Enhancing Your Small Business Marketing with Branded Merchandise & Giveaways

Every small business relies on marketing to draw in new customers and enhance brand engagement. Fortunately, there are countless opportunities, both online and offline, for promoting a small business. These include print and digital ads, in-person events, social media campaigns, and loyalty programs. Small businesses are increasingly mastering these marketing techniques, not only boosting sales but also fostering long-term customer growth.

A key strategy we use to help our small business clients connect with their customers is through branded merchandise and swag. These promotional items, often featuring a company’s logo or name, help increase brand awareness, engagement, and sales as customers use them over time.

Think about the lasting impression that a well-chosen promotional product can leave. For example, consider the free water bottle you’ve been using for years or your favorite pen that has a local bank’s logo on it. Studies show that 81% of consumers keep promotional products for over a year, and 41% keep them for up to five years. Promotional items can significantly benefit small businesses by providing a substantial return on investment.

Receiving company swag can positively influence how consumers perceive a brand. According to a recent VistaPrint study, 66% of consumers view a brand more positively after receiving swag, 49% are more likely to remember the brand, and 43% are more likely to recommend it to others.

Before rushing to print custom t-shirts, it’s crucial to have a solid brand identity. Aligning your business with a clear mission, logo, design elements, and colors can make your merchandise more effective. Custom items like tote bags, t-shirts, pens, and calendars can showcase your brand’s creativity and engage your audience.

When creating custom merchandise, it’s easy to get carried away with big ideas. However, it’s essential to think beyond just your logo and consider what aspects of your brand will make the most interesting promotional items. VistaPrint’s survey on merchandise trends found that 49% of people prefer eye-catching designs and 47% prefer unique designs like illustrations or graphics. So, get creative with your color palette, typography, imagery, and other design elements to ensure your merchandise stands out.

Certain promotional products resonate more with consumers. According to VistaPrint’s survey, popular items include apparel, drinkware, tote bags, tech products, and office supplies. The study also found that 54% of consumers regularly use promotional products in their daily lives. Practical items like mugs, water bottles, power banks, pens, hats, and calendars can genuinely win your customers’ hearts.

Branded merchandise isn’t just about giveaways. They can also be used as prizes for raffles and contests, branded apparel to commemorate significant dates, or limited-edition items to build interest and drive sales.

Promotional products can greatly benefit customer relations by enhancing brand awareness and engagement. They also play a vital role within the company, supporting a strong culture and providing practical benefits to employees.

Overall, branded merchandise can have a powerful impact on your small business, leaving a lasting impression on your partners, team members, clients, customers, and fans.