Branded merchandise refers to any product that contains a logo or brand name on it. This merchandise is an important part of your marketing strategy, as it helps build loyalty and brand awareness in a short period of time. Some of the most widely kept promotional products are outerwear, headwear, t-shirts, drinkware and bags.
To ensure that you’re using your branded merchandise effectively, here are some tips you’ll want to follow.
Implement an Effective Strategy
While it can be tempting to order cool products and hand them out at fairs, festivals and other public events, this isn’t the most effective way to go about your branded merchandise. Instead, you’ll want to develop an effective promotional marketing strategy that includes a clear understanding of your target audience.
You may also choose to hand out different products at different events, depending on your audience. For example, if you’re just getting your business name out there, small, inexpensive items like pens and desk accessories are fine. But if you want to thank some of your loyal customers, choose something more valuable, such as a cooler bag or stylish quarter zip.
Set a Budget to Maximize Your Spending
Promotional products are known for offering a huge return on investment, but you’ll still want to be careful about where you’re putting your money. The goal is to invest in products that pay out financially.
Set a realistic and reasonable budget for what you’re willing to spend on promotional items, and find the most useful products for your audience. You’ll then want to track certain metrics to see if the products are working in your favor. Do you see an increase in sales? Traffic to your website? Improved retention rates?
Make Use of Automated Ordering
Another way to make branded merchandise more effective is to use automated ordering. Automated ordering saves your business time and provides valuable insights. This way, you can make sure that your brand is keeping up with the latest trends.
Automated ordering also lets you know who is ordering what items and from what location. This allows you to keep track of spending. Talk to Inkwell about setting up a company store that gives your departments the option to order pre-approved items with consistent logos and branding.
Have a Variety of Products On Hand
You should always have a variety of promotional items on hand. If an event turns up at the last minute, you’ll already have products to hand out to your audience, allowing you to capitalize on the opportunities that come your way.
Also, having a wide range of items on hand lets you target multiple audiences at the same time. If you plan on handing out t-shirts at a local event, for example, you should have multiple fits and sizes available. Or, you might want to have t-shirts, hats and drawstring bags to appeal to a broader range of prospects.
These tips will help you use branded merchandise more effectively. To discuss your promotional product marketing strategy or place an order for branded items, contact Inkwell today.