In this week’s episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider (the Branding Bestie) go head-to-head on April Fool’s Day brand stunts, debate whether influencers covering up logos is genius or self-important, and highlight a couple of brands that are quietly doing marketing really well right now — plus, they feature the Old Money Soft Cover Spiral Journal as the Product of the Week. And before you dive in, grab your free spot in the 5 Day Business Bootcamp at Bootcamp.HassemanMarketing.com.
Kirby Is Not a Fan of April Fool’s Day — And He’s Not Hiding It
Let’s just get into it. Kirby has opinions about April Fool’s Day, and he is not shy about sharing them.
His take? April Fool’s Day is a holiday built on deception — and when brands lean into it with fake product announcements, fake sales, or fake news, they are playing a dangerous game with the one thing that takes years to build and seconds to lose: trust.
Jade pushed back (as she does), and the conversation got a little heated. There is an argument to be made that a well-executed April Fool’s stunt can be funny, shareable, and actually humanize a brand. But Kirby’s position is clear — if your marketing relies on tricking your audience, even for a day, you are eroding the relationship. And is a cheap laugh really worth it?
It’s a debate worth having. Where do you land?
Brands That Are Getting It Right
Not everything in marketing is a cautionary tale. Both Kirby and Jade took a moment to shine a spotlight on brands they think are doing things really well right now.
Kirby is watching Ask Echo Golf Bags. The brand is carving out a distinct identity in a crowded space, showing that niche markets reward clarity and commitment. When you know exactly who you are and who you are for, the marketing almost writes itself.
Jade is a fan of Tier Tier, a brand that is building genuine community and connection through its marketing. It is not flashy for the sake of flashy — it feels intentional, which is exactly what good marketing should feel like.
Both examples are reminders that great marketing does not have to be loud. It just has to be right.
Influencers Covering Up Logos — Genius Move or Red Flag?
This might be the most interesting conversation in the episode. There is a growing trend of influencers deliberately covering up or obscuring brand logos in their content. The message? If you want visibility, you need to pay for it.
Jade found the whole thing a little risky and, honestly, a little icky. There is something uncomfortable about actively hiding a brand that may have gifted you a product or that exists naturally in your world.
Kirby had a more pointed reaction. He called it self-important — and flipped the script with a simple question: What if your followers did that to you? What if the people who share your content started blurring out your name, your handle, your face — because you had not paid them for the exposure?
It is a sharp point. In a world where audiences are the currency, treating visibility as a transaction worth withholding cuts both ways.
Product of the Week: The Old Money Soft Cover Spiral Journal
This week’s featured product is the Old Money Soft Cover Spiral Journal — and it is a good one. The “Old Money” aesthetic is having a serious cultural moment right now, and this journal taps right into it. Clean, classic, understated — the kind of branded product that people actually want to keep and use.
If you are looking for a promotional product that feels elevated without a massive price tag, this is worth a look. Reach out to the team at HassemanMarketing.com to learn more.
Grab Your Free Spot in the 5 Day Business Bootcamp
Before you go — if you are ready to get more intentional about your marketing and actually start driving results, the FREE 5 Day Business Bootcamp is a great place to start. Get access now at Bootcamp.HassemanMarketing.com.
And if you have not subscribed to Better Merch…Better Marketing yet, find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
It’s time for another round of Thirsty Thursday—where we take a mystery drink, pair it with branded drinkware, and give you our honest (and sometimes hilarious) reactions.
This week, Claire Bowman, Briar Swigert, and Kirby Hasseman showed up ready to go… even if seasonal allergies were trying to slow them down. Despite the sniffles, the crew brought the energy—and this episode delivered a classic Thirsty Thursday twist.
Let’s get into it.
The Drink: Hoppin’ Frog Peanut Butter Chocolate Porter
This week’s mystery drink was the Hoppin’ Frog Peanut Butter Chocolate Porter—a bold, dessert-style beer that definitely made an impression.
Right out of the gate, the reactions were mixed.
Kirby took the first sip and was immediately on board. He liked it right away, appreciating the rich, sweet profile.
Claire had the opposite reaction. It was a quick “no thanks” at first—just not what she was expecting.
Briar was intrigued. Not fully in or out, but curious enough to keep going back for another sip.
And that’s where things got interesting.
As the episode went on, the drink started to win people over. Claire, who was firmly out at the beginning, admitted it was growing on her. Briar leaned further into it, appreciating the uniqueness of the flavor. By the end, all three agreed—it was actually pretty good.
