Beyond the Basics: How to Choose the Best Corporate Swag That Truly Represents Your Brand

Custom company swag isn’t just merchandise; it’s a representation of your brand, company, and values. Therefore, custom-branded products can be used as a powerful tool to uplift your company culture, boost employee morale, productivity, and brand visibility. When used correctly, your strategic marketing team can thrive alongside the growth of your company. However, there is a lot that goes into decision-making when flushing out the details of your branded merchandise ideas. Going with experts at Social Imprints will take the stress out of the equation and make it easy for you. They will listen to your needs to design your ideal swag.

This article will dive into the big picture, as well as some of the finer details surrounding the creation of your best corporate swag.

The Best Corporate Swag Supports Your Brand Identity

Your company swag is a tangible item that is an opportunity to define your company in the world. Your company’s mission, values, morale, and goals should be symbolically represented in the item.

Here are a few examples of how swag can symbolically represent your brand identity: 

●       Symbols and pictures can represent features of your company identity:

○     This can be done with your brand logo or familiar images that naturally draw positive associations. For example, natural images like a tree, waves, animals, or mountains can inspire emotional reactions and positive impressions in your audience. Your branding kit can even include a few images that your company wants to be associated with your brand.

●       Color sends powerful messaging to the psyche:

○       Your swag should be aligned with your company branding kit. That includes all colors involved in your brand. So choose your brand color palette wisely. Colors have natural associations as well, such as blue inspiring feelings of calmness and serenity, green being associated with nature, and yellow being associated with energy.

●       Font makes a statement of its own:

○       Your branding kit font should also be intended to represent your brand identity. Big bold letters are more striking and attention-grabbing, decorative italics and cursive are more refined and delicate looking, while more angular lettering may exude a modern feel. Go with fonts that align with how you want to be perceived in the world.

●       Lifestyle choices are reflected in your selected merchandise item:

○       The swag itself makes a statement about what types of activities your company supports. Tech gadget type swag inspires an image of innovation and modern technology. Cozy and comfortable swag portrays support of mental health and relaxation. Make sure the item your brand is on thoroughly reflects activities that your company wants to be associated with. 

The Best Trade Show Swag Is Attractive And Shows Off Your Brand Values

If your swag is designed to be used at any kind of trade show or conference event, you need it to stand out. In large events, there may be hundreds of companies that you are competing with for the clients’ attention.

When designing your best trade show swag for events, keep these characteristics in mind

Your swag should be…

• Portable
• Small
• Packable
• Eye-catching
• Innovative
• Interesting
• Sustainable
• Practical
• Useful

Company Swag Boxes Should Be Filled With Useful And High-Quality Sustainable Items

Gifts that come in a set, box, or kit are always more impressive. If you are looking to send a strong positive message that you care about your recipient, send company swag boxes. Inside your thoughtful and possibly themed gift should be 3 or more practical items that your recipient will actually use. A large number of branded swag items, unfortunately, end up in landfills when they are not well designed. Don’t let that be you! Give your clients or employees something they will actually want and need. Well-chosen items are significantly more likely to bring gifting success.

Be Tasteful And Memorable With Custom-Branded Products

There are a lot of swag items out there for your company to compete with. Your goal is to be the best one. If your recipient has several water bottles or tumblers, you want the one with your brand on it to be their favorite.  If you achieve that, the brand visibility will be outstanding for your company. It’s completely possible and takes just a little bit of effort to think about what will make your water bottle better than the others. Opt for high-quality insulation, sustainability, well-designed lids, and a way to harness it to a bag or backpack. Every different type of swag will have a variety of features to choose from. Opting for features that increase the chances of your swag becoming their favorite is always a good idea. Going for sustainable and eco-friendly products is also a chance to emphasize your brand’s commitment to ethical business practices.

Always Strive To Incorporate Sustainable Swag

We are living in a time where there are sustainable options for just about everything. They may not always be easy to find, and you do need to watch out for “greenwashing”. Sometimes vendors exaggerate their actual ecological impact. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to look for certifications and transparency on their claims. It also helps to work with experts like Social Imprints because they have already done the research for you. They will know which brands are actually the most ecologically sustainable. It can save you time and stress when genuinely trying to find the best eco-friendly products.

Be Innovative And Creative With Branded Merchandise Ideas

Taking the time to brainstorm branded merchandise ideas that are creative, innovative, and eye-catching, is worth the extra effort. There are a lot of really interesting designs with multipurpose objects and second-life packaging. Often, the most innovative products are also sustainable and made with recycled materials. Your brand’s creativity can be shown off with every swag item you produce.

Unwrapping Success: Your Guide to Strategic Swag for Every Business Need

Now that we have discussed some of the characteristics of the best corporate swag, let’s get into ‘WHY’ swag is so powerful.

These Are Just Some Of The Reasons Why Swag Is Vital To Your Business Success!

1 . Boost Brand Awareness With Custom Company Swag

One of the best ways to get your brand out into the world is by utilizing brand ambassadors. Every time someone uses one of your swag items in a public space, they are acting as a representative for your brand. When more people are seen using your branded merchandise, there is also more brand exposure, leading to stronger brand awareness. Your custom swag ultimately acts like free advertising for your brand!

2 . Customized Gifts For Employees Boost Employee Satisfaction, Engagement, Motivation, And Retention Rates

Swag is a powerful tool to increase employee success and productivity when given to your company talent. Gifting is a vital activity to reinforce a positive company culture. If your brand chooses not to give during culturally appropriate times, it could backfire dramatically on employee retention rates. There are numerous reasons to gift in times of celebration. Later in this article, we will discuss specific times when gifting is encouraged. But for example, it is always wise to gift employees on their birthday, during major holidays, and after major milestones and products are complete.

