Welcome back to another episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing! 🎙️ This week, we’re breaking down some of our favorite Super Bowl ads (and a few that left us confused), why branded apparel doesn’t have to be boring, the ONE piece of branded merch every company should have, and—believe it or not—an area where Dad was actually RIGHT.
And before we wrap up, we’re giving a shoutout to John Larsen from OneGoodDeedJourney.com for the amazing work he’s doing.
Watch the latest episode right here 👇
Now, let’s get into the highlights!
Super Bowl Ads: The Good, The Bad & The WTF 🏈
Super Bowl commercials are a big deal. Brands pour millions into creating spots that will make us laugh, cry, or remember them forever. This year, we had some ads we really liked—and some that made us say, What were they thinking?
✅ Our Favorites:
Bud Light’s Ad – Simple, fun, and easy to watch. They nailed the tone.
Uber Eats Conspiracy Ad – A clever and silly ad where they pitch the idea that Football was created to sell you food.
Mountain Dew’s Ad Featuring Seal – An unexpected but hilarious use of Seal (the singer, not the animal).
❌ The WTF Moment:
The Tubi Ad with the Cowboy Hat Head – We both agreed… this one was just weird. Maybe it worked for some people, but for us, it was more confusing than entertaining.
Now, we want to hear from YOU! What were your favorite (or least favorite) Super Bowl ads this year? Drop them in the comments! 👇
Branded Apparel Doesn’t Have to Be Boring 👕
We say it all the time, but it’s worth repeating—branded apparel shouldn’t feel like a uniform.
Too many companies stick to generic polos and boxy t-shirts that no one actually wants to wear. But when done right, branded apparel can be:
✔️ Trendy and stylish—people should actually want to wear it.
✔️ Comfortable and high-quality—if it feels good, they’ll wear it often.
✔️ Well-designed—think about placement, color, and creativity beyond just a logo.
If you’re ordering apparel for your business, ask yourself:
Would I wear this if it didn’t have my company’s name on it?
If the answer is no, it’s time to rethink your approach.
The ONE Piece of Branded Merch Every Company Needs
We had a little debate on this one…
🥇 Kirby’s Pick: The Classic and Cool T-Shirt
A well-designed, high-quality t-shirt is the most wearable branded merch out there.
People wear their favorite t-shirts all the time—so if you do it right, your brand becomes part of their wardrobe.
🥇 Jade’s Pick: Custom Calendars
It’s functional, useful, and sticks around all year long.
Calendars put your brand front and center every single day—which makes them a smart marketing investment.
🥇 Honorable Mention (Because Kirby Broke the Rules): Drinkware
Let’s be real—branded drinkware is one of the best promo items out there.
Whether it’s tumblers, water bottles, or coffee mugs, people use them daily.
A high-quality piece of drinkware keeps your brand in constant rotation.
So, what do YOU think? If you could only pick ONE piece of branded merch, what would it be? Let us know in the comments!
Dad Was Right?!
This is a rare moment, folks. Kirby was actually right about something.
Jade shared how, while her husband was deployed this past year, she actually enjoyed moving home and being around family. While she didn’t expect to love it as much as she did, it turned out to be a great experience.
So, in this one instance… Dad gets to say, “I told you so.” 😉
Shoutout to John Larsen & OneGoodDeedJourney.com!
Before we close out, we want to give a huge shoutout to John Larsen and the work he’s doing with OneGoodDeedJourney.com.
John is on a mission to spread kindness and encourage people to make a difference—one good deed at a time. His work is inspiring, and we love seeing the impact he’s making.
Check out OneGoodDeedJourney.com to learn more and see how you can get involved!
Final Thoughts: Better Merch, Better Marketing, Better Conversations
This episode had a little bit of everything—Super Bowl ads, better branded apparel, the best merch picks, a rare “Dad was right” moment, and celebrating good people doing great things. But at the core of it all, it comes down to one thing:
BETTER marketing leads to BETTER brand impact.
If you want to level up your branded merch, marketing, or company culture, let’s chat. We’d love to help you find the right strategy for your brand.
