Startups that are starting to make their presence felt in the market know that branding is what makes them what they are.
The important thing to remember is that making a lasting impression will attract repeat customers (and new customers based on positive reviews, word of mouth, and other tactics). This guide will discuss the four ways startups can use merchandise to help make their brand presence known.
A brand is the name or identity of a startup company that will definitely remain in the minds of its customers. When they think of their names, they may come up with something descriptive about your brand. Let’s take a look at the following list below.
1. Create custom vision clothing
If there’s one thing that will bring the visibility your brand needs, custom clothing might be what you’re looking for. Printful and other platforms can go further to create clothing like Custom hatsT-shirts, T-shirts, etc. bearing your brand name and logo. Whatever people wear with your brand, they are mobile ads and also brand ambassadors – representing a brand they know, love and trust a lot.
It would be wise to consider custom clothing to increase brand awareness, especially if you’re dealing with a budget to get started. Invest in the best clothing options, have them custom-made, and you’re good to go.
2. Offer your merchandise as freebies or gifts
People like free things. They’ll feel stupid if they say no, even if it’s something they want. However, offering free merchandise as a giveaway or through an online giveaway can be the perfect way to leverage your startup’s branding. This way, you’ll give the people who follow you the opportunity to try what you’re selling without any upfront costs. Some merchandise may be given away to test the product’s likability and perceived value (along with other KPIs you can measure for the product’s success).
If the item is clothing, make sure it can be used as a way to promote your brand and visibility (see previous step above). However, more people may follow you for freebies and giveaways – which is great for you when you want to initially increase your follower count.
3. Sell your own branded products
clearly, Sell your own branded products It would be the perfect income opportunity. This involves selling specially designed items for the purpose of raising money to reinvest in your startup. It’s a kind of crowdfunding so to speak. This would be an excellent approach for those running a startup in a niche market of their choice.
Niche markets have their own set of target audiences that have the potential to become die-hard, paying customers. Treat them right all the time and they will be with you for the long term. Plus, their continued support means more money your startup will need to reinvest, pay employees, and more.
4. Gifting goods to employees
If you have employees, they will likely become your brand’s best advocates. With that in mind, you’ll want to give them a go Goods as a gift. This way, they can wear it and show their loyalty to your emerging brand. Plus, they know more about your startup than someone who might not have heard about it.
Employees receiving merchandise bearing your brand name can be a gift that keeps on giving for you and your employees. The question is: What will you offer them? It’s up to you but make sure it’s something that can be used well on a regular basis and is of excellent quality.
Final thoughts
These four ways to leverage merchandise for branding purposes will be important. If you’re a startup starting out with little funding, some of these tips will be a great way to help get the extra funding you need. Especially if you’re looking to sell merchandise to spread the word – whether that’s pre-launch or post-launch. The best way to leverage your startup can often be through wearable merchandise – allowing those who wear your branded clothing to be brand advocates and ambassadors that attract your ideal customers.