a unique logo for them, which the company then prints on popular merchandise such as water bottles, t-shirts, hoodies, coffee mugs, etc.
But why is it such a vital form of advertisement? Read on to find out.
Why Is Branded Merchandise Important?
Branded merchandise is important because it builds brand awareness in a cost-effective way.
The benefits are:
- Increased customer loyalty: Handing out high-quality merchandise makes customers feel valued and is likely to win you more loyalty.
- Establishing an emotional connection with your customers: This connection makes people feel that you care about them and leads to positive brand recognition.
- Boosting employee morale: Branded swag can serve as a way to congratulate your employees on promotions and increase motivation.
In the following section, discover the 8 best promotional products you can use to build brand loyalty.
8 Promotional Products You Can Use as Branded Merch
Promotional merchandise comes in many forms and sizes.
However, there are some items preferred over others. Let’s take a look at the suggestions!
#1: Water bottles
Staying hydrated at work (and everywhere else really!) is important.
Carrying an eco-friendly and reusable water bottle not only saves tons of plastic bottles, but also leads to better mental performance at work.
It’s a practical and tasteful item that promotes wellness and can be used by everyone at work or during their leisure time—which also increases brand identity.
You can encourage a healthier lifestyle by inspiring people to drink more water with a motivational quote.
Where to buy: SwagDrop
Price range: $5 – $55
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#2: Hoodies
Branded hoodies have become a staple form of custom merchandise.
When creating your custom hoodies, keep in mind that they should be made with heavyweight, durable materials that keep employees and clients warm during the chillier season.
You can also go the extra mile and choose sustainable materials for the hoodies that can be worn outside and don’t feel cheap—such garments should be of high quality.
Oh, and don’t forget to add your company’s logo and motto on the hoodie, somewhere where others can see it, but make sure you keep it tasteful and cool.
Where to buy: SwagDrop
Price range: $30 – $95
#3: T-shirts
A best-seller among branded merchandise is the classic T-shirt.
T-shirts are useful items that many people wear daily—so they benefit your marketing campaign greatly.
The secret with tees is to make them look more like fashion pieces, with small, tasteful logos on them that promote the company’s message and increase brand visibility.
If you’re worried about giving your new customers or workers T-shirts that may not fit, read our guide. ?
Where to buy: SwagDrop
Price range: $11 – $20
#4: Drinkware
This next promo item is a great way to get your name into people’s homes.
Drinkware is the ultimate corporate gift, a product that everyone can use both at home and during their free time.
Drinkware suits every brand, logo, and budget, and can include:
- Stainless steel water bottles
- Coffee mugs
- Stadium cups
- Travel mugs
- Wine glasses
Whether it’s for a trade show giveaway or staff gifts, drinkware suits every type of audience.
Plus, it’s an environmentally friendly way to carry your morning coffee. You can also pair drinkware with coolers or coasters.
Where to buy: SwagDrop
Price range: $3.50 – $50
#5: Accessories
Gone are the days of easily forgotten accessories—now, it’s time to invest in purposeful logo-branded gifts that help people deal with their daily tasks.
Accessories can include promo items such as:
- Promotional socks
- Laptop sleeves
- Phone wallets
- Keychains
- Phone cases
- Stickers
- Custom hats
There are many fun (and useful!) items you can include in a promotional gift package—and it’s the perfect opportunity to get creative! ?
Nothing says “unique” like thoughtful custom accessories designed for an audience that will wear these items with pride.
Where to buy: SwagDrop
Price range: $5 – $70
#6: Home accessories
With remote workforces now being the norm, more and more people work from the comfort of their homes.
Fortunately, there are many home accessories and decorations that can help keep remote employees engaged, while also showing that you care and value them.
These items can include:
- Fleece blankets
- Cheese cutting boards
- Umbrellas
- Heat-safe bowls
- Desk organizers
What’s amazing about these items is that you can create an emotional connection between a brand and its audience—and help make one’s personal space more beautiful.
Where to buy: SwagDrop
Price range: $20 – $30
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#7: Tech gadgets
Technology keeps us connected with our loved ones and with our work.
It also helps us deal with mundane daily tasks making them easier—and more enjoyable.
Now, imagine receiving a high-quality and practical tech gadget that does all that.
What’s not to love?
You can opt for:
- Webcams
- Bluetooth speakers
- Chargers
- Fitness trackers
- Headphones
- Power banks
While branded tech swag is usually pricier than other gifts, it will surely create a good impression with the recipient.
Where to buy: SwagDrop
Price range: $10 – $80
#8: Tote bags and backpacks
Last but not least, this list is not complete without tote bags and backpacks.
Everyone travels, whether it’s to the office or on vacation. However, most of the time, traveling can be stressful.
You only have a few key items available to you in a travel bag, so it’s critical to have the right necessities when commuting to the office or during a business trip.
A backpack with a cool company logo on it will promote your business, while a tote bag can inspire a more sustainable lifestyle.
Where to buy: SwagDrop
Price range: $3 – $30
How to Create Branded Merchandise
Creating branded merch for your business is as easy as pie on the SwagDrop platform.
In fact, you can create your promo products in just three simple steps!
- Choose the product (or products) you want.
The first step is to choose the products you want to include as your corporate gifts.
Try to select popular items that people universally like.
If you are out of merchandise ideas or unsure about what to add, this list can help you get inspired.
- Add details about your design.
Make sure to upload your logo and our designers will take it from there.
If you have any special requests, we’ve got you covered.
We have access to thousands of products that best suit your needs, so don’t hesitate to get creative with your item branding.
- Submit your mockup request!
The last step is easy. All you need to do is—
—click “Submit” and voila!
Our design team will create and send you a mock-up based on the selected items.
Once you’re happy with everything, we can get started on your order and send it to you as soon as possible.
As you can see, our branding design services are easy to follow—so don’t hesitate to start creating valuable swag today.
Tips, tricks, and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.
Start Creating Your Branded Merch Now
Branded merch is here to stay.
It’s one of the most valuable marketing tools companies have to cost-effectively build brand awareness, increase customer loyalty, and boost employee morale.
Now it’s your turn.
Click here to visit our shop and start designing super cool branded merchandise for your brand!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you have any questions about branded merchandise? Take a look at the frequently asked questions to find out more.
Q1. Can my company sell its branded merchandise?
Yes. Any company can use branded products as a marketing strategy to attract and retain loyal customers and employees.
Q2. What products should I choose for my company’s branded merchandise?
While there are many popular items, here are some great merchandise examples:
- Custom drinkware
- Personalized apparel
- Tech gadgets
- Travel swag
- Self-care accessories
It’s important to think about your target audience and have a concrete strategy for how you’re going to distribute the products—and what your ultimate goal is.
Q3. Do you have any design tips for creating promotional products?
Here are the top tips for creating stellar promotional products:
- Set your budget
- Think about your target demographic
- Keep the design sweet and simple
- Choose suitable colors
- Think about the texture and quality of items
