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Put Branded Merchandise to Work for Your Business
Chelsea Mills • April 22, 2022
Engage with your current customers, attract new customers and show your appreciation to your employees with branded merchandise.
Take a look around your desk or office - more than likely you'll see at least one branded merchandise item (also known as promotional products). Perhaps it's something as simple as a pen, mouse mat or mug or maybe you have something more substantial like an item of clothing or a bluetooth speaker.
Now think back to who gave you that item, or why you received it? What feeling does that give you? Perhaps it brings a smile to your face because someone you've become friends with gave it to you, maybe there is a funny story behind the item, or perhaps it makes you feel valued as a customer or employee of the company that gave you the item.
A 2021 Consumer Study by the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) found that 94% of people like receiving promotional products and that 3 Out of 4 people keep a promotional item because it is useful.
To put it simply Branded Merchandise works..... but (isn't there is always a but) it is important to understand that the branded merchandise you are using needs to do a couple of important things, and this is where working with a local community partner like Behind Your Design can help:
- Represent Your Brand
Behind Your Design knows that the branded merchandise that you choose represents your brand. We all recognize this scenario: Boss comes into the office with a branded YETI mug that a vendor gave him. Boss tells his secretary that 'we should get some of these to give to our customers'. Secretary goes online and sees that custom YETI's cost over $30+ and thinks, 'wow that's too expensive' so instead searches for 'cheap travel mugs'. Secretary finds a product that is only $5 per mug so they order 100 of them and send in their logo. Fast forward to 3 weeks later and the mugs arrive - logo is a little blurry and the mugs look and feel cheap. Boss sees the mug and says 'there's no way we can give these out to our clients' so the mugs get shoved in a closet and handed out to other employees on their birthday (join us for another blog on this later!).
So what can we learn from this. The most important thing to remember is that the items you hand out represent your brand (in most situations). For example, you are a financial advisor handling retirement accounts of $1 million + and you meet with a potential client. Rewind to the story above and you hand the potential client a $5 plastic mug - what thoughts are they going to have in comparison to if you handed them the $30 YETI mug? - Be Useful, Unique, or Provide Long Term Value
As mentioned earlier 3 out of 4 people keep promotional items. 75% of these people keep them because they are useful, 38% kept them because they are fun to have and 19% of people kept the product because they feel loyal to the company that gave it to them.
So, utilizing items that are useful and have long term value will help make sure people continue to use your project (and therefore remember you). Being unique can be a little more challenging, some items will be useful always and aren't necessarily unique - pens, notebooks, keychains for example - but other items can also be useful while still be unique. Remember when fidget spinners were all the rage? Every tradeshow or expo we went to people handed them out and everyone thought they were going to be unique until they walked into the show and saw that EVERYONE else was handing them out as well. - Fit Your Budget
In the earlier example we discussed the secretary who didn't think $30 was in her budget so went cheap. A defined budget and purpose could have helped guide the decision making process better. For example, you sell HVAC units to large commercial clients. The average cost of the product and installation is $20,000. Your budget for a thank you gift is probably going to be higher than someone whose average client spends $500 a year with them. It's also important to consider what the product is going to be used for and why it is being handed out - Be Relevant to Your Customers and Employees
This again is an area where working with a local company and leaning on their expertise can be vital. Quite simply what works in one area of the country might not in others. For example handing out pool toys probably won't be much use in Michigan but would certainly be popular in Florida! - Promote A Cause
Supporting a cause through your promotional items is a great way to help showcase your business. Sustainable products, fair trade sourced, products that give back to charities are all examples of ways you can use your branded merchandise to help make the world a better place.
Ready to use Branded Merchandise to help grow your business and reward your employees. Contact Behind Your Design today to get started.
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The holiday season is the perfect time of the year to promote your brand using promotional products. At the same time, it is an opportunity to show your appreciation for your employees and customers by gifting them high quality, useful gifts that will passively market your brand. Why gift branded items to employees? Boosts Morale and Job Satisfaction : Receiving a thoughtful gift can make employees feel valued and appreciated . This recognition can boost their morale, enhance job satisfaction, and foster a more positive work environment. Increases Employee Engagement and Productivity : When employees feel that their hard work is recognized and rewarded, they’re often more motivated to stay engaged and contribute at a high level . This can lead to increased productivity and a stronger sense of commitment to the company’s goals. Strengthens Team Loyalty and Retention : Employee turnover can be costly, both financially and culturally. Giving gifts that acknowledge loyalty and dedication can make employees feel a stronger connection to the company and encourage them to stay long-term. Builds a Positive Company Culture : Recognizing employees with thoughtful gifts helps to create a culture of appreciation, gratitude, and respect. It demonstrates that the company cares about its employees as individuals, fostering a supportive and enjoyable workplace . Enhances Brand Ambassadorship : When employees feel appreciated, they’re more likely to speak positively about their workplace to friends, family, and even potential customers . This word-of-mouth advocacy can enhance the company’s reputation and attract both talent and clients. Celebrates Milestones and Achievements : Recognizing employees for important events like work anniversaries, promotions, or successful project completions helps to mark these milestones and show that the company values their contributions . This can encourage them to strive for further achievements. Promotes a Sense of Belonging : Company-branded items, such as apparel or office accessories , can foster a sense of belonging and team unity . It helps employees feel like they’re a part of something bigger, which can increase their commitment to the organization’s vision. Why gift branded items to customers? Builds Brand Awareness and Recall : Promotional items keep your brand visible to customers in their daily lives. A product with your logo, like a pen or tote bag, acts as a reminder of your business every time they use it. Think about you favorite pen or tote bag, are they branded? This frequent exposure helps customers recall your brand when they need your products or services . Creates a Positive Brand Association : People appreciate free, useful items, which can create a sense of goodwill and a positive perception of your brand . When customers receive something for free, especially something of quality, it leaves a favorable impression, which can build trust and loyalty . Think about how you felt the last time you received a freebie. Encourages Customer Loyalty : Regularly gifting customers with small, thoughtful promotional items reinforces that you value their business. Loyal customers who feel appreciated are more likely to return and even refer your brand to others , which can help grow your customer base. Cost-Effective Marketing Tool : Promotional products offer a high return on investment . They’re generally affordable to produce in bulk, and each item can reach multiple potential customers when used in public, creating a high number of impressions for a relatively low cost. Provides a Tangible Brand Experience : Unlike digital ads or emails, promotional products give customers something they can touch and use. This tangibility can make your brand feel more real and accessible , fostering a stronger connection.