But in true Thirsty Thursday fashion, not everything escaped critique.
Briar pointed out that while the drink delivered, he was not a fan of the branding on the can. A good reminder that packaging matters—especially when you’re trying to make a strong first impression.
The Drinkware: The Florence 16 oz Plastic Coffee Tumbler
While the drink took a minute to win the crew over, the drinkware was much more straightforward.
Another Thirsty Thursday in the books—powered by curiosity, honest opinions, and a little persistence.
Cheers to trying new things…and sticking around long enough to let them grow on you.
And as always, we are here to help! If you need help with branded merch, merch strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand or your team, let’s talk. We’d love to help you. Get your TARGET Hiring Playbook here for free!
In this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Jade and Kirby cover a mix of real-world marketing lessons and life moments in an episode we’re calling Marketing, Mistakes, and Milestones.
Before we dive in, we have a gift for you. If you want to get more intentional with your marketing and build real momentum in your business, grab your spot in our FREE 5 Day Business Bootcamp here: https://bootcamp.hassemanmarketing.com/
This time, Kirby and Jade break down a recent Cheez-It PR and merch miss and what brands can learn when ideas don’t land. Then they shift to planning ahead, sharing insights from reviewing Q1 and mapping out Q2 goals. And finally, Jade shares her recent pregnancy announcement, a reminder that the best brands are built by real people living real lives.
If you have not already subscribed to Better Merch…Better Marketing, today is a great day to do it. You can find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts,Spotify, or wherever you listen. Just search “Delivering Marketing Joy,” and you will have access to all of our podcasts in one place.
Before we dive in, we have a gift for you. If you want to level up your business and marketing strategy, grab your spot in our FREE 5 Day Business Bootcamp here: https://bootcamp.hassemanmarketing.com/
If you are ready to get more intentional with your marketing and actually drive results, this is a great place to start.
In this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Jade Crider and Kirby Hasseman tackle a topic that gets people fired up: banning branded merch. And as you might expect, they are not fans.
Smells Like Marketing (Literally)
The episode kicks off with a fun example from McDonald’s. The brand is selling scented candles inspired by their food. It is unexpected. It is a little weird. And it works.
Why?
Because it creates conversation. It builds connection. And it takes a familiar brand and gives people a new way to engage with it. It is a great reminder that branded merch does not have to be boring to be effective.
Boots on the Ground
Kirby also shares insights from his recent trip to the South Carolina and Georgia area. From speaking engagements to spending time with Jade and John, the trip reinforced something simple but powerful: relationships still matter.
Marketing is not just about campaigns and content. It is about showing up, connecting, and building trust in real life. Those moments create opportunities that no digital ad can replace.
Why Banning Merch Misses the Mark
Then the conversation turns to the main topic: organizations banning branded merch altogether.
The problem is not merch. The problem is bad merch strategy.
When done right, branded merchandise:
Creates connection
Reinforces your brand
Builds culture internally
Keeps you top of mind with customers
When done poorly, it becomes waste.
So instead of banning merch, the better approach is to do it better. Be intentional. Choose useful items. Tie it to a campaign. Think about the experience.
Because when merch is done right, it is not just “stuff with a logo.” It is one of the most powerful tools in your marketing mix.
Product of the Week
This week Jade is on trend with the Product of the Week! These Charm Keychains bring a jingle jangle to any key ring. Create 3 custom diestruck charms and fill each of them with up to 4 soft enamel spot colors. Each charm can be unique to your brand telling a different story for each custom piece. Easily attach the charms to any keyring, belt loop, purse string, zipper pull, or wherever their hearts desire. Learn more here now.
Hit Play (and Subscribe)
If you have not already subscribed to Better Merch…Better Marketing, today is a great day to do it. You can find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts,Spotify, or wherever you listen. Just search “Delivering Marketing Joy,” and you will have access to all of our podcasts in one place.
If you need help with branded merch, merch strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand or your team, let’s talk. We would love to help you create Better Merch and Better Marketing.
Before we jump in, we have a gift for you. If you want to level up your hiring and marketing strategy, grab your free copy of TARGET for Talent here: https://hassemanmarketing.com/target-for-talent/ It’s a practical resource to help you attract the right people and build a stronger team.
In this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Jade Crider and Kirby Hasseman break down a major shift in the marketing landscape: YouTube becoming the world’s largest media platform, surpassing traditional giants like Disney. The takeaway is simple but powerful. Attention has shifted. And if your brand is not thinking about video, storytelling, and consistent content, you are missing where your audience is spending time.
