Having The Best Company Branded Merch
Do you want people to stop by your booth at your next convention? Have good merchandise! Here’s our guide on how to pick the best company branded merch.
If you’ve ever been to a conference or trade show, you know that company branded merch is always a hot topic around the booths. Even though everyone there is a professional of some kind, your inner kid can’t help but be overjoyed at the prospect of free stuff.
It becomes an ongoing quest at the event to collect all of the premium swag. Because of this, the booth who has the best company branded merch often has the most foot traffic.
So how can you guarantee your branded merchandise will be a hit?
Keep reading. We break down everything you need to know to create hot promotional products that will have people talking about — and remembering — your brand.
What Is Swag, Anyway?
For those who haven’t heard the word “swag” before, it’s a colloquial term. It refers to branded promotional items that companies give away to spread awareness about their products and services.
It’s a fun word, and your company branded merchandise should match it. Good business branded merch gets its recipients talking while creating a buzz at events that lead to new visitors, new conversations, and ultimately, new business.
A Look at Today’s Popular Company Branded Merch
The most popular promotional items are often the ones that are fun, useful, attractive, or all of the above.
Below you will find a list of today’s most popular trade show and conference swag, as well as what people like about them. Take note of not only what these products are, but what makes them attractive.
Doing so will help you formulate a plan for having the best company branded merch at your next event.
Cool T-Shirts
When we say t-shirts are hot promo items, we don’t mean any kind of branded tee. We’re talking about the cool gear with catchy phrases and attractive screen printed imagery.
Get creative. Come up with a message or design that really catches the eye and makes people chuckle.
T-shirts are some of the most affordable swag on the market. If you make a good one, you’ll optimize not only your volume but also your budget.
Washable and Reusable Water Bottles
Water bottles are all the rage at promotional events. If it’s BPA-free, that’s even better.
The great thing about water bottles is that they are one of those products people like to keep on hand. Even after the event, it’s likely recipients will use them to stay hydrated throughout their workday.
That’s free advertising for you long after the event is over. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving!
Cell Phone Chargers
Between photo apps, Facebook posts, tweets, emails, and every other app under the sun, conference and trade show attendees really drain their cell phone batteries at these events.
Become the hero. Offer branded mobile device chargers as part of your business branded merch. We guarantee that word will spread like wildfire once people find out you are offering them.
Think Seasonal
Where is the event taking place?
What is the weather like?
Optimize your environment with seasonal or geographically relevant items. Umbrellas, flip flops, towels, and beach bags are all great freebies if it’s something people will use on a regular basis in their area.
Common Swag Fails You’ll Want to Avoid
Word travels fast at conferences and trade shows. Just as cool swag can make you popular, so can boring or lame swag detract visitors.
Make sure to avoid a bad swag rep by keeping these items off your main promotional product list.
Keychains
Let’s be honest: nobody likes a thousand keychains dangling from their hip. Yet, these little giveaways are abundant at events.
The key to good swag is to give recipients something they can use, not something they already have. Avoid this common item. Instead, go with something more unique or functional.
Pens
Let us preface by saying it’s okay to couple pens with other items. Just don’t let them be your primary swag feature.
Almost every company offers branded pens at their booth. Sure, they’re a necessity, but there’s nothing memorable or cool about them.
Plus, yours will probably get dumped into a swag back with dozens of others by the end of the day.
USB Flash Drives
Does anyone even use USB flash drives anymore?
The truth is these once popular promo items are now more of a bust since almost every company uses cloud storage for its files, documents, and media.
Paperweights
The most useless item to ever be distributed at an event is a paperweight. These heavy items do little more than add extra weight to your swag bag, which makes it more of a hassle than a gift.
Besides that, when was the last time you actually used a paperweight as something other than a desk ornament?
We rest our case.
Anything Bulky
Speaking of heavy or inconvenient items, you’ll want to avoid any company branded merchandise that is bulky or difficult to carry around.
Don’t make your promotional products something your recipients have to buy extra luggage for in order to take home. The best items fit easily into pockets or bags and don’t impede on the recipient’s use of his or her hands.
Cost Effective Ways to Produce Great Branded Merch
You don’t have to spend a fortune to create hot, branded merchandise and attract attention at events. You can customize and purchase today’s popular merch or discover more creative products at an affordable rate online.
There are various promotional product companies for you to choose from. Each one ranges in its selection and pricing based on its location, product quality, and brand.
The best way to shop is to identify what you want and then compare pricing between various promotional product providers.
Sometimes, these companies will provide samples that allow you to compare and contrast the quality of their products with other competitors.
Is Your Small Business Gaining Attention?
If you’re a small business trying to build momentum for your brand, then company branded merch should be on your list. To help you prosper, be sure to check out our .
This directory will give you access to various helpful resources as you build and grow your business, including to make your processes more efficient.
