Does Having Swag For Your Business Actually Still Work?

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Branded swag. Everybody loves free stuff, so getting a branded t-shirt or lanyard from work is always appreciated.

Does it actually do anything towards your marketing strategy, however?

When done right, business t-shirts and other items can transcend being simple tchotchkes to an integral part of your marketing.

They cost a fraction of other types of advertising and can make it into the hands of exactly the type of people who will want to do business with you. It’s a great way to connect with people over a radio or TV ad that is rather impersonal.

Here are four ways that using promotional materials can help build your brand awareness.

1 – Connect the message to your brand

Whatever it is that you want your swag to say, make sure that it is going to connect well with all of your branding. Branding is more important than ever these days so your t-shirts or stress balls or any other material has a meaningful message.

That message should quickly convey what your company is all about. It should reflect the way you want to be perceived by the people you want to attract.

The logo and slogan should catch the eye and be something that a person can feel good about showing off. Then they become your best marketer as they continue to spread your message every time they put on your gear.

2- Make it useful

Is somebody going to use your fidget spinner now that the craze has died down? It doesn’t serve your brand to give stuff away that nobody wants.

A little research into what your audience is looking for will go a long way. If your brand is popular among outdoorsy types, then maybe a backpack will be most appreciated and actually used often. If your market are interested in cars, then a keychain is the way to go.

3 – Make it durable

Yes, people love free stuff, but they also hate it when it is cheap and falls apart quickly. That t-shirt that starts fraying at the seams after it is washed a couple of times will ruin your branding.

If they feel that you skimped out on buying something that is quality, then it will knock you down a few pegs on the trust factor. 

You may spend a few more dollars on the good stuff, but you get more bang for your buck when people will be using it for years.

4 – Don’t spend too much

Ok, I just made the point that you can’t be cheap when it comes to spending on your promotional materials. The other side of the coin, though is you don’t have to overspend.

This also ties in with understanding what your target wants. They might love the tees with your brand on it if they golf and will use a lot of them. And they cost next to nothing. If you give away a golf bag, they might not even use it because they already have their preferred bag.

Keep it relevant and you don’t have to spend a fortune.