Why YouTube Is Winning
The conversation is not just about YouTube’s size. It is about why it is winning. YouTube rewards creators and brands that show up consistently, provide value, and build trust over time. It is not about one viral moment. It is about creating a body of work that earns attention. For businesses, this means thinking beyond one-off campaigns and focusing on long-term content strategy.
Jade Is On The Online 18
Jade also shares her recent recognition on the PPAI Online 18, highlighting top young leaders in the promotional products industry. This is more than an award. It is a reminder that visibility comes from putting yourself out there, sharing your voice, and consistently delivering value. Personal branding is no longer optional. It is a key driver of opportunity.
Sell The Outcome
Another key theme in this episode is a simple but often overlooked marketing truth: sell the outcome, not the features. Too many organizations focus on what their product does instead of what it actually delivers. Customers do not buy features. They buy results. They buy solutions. They buy a better version of their current situation. When you shift your messaging to focus on outcomes, your marketing becomes clearer, more compelling, and more effective.
Product of the Week
As always, Jade and Kirby wrap up the episode with a Product of the Week. This time, they highlight the Luminex Mini Fan, a practical and timely branded merch item that delivers real value, especially as warmer weather approaches. It is a simple reminder that the best promotional products are the ones people actually use. You can check out the Product of the Week shop here: https://hassemanmarketing.commonsku.com/shop/12b4a1b1-31e1-41a2-abb1-bafd0cc5524e/shop/8801e37e-7124-4c28-a582-ae2d5917a7f2
This episode is packed with practical insights for businesses looking to grow their reach, build their brand, and connect more effectively with their audience.
Hit play, and let’s talk Better Merch and Better Marketing.
If you have not already subscribed to Better Merch…Better Marketing, today is a great day to do it. You can find us on YouTube,Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Just search “Delivering Marketing Joy,” and you will have access to all of our podcasts in one place.
If you need help with branded merch, content strategy, or building a marketing plan that actually drives results, let’s talk. We would love to help you create Better Merch and Better Marketing.
In this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Jade Crider and Kirby Hasseman cover a mix of travel, brand behavior, and customer experience in an episode we titled Speakerphones, Sandwiches, and Strategy.
From Dirt To Shirt
First, Kirby shares lessons from his recent trip to Honduras with commonsku and SanMar. The trip brought together industry leaders, partners, and entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and strengthen relationships. One of the biggest takeaways is something that applies to any business: great communities create great opportunities. When organizations invest in relationships and experiences, the impact goes far beyond the event itself.
Tasting the Big Arch
Next, Jade and Kirby dive into a marketing moment from McDonald’s. The CEO recently tried the new Big Arch sandwich on video, which quickly sparked responses from competitors who created content poking fun at the moment. It is a reminder that brands are always in conversation with each other and with their audiences. When you create a moment, whether intentional or not, others may join the conversation. Smart brands stay aware of the landscape and understand how quickly content can take on a life of its own.
Turn Off Your Speakerphone
The conversation then shifts to a rule many travelers are celebrating. Delta Airlines recently announced that passengers are no longer allowed to play audio on speakerphone during flights. While this may sound like a small operational policy, it highlights something bigger. Customer experience matters. Small decisions that respect the comfort and experience of customers can strengthen a brand’s reputation and loyalty.
Product of the Week
As always, the episode also features a Product of the Week. This time Jade and Kirby spotlight a sleek double-wall stainless steel tumbler that is both practical and highly giftable. It is a versatile branded merch piece that works well for employee appreciation, client gifts, or event giveaways. You can check it out here. We feature this amazing products and many others!
Finally, this week’s shoutout goes to two organizations doing great work in the community. The Coshocton Chamber of Commerce and Coshocton Regional Medical Center are partnering to host a Safety and Wellness Event for residents across Coshocton County. Events like this help bring valuable resources, education, and support to the community, and it is always great to see organizations working together for the greater good.
Hit play, and let’s talk Better Merch and Better Marketing.
If you have not already subscribed to Better Merch…Better Marketing, today is a great day to do it. You can find us on YouTube,Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Just search “Delivering Marketing Joy,” and you will have access to all of our podcasts in one place.
And before you go, make sure you grab your free Hit The TARGET bundle at https://hitthetargetbook.com/. It is packed with tools to help you identify your perfect customer, build reach, and execute your marketing with clarity.
