Many business owners look for new and innovative ways to promote their business, but one method that has stood the test of time is company merchandise. Why? because it's tangible, it's tactile, and often very useful. High-quality, cost-effective and customisable products increase brand awareness, creating new business and retention. Your brand is front of mind - your logo is on the pen they use, the notebook they take to meetings, and the mug they drink their coffee from.
Unique branded corporate merchandise also elevates your brand further. Providing something to use away from the office only strengthens your brand awareness. Everyday useful items such as phone chargers, earbuds, travel mugs, water bottles, bags, and t-shirts, which can all be branded, can give you greater reach and attract new customers.
Why is Company Merchandising Still Effective in 2022?
We love giving and receiving gifts, it’s in our nature. It brings joy and a feeling of appreciation. Most people can recall when they received a piece of promotional merchandise, whether it be at an event, exhibition, office away day, or simply a pen handed to them in a meeting.
We also love to share. Share our experience with colleagues and friends and often on social media channels, which again only strengthens brand awareness, tapping into a new audience through these digital channels.
Whilst considered a more traditional marketing method, company merchandise can send ripples into the digital marketing landscape to further increase return on investment with its dark social impact. Dark social sharing organically amplifies the reach of company merchandise in a way that traditional digital marketing can’t. Dark social describes the ‘invisible’ shares that happen across messaging apps, emails and text messages. If you can get the right branded merchandise to the right people, dark social amplification can have a brilliant impact on the reach of your brand, as they’ll be sending their friends photos of fun products they’ve received (with your brand on it!). Because of this, branded products allow businesses to have a large impact digitally, but more importantly, this digital impact is organic, doesn’t feel forced, and can leave a lasting impression on potential customers.
What are the Long Term Effects of Company Merchandising?
Branded merchandising can be one of the most long-term and sustainable marketing methods available. Items such as bags, cases, clothing, and tech are very attractive, not only for the recipient but for the brand that features on those items. One notable study found that 83% of people keep promotional products for over a year [1].
The Advertising Speciality Institute also found that consumers are nearly 2 and a half times more likely to have a positive opinion of promotional products compared to internet marketing [2].
Our expert team at JDR Branding can guide and advise you and recommend the right products for your business and budget. As expert company merchandise consultants, we can find you the products that best fit your needs, and give you the best return on your investment.
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