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What Is Company Swag & Why It Matters

By Jim Hollis 

In the promo products industry, we love swag. The obstacle is sometimes explaining to prospects and customers why they should love it too! This article will delve into the most popular swag, guiding your customers to the right swag and reminding customers why it needs to be part of their marketing strategy.

Understanding Company Swag

Company swag is a wide range of useful items branded with a company’s logo, contact information or messaging. These items serve as tangible reminders of the brand, aiming to leave a lasting impression on recipients. Swag can be distributed at events, during one-on-one interactions, through online promotions and more. Swag is also known as promotional products or branded merch.

Popular Swag Items

When you’re pitching to clients, always consider the most popular swag first – after all, it’s popular for a reason. Here are some of the top items many end-users love:

  • USB Drives: Handy and essential for data storage.
  • Drinkware: Reusable mugs, water bottles and tumblers are appreciated by the masses.
  • Outerwear: Branded jackets and hoodies offer both style and functionality.
  • Umbrellas: Always save the day.
  • T-shirts: Loved and worn again and again.
  • Writing Instruments: Pens are classic and useful.
  • Performance Wear: Great for every day or gym time.
  • Power Banks: Stay charged with this must-have travel accessory.
  • Bags: Reusable and eco-friendly.
  • Desk Accessories: Perfect way to stay organized.
  • Calendars: Still popular, even in today’s digital world.
  • Health Products: Includes sunscreen and lip balm.
Keys to Effective Swag

There are many aspects your client needs to consider when selecting the right piece of swag for their brand. Talk with them about the following:

  1. Quality: The quality of the swag reflects on their brand. High-quality, durable items are likely to be used frequently, increasing brand exposure. Low-quality items will leave a bad impression on the recipient and that will negatively impact their view of your client. Always suggest your clients go for better-made products.
  2. Popularity: Guide your clients to choose items that are popular and valued by their consumers. This shows that their brand understands and caters to customers’ needs. A real estate agent may want to give away magnets with the home football team’s schedule. A vet can give logoed can covers to new patients. A coffee shop can sell reusable tumblers.
  3. Brand Alignment: Swag should complement your client’s brand image and the products or services they offer. For example, if your client sells luxury products or services, their swag should be high-end items. Their customers spend a lot of money and will not want to receive a low-cost plastic pen. At the same time, if they’re an environmental nonprofit, they should choose clothing made from recycled materials to really connect with customers and show they practice what they preach.
  4. Usability: Items that can be used daily, like drinkware or tech gadgets, offer constant visibility for your brand. Season swag can also be effective; if it’s durable and good quality, a recipient will heavily use it during certain times of the year, further promoting your business.
  5. Unique Features: Remind clients that they can distinguish swag with unique aspects such as color, material or design to make it memorable. Finishes can also play a big role in standing out. Certain products stand out with a matte finish, while others will grab eyes with a metallic finish. If your client has the budget for a completely customizable product (ex. a bobblehead or stress ball), that will give them an even greater chance of leaving an impression.
  6. Differentiation: Tell clients to select swag that sets them apart from competitors, further distinguishing your brand. One great way to do this is to go with a similar type of product, but a much higher-end version. The end-user will then reach for your client’s swag on the day-to-day and pass over the competitor’s. Is the competition giving prospects a small notebook? Suggest your clients send a leather-bound notebook with a pen.
  7. Contact Information: One important aspect of swag is that it should be easy for the recipient to contact the advertiser. Suggest clients include your social media handles or a website to boost online engagement and drive traffic.
Benefits of Using Company Swag

When done right, the goal of company swag is to convert recipients into brand ambassadors. Here are some benefits of using swag:

  • Increased Brand Recognition: Frequent exposure to a brand logo and message keeps your client top-of-mind with their customers.
  • Customer Loyalty: High-quality swag can foster a sense of appreciation and loyalty among customers.
  • Market Penetration: Unique and useful swag can help penetrate new markets by reaching a broader audience.
  • Employee Morale: Branded items can also boost employee morale, making them feel valued and part of the brand.
Partner with Experts

Company swag is a powerful tool in the marketing arsenal, capable of boosting brand recognition, fostering customer loyalty and driving sales. By focusing on high-quality, popular and unique items and including essential contact information, your client’s swag will effectively promote their brand and achieve their marketing goals.

It’s important you reach your goals too! Consider partnering with ASI. ASI provides distributors like you with all the tools you need to sell promotional products to your customers. Get everything you need to excel in the promo products industry. Join ASI today.