And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing! 🚀
At Hasseman Marketing, we are all about fun…and doing marketing BETTER. If you need help creating Better Merch & Better Marketing reach out to us! 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.
If you’re looking for creative ways to grow your sales this year, branded merchandise should be a key part of your strategy. Too often, businesses treat promo products as afterthoughts—something you slap a logo on and hand out at events. But when used strategically, branded merch can help you increase engagement, drive conversions, and build long-term customer relationships.
In this post (and video), we’re sharing five powerful ways you can use branded merchandise to boost your sales in 2024.
Use Branded Merch to Improve Direct Mail
Direct mail still works—but with today’s digital noise, you need to make sure your piece gets opened. That’s where branded merch comes in.
By adding a small promotional product to your mailer, you make it “bumpy,” which naturally increases curiosity. People want to see what’s inside. And here’s the kicker:
💡 Studies show that adding branded merch to direct mail can increase open rates by up to 75%!
Yes, this will increase the cost per piece. But if your offer is strong, dramatically improving your open rates will lead to higher conversions and sales. If you’re already investing in direct mail, adding branded merch can significantly boost your ROI.
Use Branded Merch to Improve Show Rates
Getting people to show up for appointments, meetings, or events is a challenge—whether you’re a dentist, gym owner, or service provider. One smart way to increase attendance is to use branded merch as an incentive.
Here’s how it works: Offer people a choice of branded merch BEFORE they arrive.
For example, when scheduling a new appointment, you could ask:
🛍️ “Would you prefer the red tumbler or the blue tumbler when you come in?”
This small tactic taps into the power of commitment and consistency. When someone chooses, they feel more invested in showing up. And more people following through on appointments means more sales for your business.
Use Branded Merch to Incentivize Referrals
Referrals are one of the best ways to grow a business. When people recommend you, they bring in warmer leads who already trust you. But sometimes, customers need a nudge to make those introductions.
That’s where branded merch comes in.
When you create a referral program using high-quality branded products, you turn your customers into brand ambassadors. They wear, use, and talk about your merch—spreading the word about your business in an organic way.
📣 Pro Tip: The best referral gifts aren’t just “cheap swag.” Pick something people actually want to use—like premium drinkware, apparel, or tech accessories. This increases the likelihood that they’ll share it, talk about it, and send new business your way.
Use Branded Merch for Brand Marketing (Not Just Direct Marketing)
Most businesses focus on direct marketing—ads, sales funnels, and emails designed to drive immediate action. While these are important, brand marketing is what keeps you at the top of your mind in the long term.
And guess what? Branded merch is one of the best tools for brand marketing.
Why? Because it makes your brand omnipresent in your audience’s daily life.
Imagine your target customer drinking their coffee every morning out of your branded tumbler. Or pulling out your custom notebook at every meeting. That constant exposure builds brand familiarity and trust—so when they’re finally ready to buy, you’re the first name they think of.
✅ Direct marketing = asking for the sale immediately.
✅ Brand marketing = building long-term relationships that lead to future sales.
Great marketing needs both. Use branded merch strategically to be everywhere for your ideal customers.
Create a Quarterly Appreciation Program for Your Top Customers
It’s important to focus on getting new customers—but don’t forget to take care of the ones you already have.
Your top 20% of customers likely generate 80% of your revenue (hello, Pareto Principle). The best way to keep them loyal? Show them you appreciate them without always asking for money.
A Quarterly Appreciation Program is a simple way to do this. Every three months, send your top clients a thoughtful branded gift—something useful, high-quality, and unexpected.
Why does this work?
💡 Loyal customers spend more and refer others.
💡 A thank-you gift strengthens relationships and reduces churn.
💡 Most businesses don’t do this—so it makes you stand out!
Remember: People like to do business with those who appreciate them. A well-executed appreciation program can have a massive impact on repeat sales and referrals.
Start Using Branded Merch to Grow Your Sales This Year
Branded merch isn’t just about slapping your logo on a product and hoping for the best. When used strategically, it can:
✅ Get more people to open your direct mail
✅ Improve show-up rates for appointments & events
✅ Incentivize referrals and build a community
✅ Strengthen your brand marketing strategy
✅ Show appreciation to your best customers
If you’re ready to put these strategies to work in your business, we’d love to help! At Hasseman Marketing, we specialize in helping businesses use branded merchandise to drive real results.
