Merchandise is an excellent way to promote your small business because you provide customers with something tangible and memorable. The right merchandise markets your product while igniting loyalty in your customers. The right merchandise can keep the image of your brand at the top of your mind and even bring in new customers due to word-of-mouth exposure. Here are eight basic merchandise ideas that are inexpensive, effective, and easily added to your business plan.
1. Branded T-shirts
Branded t-shirts are one of the classic merchandise options that offer excellent visibility to your business. To be used at any event or as a giveaway, the custom t-shirt has the potential to become a form of wearable advertisement on behalf of your brand. They tend to fit everyone well and appeal to a very wide audience. Each time you go out, the person wearing your t-shirt carries the word about your business wherever they go. The essence here is to design something that catches the eye but at the same time remains comfortable enough for your customers to wear it repeatedly.
2. Personalized Koozies
Personalized koozies are a great and affordable product to market your small business. Koozies are functional items that keep drinks cold, and their usage cuts across events such as picnics, parties, and outdoor events. By branding koozies with your logo or a fun design, you can keep your business in your customers’ hands literally. They’re small, lightweight, and perfect for giveaways or as part of a product bundle to ensure maximum exposure to your brand.
3. Custom Tote Bags
Tote bags are acquiring maximum popularity because nowadays, awareness of greener alternatives is on the rise. A branded customized tote bag will reduce plastic usage and may even provide you with a walking advertisement for your business. Your customers can use them to purchase groceries, read books, or even during their time in the gym. The higher the usability of a tote bag is to your customer, the more it will be used, providing your brand with repeated exposure.
4. Branded Water Bottles
Reusable water bottles are yet another useful and eco-friendly merchandise idea. This can be a great way to make your business sound more environmental-friendly, which customers truly appreciate. Quality water bottles will be used repeatedly, making your business’s visibility long-term as they are carried around in the workplace, in gyms, or while working outdoors. With sleek designs and vibrant colors, it can be just the occasion for adding the logo or business name on an everyday use item.
5. Custom Keychains
Simple yet very effective merchandise, keychains are inexpensive to make and easy to distribute to attendees at a booth or trade show or even as a token of appreciation with a small gift to reinforce orders. Customized keychains can be an exciting and fun way to individualize your business name, logo, or even a catchy phrase. Since people use their keys daily, they will think of your business each time they unlock the door or get into their car.
6. Branded Notebooks and Pens
Suppose your business is involved in professional or creative industries directly. In that case, you can opt for branded notebooks and pens as effective merchandise that other people may enjoy while being useful at a personal or event level. Notebooks are good for jotting down ideas during an event, meeting, or even everyday notetaking. Whenever a customer uses the branded notebook or pen from you, they’ll use it attached to a memory of your company. It is a free and cheap way to keep in front of your audience.
7. Branded Mugs
A good mug with the branding of your business can become a daily reminder to customers or clients. Use these for both employees and the general public to sell in your shop, give away at events, or offer as part of a holiday promotion. Each time someone uses the mug in the house or the office, your brand is exposed in an organic, practical way. Bonus: everybody loves a new mug to add to their collection!
8. Stickers and Decals
Stickers and decals can be innovative and free-of-cost advertising devices. They can be found on laptops, water bottles, notebooks, or even cars. You can fit a lot in a sticker, like a logo, an amazing graphic, or a witty slogan that funnily sticks to customers and rewards your business. They can be dispensed at an event or with a sale.
Conclusion
Merchandising for your small business doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Simple little items like t-shirts, personalized koozies, tote bags, and mugs can extend your brand’s visibility and create a meaningful connection with customers. The most important thing in effective merchandise is choosing items that are functional, attractive, and relevant to the target audience. Small things, if done well, can have a huge impact on growing and increasing customer loyalty to your business.
