Why is it important?
You create walking billboards everywhere customers wear or use the items, AND you build brand loyalty among customers.
How do I start?
If you have a strong brand identity and can invest in some promotional items, consider the following:
Be original. Make sure you are giving away something new/interesting. It won’t be worth the investment if you just blend into the crowd or aren’t memorable.
Connect the dots back to your brand. What is your business, and what does it offer customers? Make sure that your swag items tie back to what you do.
Offer thoughtful products. People expect a certain level of quality when it comes to swag. With so many creative ways to customize products now, trinkets won’t create a positive connection back to your brand.
Know your customer. What do they wear, use, care about? What is their lifestyle? What would be useful to them?
Leverage multichannel giveaways. Different media channels allow you to leverage swag for different purposes. Think in-store giveaways, social media contests, an email “gift with purchase” coupon, influencer gifts, etc.
