Just take a look around you right this instance, and observe the pens your colleagues are using, the mug your boss is carrying, or the T-shirt you have at home. What do you see? It is a guarantee that one or all of those pieces contain a brand plastered on them. So why do you think this type of branding everything your company logo is essential?
Let’s find out why.
What is branding
First things first, a brand is a design, term, name, or symbol representing your business. Thus branding is when you use this symbol to mark ordinary and everyday objects as a way of advertising.
What materials could be branded?
There are so many things you can mark using your company’s logo. These include office supplies like notebooks, pens, cello tapes, erasers, and even writing pads. You may brand clothing like t-shirts, hoodies, vests, tops, jackets, and even caps. Some companies have taken it a notch higher by branding, even socks. Other things that have been branded are mugs, umbrellas, water bottles, serviettes, bags, wallets, duvets, etc.
In a nutshell, anything that can be marked can be branded.
The role of branding
Branding improves brand recognition
What comes in mind when you see anything that has the name ‘Colgate’ on it?
A few things that would pop up are toothpaste, mouth hygiene, and perhaps you will also remember to brush your teeth when you go to sleep that night, right. Branding has a powerful effect on our brains, such that the more you see something, the more you are bound to use that material simply because you recognize the brand. This, in turn, makes you unforgettable.
Branding creates brand credibility
When someone sees a big brand like Nivea on billboards, magazines, Tv, and social media, the company gains trust from people. The fact that it is everywhere you turn shows that that particular product can be trusted, hence building the brand’s credibility.
Branding is a long-term advertising solution
Billboards change overtime, tv adverts will change after a while, and magazine issues will shift just as fast, but what remains in your possession for even years is that branded mug you were gifted. Branding on everyday objects acts as a passive kind of advertisement without the need to redo them repeatedly. A Nokia t-shirt will remain so until it is worn out.
Branding inspires employees
If you ever ask around some of your friends if they love their jobs, you will realize that the ones with jobs from companies with merchandise everywhere are the happiest. Why do you think that is so? The answer is quite straightforward, the brand they work for inspires them, and they are delighted to be associated with it. Maybe they work t a company with the goal to create exclusive merchandise. That is why you will see a Bitcoin trader from a reputable company wear their t-shirt, use their pen, and even have a branded notebook everywhere they go.
Branding gets you new leads
As aforementioned, branding on merchandise is a passive form of marketing tha will get you, clients, every day of the week. Someone might have seen a brand specializing in installing home wifi solutions, and since now they need that service, they will call that company without a doubt.
Tips on branding merchandise
Use colors that stand out
You want to be recognized from a distance right, so get a color pallet that distinguishes you from your competitors. If your company is a water company, go for a lighter blue shade and mix it with some white and black for contrast.
In designing, go beyond the logo
This means that you take time to form the tagline of your emblem. Make it witty and have someone smile and remember you whenever they read it aloud. You may use puns and even stick to pop culture as a way to stay memorable.
Follow trends
Whenever you have a fresh batch of printing merchandise, make it a bit better every time. Experiment with different background colors and see how things turn out and use diverse materials. For instance, if you are printing your brand on clothing, go with what is happening now. Instead of using the old traditional t-shirts, make crop-tops and crop hoodies for the younger generation.
Conclusion
Branding should be the fun part of your whole enterprise, but you must not compromise the quality. Quality beats quantity any day. It is better to have a million quality mugs and water bottles sent out that will last years than sending out a billion that will break or fade away in weeks. The point is to remain memorable and makes a lasting impact.