It’s time for a new episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, where Jade and Kirby dive into the world of promo, branding, and marketing strategy—with a healthy dose of fun and practical tips along the way.
In this episode, they cover:
- Their favorite social media platforms right now—and why
- How to do a Company Merch Shop the right way
- How something as simple as a custom pin can build brand momentum
- The Product of the Week—a beautiful and functional barista mug from Bel Promo
- A shoutout to Genesis Healthcare, who just received top recognition for their commitment to patient care
Watch or listen to the full episode here:
Social Media Favorites: What’s Working Now
Social media is always shifting, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the platforms. This week, Jade and Kirby shared which channels are working best for them—and why.
Kirby’s picks:
-
LinkedIn for business. It’s professional, focused, and great for sharing ideas and building credibility in the B2B space.
-
TikTok for entertainment and inspiration. It’s where he scrolls when he wants quick creative ideas or just a laugh.
Jade’s pick:
-
Instagram is making a comeback in her world. With its visual storytelling and improving features for engagement, it’s once again a top platform for connection and content.
Takeaway:
Choose the platforms that fit both your audience and your own energy. Then go all in on creating value there.
How to Build a Company Merch Shop That Works
Company merch shops are growing in popularity—but not all of them are created equal.
Kirby and Jade shared tips on what makes a great branded merch store for employees, clients, or partners:
-
Keep the options curated. Don’t overwhelm people with 500 items. Choose 10–15 on-brand, high-impact pieces.
-
Make it easy to order. User experience matters. A simple, intuitive interface goes a long way.
-
Tie it into the company culture. Let the shop support recruiting, retention, and internal celebrations.
-
Offer seasonal drops or limited releases to keep excitement and engagement high.
When done well, a company merch shop isn’t just about gear—it’s about amplifying culture and creating brand champions from within.
How a Custom Pin Can Spread Your Message
Sometimes it’s the small things that pack the biggest punch—and this week, Kirby and Jade spotlighted the power of custom pins.
-
They’re portable, collectible, and personal.
-
You can use them to celebrate milestones, raise awareness, recognize team members, or build community around a cause or idea.
-
Pins are easy to wear, share, and show off—making them perfect for both internal initiatives and public-facing campaigns.
If you’re looking for a low-cost, high-impact way to spread your message, a pin might be the perfect fit.
Product of the Week: 13 oz Barista Mug with Cork Bottom
This week’s featured product is a fan favorite—the 13 oz Barista Ceramic Mug with a Cork Bottom from our friends at Bel Promo.
Why we love it:
-
Stylish two-tone design that looks great on any desk or kitchen counter
-
Cork bottom adds warmth, protects surfaces, and gives it a unique touch
-
Generous size without being bulky—perfect for coffee, tea, or even soup
This is a product that feels premium but remains accessible for giveaways, client gifts, or employee appreciation. And yes—it photographs beautifully for social, too.
Shoutout: Genesis Healthcare Earns Top Honors
We always love highlighting people and organizations doing great work, and this week we’re celebrating Genesis Healthcare for being awarded the highest overall star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
You can read the full announcement here:
Genesis Hospital Awarded Highest Overall Star Rating
This recognition reflects the dedication and excellence of the Genesis team, and we’re proud to give them a well-earned shoutout on this week’s show.
Final Thoughts
This episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing had a little bit of everything—social media insights, branded merch strategy, thoughtful recognition, and one very lovable mug.
Here’s your quick recap:
-
Use social media intentionally and go where you (and your audience) thrive
-
Build a company merch shop that reflects your culture and adds real value
-
Don’t overlook small but powerful tools like custom pins
-
Celebrate those doing great work—like Genesis Healthcare
Thanks for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe, and if you want help leveling up your branded merch strategy or creating your own company merch shop, we’d love to help.
And 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.