Creating Stronger Connections: The Creative Secret to Branded Merchandise and Gifting
Creating Stronger Connections: The Creative Secret to Branded Merchandise and Gifting
It’s time to unlock the full potential of branded merchandise and consumer gifts. There's no denying that through careful merchandise selection and thoughtful gifting, your brand can make a meaningful connection with people–elevating your business in their eyes.
Branded merchandise and consumer gifts are powerful tools in the world of marketing. They can help you build brand loyalty and differentiate your business from your competition. Picture customers clamouring for your unique products and gifts. With a bit of creativity, you can make a lasting impression on your audience and create something that truly resonates. But, that means looking beyond simply placing a logo on a product.
In this blog post, we'll discuss how and why you should focus on high-level creative to create an emotional connection with your audience.
What are branded products?
Mugs to socks, hats to tote bags, branded merchandise, consumer gift with purchase, promotional products or SWAG – however you know them, are customised items to showcase a company, organisation or event.
Bespoke items are more tailor-made to a brand, meaning they can be anything from a speciality advent calendar to a corporate employee welcome packet. They offer a unique experience by providing the recipient with something special that cannot be found elsewhere.
It's not just about being flashy branded products are a strategic way to build relationships with customers, clients, and employees.
The emotional connection and building a memorable impression
Creativity in branded merchandise and corporate gifting extends beyond the visual appeal of logos or colours of an item. At its core, the creative aspect is about providing value and evoking strong emotions. Imagine the joy, gratitude, and nostalgia elicited by a well-designed and thoughtful gift.
Consider the impact of giving a customer a one-of-a-kind ceramic piggy bank to commemorate a special event like opening their first bank account or a milestone like having been a member for five years. The recipient will appreciate the gift's thoughtfulness, feel a sense of belonging to the company and likely continue future business with the brand.
Plus, when someone receives a thoughtful gift from a company, they’re more likely to share their experience with colleagues, friends and family.
But it's not just about the gift itself - the packaging is just as significant. People are looking for an extra level of care and consideration from the brands they work with. Thoughtfully designed packaging is the key to unforgettable gifts.
Embodying brand values in meaningful products
In a world with so much competition vying for a person's attention, creating products that stand out is essential. But you can't settle for the "hot" item of the moment. To maximise your strategy's impact, you must carefully select and design products relevant to your audience. And that means getting creative and thinking outside the box.
Plenty of tools are available to help you research your target market's preferences. From trade shows, social media, surveys and trend forecasts, it's easier than ever to understand what your recipients need so you can tailor your products.
Working with a creative merchandise agency like Brand Addition can also provide valuable insights into what promotional products drive the most successful results for your goals.
People want to feel special and appreciated when they receive a gift. Recipients have high expectations and the quality of the materials, attention to detail and the product's overall aesthetic will all impact your brand's perception.
Take the Nespresso Coffee Coasters, for instance. They're not just ordinary coasters but ones made with recycled coffee grounds. Using recycled materials, Nespresso shows its commitment to the environment and gives customers a product they can feel proud of using.
Ultimately, it's all about integrating your values and building lasting relationships with your customers. And by combining thoughtful design with practicality and personalisation, you can create a gifting and branded merchandise strategy that speaks to your audience.
Branded merchandise & gifting details you can't afford to miss
Creating a new product can be a lot of fun. However, to use products to build your brand's reputation, it's wise to consider the following questions before jumping into the process.
How are trends changing the future?
As markets evolve, so do the needs and expectations of the customer. Keeping track of the latest trends helps your brand anticipate what your customers want now and in the future and allows you to create products that meet those needs.
What are the logistical steps involved?
Branded merchandise and consumer gifting involves many steps beyond just adding your company logo or tagline. Some of those steps could include:
➤ Sourcing: Identifying potential suppliers and evaluating commitment to ethical practises, cost structures and lead times. This could include assessing factors such as fair labour practises, environmental impact and waste reduction efforts.
➤ Design: Determine how the product will look and feel. Selecting colours and choosing materials should align with the brand's values, messaging and aesthetics.
➤ Sustainable Material Selection: Finding materials with a low environmental impact. This could include using organic cotton, recycled materials or biodegradable materials. Read our article, “Shifting to Sustainability”, to learn how this change is affecting the merchandising industry.
➤ Production: This is where the actual merchandise is manufactured, involving various steps, such as cutting, sewing, printing and assembly.
➤ Packaging: Creative packaging can give extra impact to the unboxing experience. Avoid single use plastics and consider recyclability or even reusability to add in further value.
➤ End-of-life Management: Some companies might want to ensure that items are disposed of or recycled in an environmentally responsible manner at the end of their lifecycle. This could include implementing take-back programmes, using biodegradable packaging or partnering with organisations that specialise in responsible product disposal.
➤ Logistics and Shipping: Shipping promotional products might seem straightforward, but you must consider different shipping rules and regulations around the world. With restrictions on certain products, such as electronic products or plants, your products may never reach your customers or employees.
Are there cultural rules about specific products?
If your brand has a global audience, it’s important to understand that cultural norms vary significantly between regions and countries. Different countries also have different customs regarding gift-giving, such as the type of gift, the method of presentation and the manner of delivery.
For example, gifting a clock in Asia is considered a sign of death, whereas in Europe, it is viewed as a sign of reliability.
Understanding local customs before designing a product campaign is important so your efforts don't inadvertently offend people. A global merchandising partner can provide invaluable insight into these cultural norms and help ensure your brand is represented appropriately.
Making the most of your branded product design strategy
Branded merchandise and gifting can positively impact your company's image and reputation. The key to success lies in creating products that align with your brand values and effectively communicate your message to your target audience.
At the end of the day, the goal is to create a memorable experience that leaves a lasting impression on your customers, clients or employees. By taking the time to understand your recipient, embodying your brand values in your product design and investing in high-quality creative, you can create items that look great and resonate with your recipients emotionally.
Making the most of your design process requires a combination of creativity, expertise and strategic thinking. By embracing this approach, you can elevate your brand, build customer loyalty and stand out from the competition.
The right partner can also play a crucial role in making the most of your investment. With the help of a company like Brand Addition, you can bring your vision to life and see actual results.
Contact us if you want to discuss your next project.