🚀 Let’s create a plan for you. Contact us today, and let’s talk about how to use branded merch to grow your sales this year!
If you need help hitting the TARGET with your branded merch, reach out to us! 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.
Welcome back to the Better Merch…Better Marketing podcast! We’re thrilled to bring you Episode 2, where Jade Crider and Kirby Hasseman dive into exciting topics in marketing, business, and branded merchandise—all while adding their unique father-daughter dynamic to the mix. If you missed Episode 1, don’t worry; you can catch up anytime. But today, we’re diving into new discussions that we think you’ll love.
Check out the latest episode below:
What’s in Episode 2?
Here’s a rundown of what we covered in this week’s podcast:
1. The TikTok Drama: What Happened and What’s Next?
We kicked off this week’s episode by discussing the recent TikTok drama. From its sudden removal to the widespread reaction, Jade shared how she felt when the app disappeared briefly and what it meant for content creators and marketers alike. Kirby and Jade also speculated on what might come next for the platform and how businesses should approach TikTok moving forward. Spoiler alert: This conversation was packed with insights into adapting to change in the digital marketing landscape.
2. Lessons from the PPAI Expo
Last week, we attended the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas, the premier event for promotional products and branded merchandise. We had the chance to explore new trends, connect with industry leaders, and come away with some important lessons in business. In this episode, we share our key takeaways that can help you in whatever business you are in!
3. Audience Question: How Can You Attract and Retain Clients?
This week’s listener question comes from someone who tuned in to Episode 1: How can you attract and retain clients? Kirby broke down his TARGET method for effective marketing, offering actionable steps to help businesses stand out and build lasting relationships.
To make it even better, Kirby is giving away his book, Hit The TARGET, for free! Head over to HitTheTargetBook.com to grab your free copy, which includes the ebook, audiobook, and online course.
4. When Dad Was Wrong
In this week’s fun and lighthearted segment, Jade turned the tables and shared an area where she thinks Kirby is wrong. This playful moment highlighted how different perspectives—even within a family—can lead to some lively discussions and even better ideas.
5. Shout Out to Local Stars: Main Street Station & Sorrell’s on the Square
We wrapped up the episode by celebrating two amazing Coshocton businesses, Main Street Station and Sorrell’s on the Square, both of which were recently featured on America’s Best Restaurants. These local spots are doing incredible things for our community, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a spotlight on their achievements. If you haven’t visited them yet, make it a priority!
Key Takeaways from Episode 2
TikTok’s impact on marketing is undeniable, and adaptability is key as platforms evolve.
Live events like the PPAI Expo are invaluable for networking, learning, and staying ahead in your industry.
Attracting and retaining clients requires a clear strategy, like Kirby’s TARGET method, and a focus on delivering value.
It’s okay to challenge ideas and perspectives—that’s where growth (and sometimes laughter) happens.
Supporting local businesses is a vital part of building strong communities.
What’s Next?
We’re already planning Episode 3, and we’d love to hear from you! Have a question or topic you want us to cover? Send it our way, and we might feature it in an upcoming episode. Whether it’s about branded merchandise, marketing strategies, or building better business practices, we’re here to help.
Make sure to watch Episode 2 above, share your thoughts, and subscribe to stay updated on all future episodes. Together, we’re creating Better Merch…Better Marketing!
Have a question or comment? Drop it below or reach out directly—we’d love to hear from you!
If you need help creating Better Merch & Better Marketing reach out to us! 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.
In today’s competitive marketplace, finding a marketing partner who truly understands your needs and delivers results can be challenging. At Hasseman Marketing, we pride ourselves on standing out from the crowd. What makes us different? It comes down to two key elements: our Proven Process and our 3 Uniques. Together, these cornerstones of our business are designed to ensure our clients not only achieve their goals but enjoy the journey along the way. Here’s how:
The Proven Process: A Roadmap to Success
We believe great marketing doesn’t happen by accident. That’s why we’ve developed a Proven Process that guides every project we undertake. This structured approach ensures consistency, quality, and results for every client, no matter the project size or scope. Our process includes five key steps:
Discovery – We begin by listening. Understanding your goals, challenges, and vision is the foundation for everything we do. By getting to know you and your business, we can craft a strategy that truly aligns with your needs.
