When it comes to building a brand that sticks, most marketers turn to digital ads, emails, or social media. And while those tools are important, one of the most underutilized and undervalued strategies continues to be branded merchandise.
But here’s the truth: Done well, branded merch can become one of your most powerful marketing tools. It’s targeted. It builds relationships. It lasts.
So in this week’s DMJ 1 on 1, I wanted to break down 10 truths about branded merch—and more importantly, share how you can act on them to elevate your marketing strategy.
1. Branded Merch is Targeted
Not all impressions are created equal. When you hand a product to a client or prospect, you’re choosing who sees your brand—and when. That’s incredibly powerful.
Action: Define your perfect customer and give them something they’ll actually use.
2. It’s the Only Marketing People Say “Thank You” For
No one thanks you for sending an email. But give someone a hoodie, a tumbler, or a hat they actually love? You’ll hear “thanks!”—and that positive association sticks.
Action: Build a “thank you” campaign using branded merch for your best customers or partners.
3. Useful Merch = Repeated Impressions
We’ve all kept a favorite pen for months—or used the same water bottle every day. That’s the power of usefulness.
Action: Audit your existing merch. Is it useful? Is it visible? Make sure it earns a place in their daily life.
4. Design Matters More Than You Think
It doesn’t matter how “on brand” your item is—if it’s ugly, no one’s wearing it. Good design transforms merch from disposable to desirable.
Action: Don’t just slap on a logo. Collaborate with a designer and ask, “Would I wear this?”
5. Merch Builds Internal Culture and Community
It’s not just for customers. Your team wants to feel part of something meaningful. Branded apparel and gear can help solidify that connection.
Action: Launch an internal drop when you hit a big milestone or welcome a new hire. Culture matters.
6. Good Merch Can Drive Action
Want merch to do more than build awareness? Add a call to action, QR code, or unique promo. Great merch can also be great lead generation.
Action: Link a product to a landing page or exclusive content. Measure how it performs.
7. Not All Merch is Created Equal
Cheap merch sends the wrong message. You want to feel proud when someone receives your product—not hope they toss it quietly.
Action: Quality over quantity. Better items, in smaller batches, often make a bigger impression.
8. Branded Merch is a Long-Game Strategy
A digital ad is gone in a scroll. But a high-quality product? It might be building your brand for months—or years.
Action: Think long-term. Invest in merch that reinforces your brand values and identity over time.
9. Emotional Connection Increases Impact
Products tied to a story, memory, or cause have more meaning. They don’t just get used—they get remembered.
Action: Add context to your campaign. Tie your merch to a moment, message, or mission.
10. Great Merch Sparks Word-of-Mouth
When people love your merch, they wear it, share it, and talk about it. It becomes part of their story—and yours.
Action: Make your merch photo-worthy. Encourage people to post about it. That’s the kind of marketing money can’t buy.
Final Thoughts
Branded merch isn’t just a swag bag. It’s a storytelling tool. It’s a relationship builder. It’s a way to make your brand feel real—not just digital.
So the next time you’re planning a campaign, ask yourself: how can I use branded merch not just as a giveaway… but as a strategy?
Let’s keep delivering marketing joy, one product (and one idea) at a time.
As always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand, let’s talk. We’d love to help you. Head here to get the book “Hit The TARGET” for FREE! This will help you dial in your marketing for better results.
