Maximise your merch – how to get the most out of your branded products. 

We’re all well aware that merchandise is much more than just a logo on a T-shirt. A branded product marketing strategy will build brand awareness, foster customer loyalty, improve consumer recall, and leave a distinct and memorable impression…when implemented correctly. 

So, to get the most out of your merch, it’s time to get acquainted with what a strong branded product marketing strategy should include.  

 1) Know thy customer 

Before we can get strategic, we need to know who we’re targeting. So dream up your ideal client or customer, and get to know them. Once you have a good grasp of your audience and their lifestyle, you can play merch matchmaker with products they’ll love. A branded bundle of water bottles, gym towels, protein shakers, and a gym duffle bag would go down a treat for the fitness fanatics, whilst a beach bag, ball and umbrella would satisfy the sun chasers. Don’t forget to leave some room for customisation to cater to different preferences.

2) Keep durability and design in the foreground

Now that we know who they are and what they want, it’s time to provide it. It’s best to invest in high-quality materials that’ll last; this will leave a positive brand impression and encourage long-term use. If you want to stand out from the pack, pack in lots of brand identity. Creative designs are vital in making your brand look awesome. We’re talking about eye-catching designs and bringing decoration methods into the swing. From 3D embroidery and debossing to rotary digital printing and sublimation printing, there are plenty of ways to ensure your products are designed for maximum impact. 

3) Pack in a marketing punch

If you want to go beyond single items, you can leverage the power of merch packs. Branded product bundles can aid any firm marketing strategy by:

• Increasing Perceived Value: A bundle will feel more premium than a single product.
• Adding wider appeal: Cater to a myriad of preferences with various useful products
• Enhancing brand recall: providing multiple touchpoints will keep your brand top-of-mind

4) Making sure your merch meets your market 

You’ve got your branded products, you know your customer, and you have a strategy in place. Now, it’s time to hand them out. How? You ask. There is a surplus of avenues where you can wow people with products. The list is extensive, but here is the bread and butter of brandable product distribution:

• Welcome and onboarding Gifts to make a lasting first impression.
• Giveaways and contests to create excitement and build brand awareness
• Referral incentives to encourage customer acquisition through word-of-mouth
• Events and conferences to boost brand visibility and engagement
• Loyalty programs to build stronger relationships and reward repeat customers 
• Purchase incentives to drive sales and customer satisfaction
• Employee recognition to show appreciation and boost team morale
• Influencer marketing to reach new audiences

There’s a lot to consider, but fret not. If you’re unsure which ones will be the most effective for your brand, our team can eliminate the guesswork while taking the distribution off your hands, too.  

5) Insert into the marketing equation 

Brandable products should complement your overall marketing efforts, as opposed to sitting in silos.  So be sure to keep an eye on those KPIs by identifying which products are the most impactful and adjusting your orders as required. Whether it’s tracking social media mentions or collecting customer feedback, this is a marketing tactic you’ll want to track. 

Need a hand? Good Things is here to help you craft winning merchandise packs that resonate with your audience and supercharge your marketing efforts. If you need some input on which branded products are right for your brand and marketing goals, we’re more than happy to chat and develop some seriously impactful branded product marketing. Get in touch today.