Looking for great promo products and finding new ideas for swag can be frustrating. The process you experience when searching for branded merchandise can lack a personal touch and feel very transactional. There are more options than ever to filter through and figuring out where to start and what is best for your business can be a grind.
Regardless of the occasion or recipient, a business should always ask key questions before going ahead with any new order of promotional products. This will bring your project more into focus and ideally lead to a bigger impact with your merch.
Who is the recipient for the swag?
What is the goal for giving these products out?
Will it get used and appreciated?
Does it help your client or employee feel more connected to your brand?
There is a proper way to utilize promotional products and it starts with answering these questions. When you provide a real solution and get remembered positively from swag, you are going to get a lot more out of it. Start by focusing on high quality items and standing out so you can set yourself apart from other initiatives.
The Rise of Culture
When you use swag properly, it can be a key element to creating a positive company culture. This decade has ushered in a new approach to culture. While swag or gifting can not be the only element to enhance employee engagement, it will certainly make a positive contribution. According to a Harvard Business Review article in 2018, “only 13% of employees are engaged… & disengaged employees cost companies $450 to $550 billion per year in lost productivity.” There is no magic answer and every company operates differently, however the “employee brand engagement” referenced in the article can be about “informing, inspiring and involving employees so that they want to support and advance the brand.”
We are finding that more companies are interested in evaluating the different ways they can use swag or gifts to improve their current strategies. It is vital to utilize items that are an authentic representation of your brand and create a deeper connection with the recipient. There continues to be a ton of value and appreciation for your traditional branded apparel, drinkware and more, however, the quality and presentation have to live up to your company’s values. When you bring your employees or clients closer to the brand, your company will reap those benefits.
The Psychology of Giving
Brand recognition will always be in play for any business utilizing promotional products but you must establish a stronger emotional connection with your recipient. These two elements tie together to raise your profile. When you think about those initial questions relating to the recipient and your goals, you can advance the emotional connection forward. The days of irrelevant, “cheap giveaways” are a thing of the past. People are not only smarter consumers, they are also more aware of what else is out there. The more someone remembers your gift or swag, the stronger your return on investment. Look for items that will last, that are of high quality and that will be talked about. Now you have made a deep emotional connection with the recipient.
This puts an emphasis on the planning process and asking those key questions when you approach your next swag purchase. It doesn’t matter if it is for an employee, a long time partner, or a prospective client: your giveaway can impact behavior and emotional feelings that will last for years.
Start Thinking About Promotional Products Differently
We want to work WITH you to develop more effective strategies and make your approach better connected to your brand. Our team utilizes a creative approach that is customized to your business. We will work through those questions with you and make sure that you are heading in the right direction. Let us help you see more of the options that are available to unlock the power of gifting and swag.
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