When done right, branded merchandise is more than just a logo on a product—it’s an extension of your brand’s identity. Great merch connects with your audience, creates lasting impressions, and builds loyalty. But creating truly impactful branded merchandise takes more than picking a product from a catalog.
That’s why we’ve developed 5 tips to help you do branded merch BETTER for your organization. By following these steps, you can elevate your promotional products from “just another giveaway” to something people love, use, and remember. Check out this FREE gift to help you create BETTER Marketing. It’s the Hit The TARGET Book Bundle. Get it here for FREE.
The Relentless Pursuit of BETTER Branded Merch
1. Understand Who It’s For
The first—and most critical—step in creating better branded merch is to know your audience. Ask yourself:
- Who will receive this product?
- What do they value?
- How will they use it?
For example, a sleek tumbler might be the perfect gift for professionals who need coffee on the go, while a cozy crewneck sweatshirt might resonate more with college students. The more you understand your audience, the better you can select products that align with their needs, tastes, and lifestyles.
2. Create a Cool Design
Branded merch should excite your audience, not bore them. A great design goes beyond simply slapping your logo on an item—it should be visually appealing and represent your brand in a way that makes people want to wear or use it.
Here are some tips for designing merch your audience will love:
- Keep it clean and professional, but don’t be afraid to add a creative twist.
- Use colors that match your brand but also pop on the product.
- Incorporate messaging or visuals that resonate with your audience.
A well-designed piece of merch turns recipients into walking ambassadors for your brand.
3. Give Yourself Time
Rushing the process is a surefire way to miss opportunities for greatness. Better branded merch takes time—time to brainstorm ideas, create designs, and review proofs. By giving yourself ample time:
- You can think through the product’s purpose and impact.
- Your design team has the opportunity to create something truly exceptional.
- You’ll avoid costly mistakes or last-minute compromises.
Remember: rushed merch often feels rushed. Plan ahead, and you’ll end up with a product you’re proud to share.
4. Pay Attention to Detail
Details matter, especially in branded merchandise. Before placing an order, always request a proof of your design, and then really look at it.
Here’s what to check for:
- Are the colors correct?
- Is your logo placed where you want it?
- Are there typos or errors in any text?
- Does the design scale well on the product?
Taking the time to review every detail ensures that the final product matches your vision. A small mistake on a proof can turn into a big problem when it’s on 500 products.
5. Pay Attention to the Merch That Moves You
Think about the last time you received a piece of branded merch that you loved. What made it special? Was it the design? The quality? The functionality?
When you notice merch that moves you, take note of why. Use those insights to create products that will resonate with your audience in the same way. The key to better merch is understanding what you find impactful and using that knowledge to connect with others.
Why BETTER Merch Matters
Branded merchandise isn’t just about promotion—it’s about creating an experience. When you invest time and energy into doing merch BETTER, your audience will notice. They’ll feel valued, appreciated, and connected to your brand.
By following these 5 tips, you can turn ordinary promotional products into extraordinary tools for engagement. So take the time to understand your audience, create something exciting, and pay attention to the details.
Because when it comes to branded merch, better isn’t just possible—it’s worth pursuing.
Hasseman Marketing is your one-stop marketing shop. We work hard to “Deliver #MarketingJoy to you. Oh…and we want to make sure you hit the TARGET in your marketing. We want you to be BETTER! Check out our new FREE Hit The TARGET bundle. You can get the ebook, audiobook, and course…all for FREE. Head here to get yours!
