Every Successful Business Has Branded Merchandise — 5 Reasons Why
Can you think of any truly successful business that doesn’t have branded merchandise?
There might be a few, there are always some outliers. The reality though is branded merchandise is an easy step that can go a long way towards the success of a business.
You don’t need to take my word for it, just look at any successful business, and chances are they have pens, shirts, hats, or anything else you can think of, with their name prominently displayed.
Here are 5 ways branded merch can help your business.
1.A Revenue Stream
Depending on what type of business you run, branded merchandise can be a lucrative source of revenue. While this doesn’t apply to all companies — customers probably don’t want to pay for jackets with their insurance company’s logo — some businesses have hugely successful merchandise lines.
2. Promotion, Promotion, Promotion
The cheapest advertising you can possibly find is having people wear your brand name for no more than the cost of the merchandise. Not only does it get your brand out there in the world, but it also shows that people trust and enjoy it enough to promote it.
It shows potential customers that others use your brand and opens up the possibility of discussions about it. Your logo printed on a hat or a jacket could be seen hundreds of times a day, depending on who’s wearing it.
3. Emotional Connections
It’s no surprise that emotional attachments affect the way people shop and do business. Customers often build these connections without even being aware of it, and branded merchandise is a great way to get them started.
Merchandise is often seen very regularly by the people who own it, whether it’s pens, decorations, fridge magnets, or T-shirts. Seeing your brand name regularly in their daily life will keep it in a customer’s mind, and make them more likely to return for more business, or to recommend you to others.
4. Building Brand Identity
Branded merchandise is one way that companies can truly express themselves creatively in unique ways that can make them stand out from the crowd. It can be an easy way to display logos, slogans, or other things that feature your brand message.
It’s also an excellent way to trial new ideas. Merchandise with trial slogans or logos will allow your target audience to give you instant feedback on how they view the new ideas, based on which merchandise they prefer.
5. Long-Lasting Company Loyalty
Whether the merchandise is given away to employees or sold to customers, it will likely last significantly longer than most other forms of advertising. Unlike a billboard or media advertisement, the merch will likely last for years, and sometimes even be passed on from one generation to the next.
The long-term effect of this type of merch allows customers and employees to recognize each other — and the fact that they have your business in common — for years after the initial promotion.
If you don’t have branded merchandise yet for your business, you’re missing out on the most cost-effective, long-term marketing option available. You need to show your clients and employees that your business is here to stay, and you want them to promote it to the world.
Branded merchandise is everywhere. Get your company seen, worn, and displayed, and let your customers do your advertising for you!