We’re thrilled to share one of our most exciting recent projects at Behind Your Design—the design and development of the new website for the construction division of Goyette Mechanical! This project was more than just another website; it was a dynamic collaboration that brought together creativity, innovation, and local roots. Goyette Mechanical is a family-owned business known nationwide, with a legacy built on strong values and exceptional service. As a fellow family-owned business, we felt a deep connection to their story. At Behind Your Design, we’ve always believed that small businesses are the heart of our communities. Working together with another local company made this project truly special, as we know the positive impact that comes from supporting and partnering with businesses rooted in the community. Capturing the Vision: Photography and Drone Work To make Goyette Mechanical’s vision come to life, we brought our creative expertise to a full-scale photo shoot, including stunning drone footage to showcase their projects from a unique perspective. The photos tell the story of their work with depth and vibrancy, highlighting their craftsmanship and the scale of their construction efforts. This visual component is vital for engaging with today’s digital audience and demonstrating the magnitude and detail of their projects. Content with a Purpose In addition to visuals, we provided copy assistance to ensure that their brand’s voice and industry leadership were well communicated. Our goal was to reflect not just what they do, but why they do it—bringing out the passion and dedication they have for serving customers and delivering excellence. A Project Worth Celebrating From start to finish, this project was truly a rewarding experience. Not only were we able to combine our design expertise with storytelling and technical elements, but we also had the privilege of collaborating with a business whose values align so closely with our own. Working together on a project of this scale demonstrates the incredible power of small businesses supporting each other and using local talent and resources to achieve something great. Thank you, Goyette Mechanical, for entrusting us with your website development. We’re proud to celebrate this milestone together and look forward to seeing your construction division thrive even more!
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Grand Blanc Township, MI - October 11, 2024 Behind Your Design is proud to have played a crucial role in the grand opening celebration of John P. O’Sullivan Distributing ’s new 200,000-square-foot warehouse in Grand Blanc Township. As a leader in promotional products and event coordination, Behind Your Design was responsible for organizing every detail of the event, including vendor management, entertainment, promotional materials, and overall event logistics, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience for all attendees. Event Coordination & Logistics Behind Your Design coordinated the event from the ground up, managing multiple aspects to ensure smooth operations. We meticulously organized the event floor plan, mapping out vendor areas and guest seating, while ensuring traffic flow and accessibility. With an eye for detail, our team crafted the run of show, managing the schedule for speeches, entertainment, and the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Our staffing efforts ensured that the event was well-supported by knowledgeable personnel, from the event registration team to the on-site assistance for city, state, and government officials. We were also responsible for managing the entertainment, coordinating a local band and background music, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere throughout the day. Vendor Management Behind Your Design worked with a variety of trusted vendors to bring the event vision to life. From caterers to audiovisual technicians, we curated a team that delivered top-notch services. Each vendor was carefully selected and managed to ensure that all aspects of the event ran smoothly, and that guests experienced a first-class grand opening. Promotional Items & Branding A key part of our involvement was providing high-quality promotional items that captured the brand and spirit of John P. O’Sullivan Distributing. Behind Your Design supplied custom signage , banners , koozies , mouse pads , pens , and swag bags , which were distributed to guests. These branded materials created lasting impressions and reflected the company's commitment to both innovation and community. In addition to these items, we also designed and manufactured custom Hawaiian shirts for the event staff. These shirts featured the John P. O’Sullivan Distributing logo as well as logos from some of the well-known brands they distribute. The eye-catching, personalized shirts helped unify the event’s theme and made the staff stand out while reinforcing the company’s partnerships with key brands. We also produced large-scale event signage and banners , ensuring visual branding was prominent throughout the warehouse and event space. Successful Grand Opening The event, attended by city, state, and government officials as well as key industry leaders, was a tremendous success. Attendees praised the smooth coordination, entertainment, and professional atmosphere. Our contribution to the grand opening reflects our commitment to excellence and our ability to deliver full-scale event services for our clients. By providing not only promotional products but also managing every aspect of event logistics, Behind Your Design ensured that John P. O’Sullivan Distributing’s grand opening was a standout success, showcasing their new state-of-the-art facility and reaffirming their place as a leader in the beer distribution industry. About Behind Your Design Behind Your Design is a full-service creative agency specializing in promotional products, event coordination, and branding solutions. With years of experience in delivering high-impact marketing and event services, we work with clients to bring their vision to life. Whether it’s large-scale corporate events or everyday branding needs, Behind Your Design ensures that every detail is taken care of, from planning to execution. For more information on how we can help coordinate your next event, contact us!