Present Solutions – Once we understand your objectives, we present customized solutions designed to achieve your goals. Whether it’s branded merchandise, a digital campaign, or a comprehensive marketing plan, every solution is tailored specifically to you.
Implement & Deliver – Execution is where ideas come to life. From design to delivery, our team ensures every detail is handled with care and professionalism.
Follow Up – We don’t stop at delivery. We follow up to make sure you’re thrilled with the results and that the project met your expectations.
Repeat – Our goal is to build lasting partnerships. With each project, we aim to deepen our understanding of your business and continue delivering value over time.
This Proven Process not only ensures a seamless experience but also gives you peace of mind knowing there’s a plan in place from start to finish.
The 3 Uniques: Why Clients Love Working with Us
Beyond our process, we’ve identified three key qualities that set us apart from other marketing agencies. These are our 3 Uniques:
Full House – In House: Unlike many agencies that outsource key services, we do it all in-house. From video production to graphic design and branded merchandise, we have the expertise and tools to manage your marketing under one roof. This means faster turnaround times, better communication, and a more cohesive strategy.
Customer Centric: Your success is our success. We align our goals with yours, focusing on what matters most to you. Whether it’s driving sales, increasing brand awareness, or building stronger employee relationships, our team is committed to delivering results that align with your vision.
No Surprise Charges: Transparency is essential in any partnership. With Hasseman Marketing, you’ll always know what to expect. We provide upfront invoices so you’re never caught off guard by hidden fees for proofs, shipping, or art charges.
Why This Matters for You
When you choose Hasseman Marketing, you’re not just hiring a vendor—you’re gaining a partner. Our Proven Process ensures every project is handled with care and precision, while our 3 Uniques guarantee a seamless and enjoyable experience.
This combination of structure, expertise, and customer focus is why so many of our clients come back to us year after year. Whether you need branded merchandise, digital marketing, or a comprehensive marketing strategy, you can trust us to deliver Marketing Joy every step of the way.
Ready to see the difference for yourself? Let’s start the Discovery phase today!
Coshocton, Ohio – November 2024 – Hasseman Marketing, a full-service marketing agency dedicated to helping businesses grow through innovative marketing solutions, is thrilled to celebrate its 20th anniversary this month. Founded in 2004, the Coshocton-based agency has grown from a small startup into a trusted partner for clients across industries, providing a full spectrum of marketing services, from branding and promotional products to social media strategy and content creation.
Hasseman Marketing Celebrates 20 Years
Over the past two decades, Hasseman Marketing has established itself as a go-to agency for businesses in Ohio and beyond, consistently delivering customized solutions that drive results. Known for its commitment to customer service and a personalized approach to each client’s needs, the agency has helped numerous local businesses, nonprofits, and larger organizations achieve their marketing goals.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the past 20 years,” said Kirby Hasseman, founder and CEO of Hasseman Marketing. “Our success is a testament to the hard work of our team and the trust our clients have placed in us. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to continuing to innovate and support our clients in an ever-changing marketing landscape.”
In addition to its client work, Hasseman Marketing is deeply committed to the local community. The agency has been involved in numerous initiatives to support local organizations, foster community spirit, and encourage local business growth.
To commemorate this special occasion, Hasseman Marketing will be creating amazing branded merch (no surprise) and creating social content to celebrate and look back. These celebrations are both a way to thank their clients and the Coshocton community that has supported them from the start.
About Hasseman Marketing: Founded in 2004, Hasseman Marketing is a full-service marketing agency based in Coshocton, Ohio. With a focus on strategic and creative marketing solutions, Hasseman Marketing offers branding, promotional products, social media strategy, content creation, and much more to help businesses of all sizes grow and thrive.
