As a customer marketer, I’ve seen firsthand the power of branded swag. When done right, it can be a highly effective way to promote your brand and increase brand awareness. However, there’s a growing movement of people who believe that branded swag is not a customer gift, but an advertisement.
What is branded swag?
Branded swag is any promotional product that is given away for free, typically with the company’s logo or branding prominently displayed. Common examples of branded swag include t-shirts, hats, mugs, pens, and water bottles.
Why do companies give away branded swag?
There are a few reasons why companies give away branded swag. First, it’s a way to promote their brand and increase brand awareness. When people see your logo or branding on a product they’re using, it’s a subconscious reminder of your brand. This can help to keep your brand top-of-mind, and it can also make people more likely to choose your products or services in the future.
Second, branded swag can be a way to build relationships with customers or clients. When you give someone a free gift, it shows that you value their business. This can help to build goodwill and loyalty, which can lead to repeat business.
Is branded swag a customer gift?
Some people believe that branded swag is a customer gift. They argue that it’s a way to show appreciation for customers or clients, and that it’s not intended to be an advertisement.
However, I believe that branded swag is not a customer gift, but an advertisement. Here are a few reasons why:
- Branded swag is always branded with the company’s logo or branding. This makes it clear that the product is not a gift, but an advertisement.
- Branded swag is often given away at trade shows or other events where the company is trying to promote its products or services. This further confirms that the purpose of branded swag is to advertise, not to give a gift.
- Branded swag is often given away in bulk. This suggests that the company is not giving away the swag out of the goodness of its heart, but because it expects to get something in return, such as increased brand awareness or sales.
So, what’s the big deal?
Some people might argue that it doesn’t matter if branded swag is an advertisement or a gift. After all, it’s still free stuff. However, I believe that there are a few reasons why it’s important to be clear about the purpose of branded swag.
- First, it’s important to be honest with customers or clients. If you’re giving them something with the expectation of getting something in return, then you should be upfront about that.
- Second, branded swag can be seen as spam or clutter. If you’re giving away too much swag, or if you’re giving it to people who don’t want it, then it can actually backfire and damage your brand.
- Third, branded swag can be wasteful. If people don’t use or appreciate the swag you give them, then it’s just going to end up in the landfill. (not to mention the wasted budget)
So, what should you do?
If you’re considering giving away branded swag, I urge you to think carefully about the purpose of the swag. If you’re giving it away as a gift, then make sure that it’s something that people will actually appreciate. If you’re giving it away as an advertisement, then be clear about that with your customers or clients. And whatever you do, don’t give away so much swag that it becomes spam or clutter.
Conclusion
Branded swag can be a powerful marketing tool, but it’s important to use it wisely. If you’re not clear about the purpose of the swag, or if you’re giving away too much of it, then it can actually backfire and damage your brand. So, before you give away any branded swag, take a step back and think about what you’re trying to achieve.
Cassie Sneed: Customer Obsessed 