As you’re creating a marketing strategy to smash your 2025 goals, don’t overlook the power of custom merchandise and promotional products.
Is Custom Merchandise Effective?
Having branded merchandise allows you to connect with your audience on a deeper level and have a level of permanence that is rare in the age of social media and viral sensations.
Five Easy Ways to Use Custom Merchandise in 2025
1. Bring Event Swag
Whether you’re attending a trade show or conference, hosting a brand pop-up or just attending a local market or event in 2025, having custom merchandise is an easy win. Never show up empty-handed.
You can sell or give away items designed for your target audience, which will differ depending on industry and brand identity. It’s a cost effective and smart way to make a lasting impact on your future customers.
2. Collaborate
In the digital age, collaborations between brands, celebrities and influencers are everything. Consider working with an influential figure or another brand in your market this year to reach a new audience.
This is a smart budget choice because you’re reaching directly out to the customers who are most likely to be interested in what you’re offering. For instance, you can create custom merchandise specifically for a collaboration with a social media influencer and hire them to host a social media giveaway on their channel. Just remember to follow FTC laws for disclosures around paid promotion.
This can help increase brand relevance and loyalty with new customers by providing an item of value for free as well as establish trust, as your brand is being recommended by a figure they respect or admire.
3. Integrate with Digital Services
You can also bundle physical custom merchandise with a digital offering or service. For instance, offer a custom mug with a fun slogan with a 2025 subscription to a coffee of the month club, or a T-shirt for signing up for coaching sessions or a merch product as a bonus for a donation of a certain amount to a nonprofit organization.
Research and pay attention to your audience to make sure you are offering something they really want and will get excited about. This approach allows you to integrate traditional branding and custom merchandise with your digital offerings.
4. Host Giveaways
Giveaways are an easy option to increase brand awareness and build customer loyalty. Host regular giveaways on your social media channels and on your email list in 2025 and make it easy to enter. Many social media giveaways are designed to boost social media presence and require you to complete actions such as sharing the post.
The scale of the giveaway depends on your budget and goals. You can keep it simple (for example: the winner gets a T-shirt, tote bag or other custom merchandise) or do something on a grander scale (for example: the winner gets a gift card or luxury item bundle along with your branded products).
5. Be Generous with Appreciation Gifts
You can also use custom merch items to show appreciation this year – whether to your audience, your staff or the other businesses you work with regularly. Be considerate of the type of items people want to receive. You want to avoid giving them something they would perceive as tacky or pushy.
Ready to Leverage Custom Merchandise in Your Marketing Strategy This Year?
Our team at Full Press Apparel can guide you through the most popular items and how to incorporate them into your budget. From small projects to big orders, we’re backed by decades of experience and commitment to getting it just right.
Call or send us a message today to discuss your big dreams for 2025.