"Bring Your Kid to Work Day" may sound cute, but for Nissan North America, 'cute' wasn't enough. Known for their slogan 'Innovation that Excites,' Nissan sought a more impactful and memorable approach for their first-ever career day. They turned to Phase 3 to develop a unique event called KIDDOVATION. This innovative event, brimming with creativity and tech-inspired activities and featuring high-quality branded swag like string bags, pens, and mouse pads, still resonates with attendees years later. The success of KIDDOVATION highlights the lasting impact of branded merchandise.
If you’re a business leader exploring branded merchandise to engage employees, customers, vendors, or partners, this guide is for you. We’ll cover product categories, the benefits of branded merchandise, and expert advice from Phase 3’s team on how to get started.
Understanding Event and Conference Signage
Branded merchandise isn’t your typical promotional product. While promotional items like pens or stress balls are inexpensive and mass-produced, branded merchandise is high-quality and thoughtfully designed. It reflects your company’s visual identity and messaging, aligning with your brand’s values and image. These products are functional, aesthetically appealing, and memorable.
Smart leaders use branded merchandise for corporate gifts, employee appreciation, or customer loyalty rewards. The goal? Build stronger connections. The care and quality behind the items reflect your company’s attention to detail, fostering a positive perception.
Popular Types of Branded Merchandise
Branded merchandise comes in a wide array of categories. If you can print a logo on an item, it has possibilities. Here's an overview of some of the most popular categories.
Stationery
Branded stationery is a classic choice for corporate gifting. Items like custom leather-bound notebooks, high-end pens, planners, and custom sticky notes are practical and keep your brand top of mind.
Event Giveaways
Trade shows, conferences, and corporate events are prime opportunities for giving away lanyards, tote bags, branded water bottles, and tech gadgets. Choose practical and portable items so attendees will use them long after the event.
Apparel
Hoodies, t-shirts, polo shirts, activewear, and jackets with your company's logo and message are wearable advertisements. They can also nurture a sense of belonging.
Tote Bags
Reusable tote bags are a practical and cost-effective option. When recipients use branded bags for groceries, books, or daily essentials, they promote brand visibility and sustainability.
Home/Living
Create a strong connection between your brand and your audience's personal lives with items like candles, kitchenware, blankets, or custom home decor.
Accessories
Hats, scarves, socks, and other accessories can become high-end branded gifts for special occasions or as rewards for loyal customers or employees.
Technology
USB drives, wireless chargers, headphones, and smart devices attract a modern, tech-savvy audience.
Office Supplies
Branded office supplies, such as desk organizers, calendars, mouse pads, file organizers, and custom pens can be used daily, reinforcing brand recognition.
Eco-Friendly Products
Items like bamboo utensils, reusable straws, recycled notebooks, and organic cotton bags promote your brand and demonstrate your commitment to sustainability.
Novelty Items
Unique and playful items, such as custom puzzles, quirky desk toys, or branded games, stand out and make your brand more relatable and engaging.
Each of these categories offers a variety of options to suit different branding strategies and audience preferences. Choose the best items to represent your company and nurture lasting connections with your recipients.
Now that we've explored the different types of branded merchandise available, let's discuss the benefits these items can bring your business.
The Benefits of Branded Merchandise
Whether you're leading a new startup or a large corporation, branded merchandise offers numerous ways to enhance your business's visibility, reputation, and overall success. Here are some of the advantages to using branded merchandise.
Extend Your Brand's Reach
Featuring your logo or company name on useful and wearable items increases the chances of a broader audience seeing your brand.
Increase Your Brand Recognition
A thoughtfully designed item that reflects your brand's values creates a memorable impression, helping potential customers easily recall your company and its core message.
Stay Top of Mind
High-quality, thoughtful branded merchandise serves as a constant reminder of your brand.
Build and Nurture Customer Relationships
Branded merchandise can be vital in strengthening bonds with customers. Personalized gifts show appreciation. Clients will feel valued and continue doing business with you.
Encourage Brand Loyalty
When customers and employees receive thoughtful, high-quality items, it fosters a sense of appreciation and connection to your brand. This can increase loyalty, repeat business, and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
Save Marketing Budget
Branded merchandise is a cost-effective marketing strategy, especially compared to traditional advertising. A one-time investment in well-designed merchandise can provide long-term returns as the items continue to promote your brand for months or even years.
Boost Employee Morale
Providing employees with branded apparel, office supplies, or other items helps to create a sense of belonging and unity within the company. This improves morale and turns employees into brand ambassadors who proudly represent your business.
Now that we've explored the advantages of branded merchandise, let's dive into the steps to implement a branded merchandise strategy for your business.
How To Get Started With Branded Merchandise
Starting a brand merchandise strategy can be both exciting and rewarding, but it requires meticulous planning and execution to be successful.
Always begin by defining your goals for branded merchandise. Understanding your objectives will inform your decisions throughout the process. Also, identify your target audience and consider what types of products will resonate with them. Establishing a budget and timeline to track ROI is also essential.
The next step is to choose items that align with your brand's values, aesthetics, and the preferences of your target audience. Work with designers to create visually appealing logos, graphics, and messaging that stand out on your chosen products. Pay attention to the quality and functionality of the items so they provide lasting value to recipients.
Once your designs are finalized, partner with reputable manufacturers that produce high-quality products. Establish a clear timeline for production and implement quality control measures so that the final products meet your brand's standards.
Consider whether the merchandise will be given as gifts, sold as products, or used as event giveaways. Develop a distribution strategy that includes packaging, shipping, and promotional activities. Use your owned marketing channels to build buzz around your merchandise.
For ensured success, consider partnering with an expert like Phase 3 to guide you through the entire process.
Phase 3's Brand Merchandise Expertise
At Phase 3, we’re more than a promotional products company. We’re your strategic partner in developing branded merchandise that aligns with your brand and business goals. From planning and design to production and distribution, our expert team is here to assist you every step of the way.
Conclusion
Branded merchandise can be more than just a marketing tool. When done right, it creates lasting impressions, strengthens relationships, and reinforces your brand’s message.
As with most business strategies, expert guidance can make a significant difference. Partnering with a knowledgeable team like Phase 3 can help you navigate the complexities of the process and ensure your merchandise not only meets but exceeds expectations. Contact us today to learn how we can help bring your branded merchandise vision to life.