Put Branded Merchandise to Work for Your Business
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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When it comes to promotional apparel, the details really do matter. One of the best ways to elevate a sweatshirt or hoodie is through raised embroidery, a technique that gives logos a bold, dimensional look you can see and feel. We recently created a custom zip-up hoodie for the Maryville Retreat Center using raised embroidered logo detailing. The result was a piece that didn’t just display their brand, it brought it to life through texture and craftsmanship. For Maryville Retreat Center, the goal was to create apparel that felt welcoming, durable, and aligned with their mission. The raised embroidered zip-up hoodie achieved that balance, offering a clean design with just enough texture to make it feel special. It works well for staff, volunteers, and guests, making it both functional and meaningful. What Is Raised Embroidery? Raised embroidery, sometimes called 3D or puff embroidery, uses specialized stitching and sometimes a foam base to lift parts of a design off the fabric. Instead of lying flat like print, the logo stands up from the garment, creating depth and texture. It’s a simple technique that instantly makes apparel feel more premium and intentional. Why Raised Embroidery Works So Well It elevates the look and feel Raised embroidery adds instant dimension, which naturally makes apparel feel higher quality. Even simple logos look more refined when they have texture and depth. It creates a strong first impression Because the design physically stands off the garment, it catches light differently and stands out without needing bold colors or oversized artwork. It’s built to last Embroidery is stitched into the fabric, not sitting on top of it. That means no peeling or cracking over time, even with regular wear and washing. It works especially well on hoodies and sweatshirts Heavier fabrics like fleece hold embroidery well, allowing the raised stitching to stay clean and structured. It helps strengthen brand recognition A textured logo becomes more noticeable and memorable, helping your brand stand out in everyday settings. Raised embroidery turns apparel into something people actually notice and remember. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in how your brand is perceived.
Showcasing a Michigan Manufacturing Company Through Professional Photography
Not all promotional products are the same, and that is a good thing. Different goals call for different types of items. Sometimes a simple, cost-effective giveaway works perfectly. Other times, a higher-end product creates a more meaningful experience. We recently worked with Interactive Training Systems to create custom embroidered Carhartt cooler backpacks as a gift for their employees. This is a great example of how thoughtful promotional products can elevate a brand and strengthen team connection.
In industries like engineering, manufacturing, and automotive, innovation never slows down. The companies that stand out are always thinking about what comes next. That mindset should show up not just in what you do, but in how you present your brand. We recently partnered with Interactive Training Systems to create a logo design that reflects both where they have been and where they are going. The end result is a modern brand identity that supports their continued growth. Why Intentional Branding Matters A logo is often the first impression your business makes. It should quickly communicate who you are and what you stand for. For companies in technical industries, that means finding the right balance. Your branding needs to feel modern and forward-thinking, while still showing experience and credibility. Every detail plays a role, from typography to color to overall style. A strong logo helps build trust, show expertise, and set you apart from competitors. A Thoughtful Approach to Logo Design Interactive Training Systems came to us looking for a logo that captured both their history and their future. As a company focused on technical training and innovation, it was important that their brand felt precise, smart, and adaptable. We started by getting a clear understanding of their business, their audience, and their goals. From there, we explored concepts that included: Clean, modern lines to show forward movement Subtle technical elements tied to engineering and manufacturing A polished look that reinforces trust The final design feels current, while still staying true to their foundation. Branding That Grows With You Your brand should evolve as your business grows. Too often, companies treat logo design as a one-time project, but it should be something that supports you long-term. This new logo gives Interactive Training Systems a strong foundation for what is ahead. It reflects innovation while still respecting their history, which is key in an industry like theirs. Why the Right Partner Makes a Difference Good branding comes from collaboration. It is about working with a team that listens, understands your vision, and knows how to bring it to life. At Behind Your Design, that is always the goal. We focus on creating branding that not only looks good, but actually works for your business. If your current branding no longer reflects where you are headed, it might be time for a refresh. The right logo can make a bigger impact than you think.
Exploring Sydney and Cairns in Australia and visiting Auckland, Rotorua and Taupo in New Zealand.
Custom branded golf balls are one of those promotional items that just make sense. Whether you run a golf course, a tournament, a resort, or simply want a unique way to connect with clients, they offer a fun and practical way to keep your brand in play. Golf balls are naturally tied to relaxation, leisure, and connection . That makes them a powerful marketing tool. When your logo is on something that people are actually excited to use, your brand becomes part of a positive experience. Every swing, every round, and every time someone reaches into their bag, your business is right there with them. For golf-related businesses, branded balls are an easy win. They are great for member giveaways, tournaments, pro shop merchandise, and corporate outings. If you are not in the golf industry, they still make an excellent client gift or a memorable handout that feels personal and unexpected. It is a simple way to say “thanks for your business” while staying top of mind long after the first tee. Behind Your Design has recently created custom golf balls for The Ally Challenge , Epic Machine , and Lewis & Knopf . Each one was designed to reflect the brand while still feeling clean, professional, and ready for the course. And let’s be honest, it is hard to find a promotional item with more staying power. These are not getting tossed in a drawer and forgotten. They are getting teed up, driven down the fairway, and maybe even lost in a water hazard or two. Either way, your brand is along for the ride. When it comes to marketing, combining business with leisure is a hole-in-one strategy. It builds connection in a relaxed environment where people are already in a good mood and open to engagement. That kind of brand association is priceless. If you are ready to put your brand in play, contact Behind Your Design today and start creating custom golf balls that keep your business top of mind from the first tee to the final putt.