3 . Sustainable Promotional Products Demonstrate Your Commitment To Ethical Business And Are More Popular

Eco-friendly products are trending now. In order to keep up with the competition, it is necessary to go with sustainable options. More and more people are concerned about the environment, and they will notice if your brand cares as well. In some cases, your brand visibility and gifting success are dramatically influenced by your product being sustainable or not. Some companies may go with conventional products that are slightly cheaper, but in the long run, it’s a loss if people don’t like or use your swag. Don’t be penny smart and pound stupid. Go for high-quality and environmentally friendly products to get the most out of your investment.

4 . Swag Boxes Are More Effective Than Single Gifts For Relationship Building

Your swag gift will give an overall impression. If you give 1 single item, it’s a nice gift. If you give a box with a set of themed, high-quality quality sustainable items, it’s an awesome gift. You can really impress people by being generous. If you are gifting to reinforce business relationships or demonstrate to your talent that you value them, going with swag boxes always makes a stronger impression.

From Engagement to Excitement: Crafting the Perfect Company Swag Boxes for Every Occasion

So, how do you craft the perfect swag box, you ask? Read on to learn how to hit a home run and strengthen your professional relationships with a killer gift.

1 . Swag Boxes For Branded Holiday Gifts And Beyond!

Gift boxes are a sign of admiration, respect, thanks, and celebration. There are many reasons and occasions when swag boxes can be used. When designing branded holiday gifts, be sure to know what holiday your recipient celebrates to avoid offending them or giving something they don’t want. If you need to strengthen your professional relationships and boost employee satisfaction, here are some occasions that will be enhanced with a gift.

• Birthdays
• New Employee Onboarding
• New Business Partnerships
• New Child In The Family
• Condolences
• Client Thank You Gifts
• Corporate Events
• Conferences
• Trade Shows
• Employee Recognition & Appreciation
• Product Launches
• Company Anniversaries or Milestones
• Remote Team Parties
• Holiday Gifts
• Recruitment Career Fairs
• Brand Campaigns
• Mental Health and Well-being Initiatives
• Training and Development Programs
• Sustainability Campaigns

2 . Have A Theme When Designing Kits With The Best Corporate Swag

Often, a well-designed gift box or kit has a theme. The theme can be something that ties all the items in the box together. Or the packaging can symbolize a theme to make the unboxing experience really special. Thinking about what your recipient may actually need and use can help make a thoughtfully crafted and themed gift come to life. Be sure to include a custom note card to your recipient to really send a positive, caring message.

Here are examples of thoughtful themes for custom company swag boxes:

• Welcome To The Team: Onboarding and work tools and essentials (notebook, mug, branded hoodie, desk items)
• Onboarding for Remote Work: Tools and essentials for working from home (blue light glasses, webcam cover, laptop stand)
• Mindfulness and Well-being Support: Equipment and essentials to relax and center the mind (stress ball, yoga mat, tea, candle, breathwork guide)
• Thank you and Appreciation: Items that inspire relaxation, coziness, and self-care (treats, cozy socks, blankets, soft clothing)
• Travel: Travel essentials and support ( travel tumbler, branded tee, itinerary booklet, backpack, fanny pack)
• Environmentalism: Sustainable items that support eco-living (reusable utensils, tote, seed paper, bamboo items, recycled Tupperware)
• Celebration and Congratulations: Items to celebrate and party ( Champagne and glasses, confetti, charcuterie board, anniversary pin, cake kit)
• Fitness and Health: Sports Equipment and healthy living tools ( Yoga mat and block, resistance bands, water bottle, protein bar, branded towel, running belt)

3 . Company Swag Boxes With Customized Gifts For Employees And Clients Should Have A Personal Touch

Including a personal touch to any kind of gift can really make the experience special. People love a personalized note, monogrammed item, and a thoughtful touch. A little goes a long way with this. They say the thought is what counts, and that is true to some degree. So you need to make sure your gift doesn’t feel generic, cookie-cutter, or something that your company gives everyone. People need to feel special and seen. There are many ways to add personalization, and working with your gifting expert will make that more accessible to you.

4 . Include Sustainable Promotional Products In All Company Swag Boxes

If you want your gift to be liked, it’s wise to include at least one sustainable item. If you want your gift to really hit a home run, every item should be somewhat eco-friendly. Statistically speaking, you are more likely to win over the heart of your recipient if you demonstrate strong ethical values with your brand. Don’t hesitate to support the environment. It is always a very good look for your brand.

5 . Support Safety, Health, And Well-Being With Sustainable Swag For Employees

Health and well-being are in style. It will also support your company 10-fold when your employees are happy, healthy, and productive. Help them get in the best shape of their life and feel great by providing them with the gear and essentials for a healthy lifestyle. This can include any kind of yoga or workout equipment, mindfulness training, and relaxation tools like a spa kit.

Don’t Hesitate To Go For Sustainable Promotional Products And Swag Boxes!

In conclusion, swag and promotional products are a powerful tool to boost your business growth. However, a lot goes into designing effective merchandise. Trust the experts at Social Imprints to guide you in designing the best corporate swag to suit your needs. Once you have unique, eye-catching, and high-quality promotional material, you can present gifts to your employees and clients. Doing so will boost employee satisfaction and engagement, and also strengthen business relationships. If you need help designing the best trade show swag, reach out to bizdev@socialimprints.com, and one of our product specialists will be in touch!