The words “company swag” often evoke mental images of flimsy pens, cheap Post-it Notes, and other plastic junk emblazoned with a company logo. 

In short, something that gets thrown in the bottom drawer of a desk only to remain there until the person gets promoted or quits their job.

Does this mean that company swag is dead? No, far from it!

Nowadays it’s all about personalization and keeping a balance between usable item and effectively marketing your business. We’re going to look at five ways you can use custom company swag to promote your business.

At Work 

While it may seem counter-intuitive, giving out company-branded promotional items to your employees can be a great way to market your business.  High-quality apparel such as t-shirts, sweaters, and even light windbreakers will most likely be taken home and worn out in public. 

It also serves as a way to increase company morale.  Something as simple as a trophy, plaque, or even a desk calendar will show your employees that you care and appreciate all of their hard work.  

When it comes to giving swag to employees, it’s best to keep the promotional aspect to a bare minimum.  For example, a company logo, tagline, and website URL can be tastefully included so that your employees won’t feel like they’re a walking billboard on their off-hours.

Sales Calls

Google AdWords used to have a promotion wherein they gave you a free Google-branded Chromebook if the management team in your office participated in a sales call.

Your sales team can use high-end promotional items such as branded or company logo etched laptops, custom-made skis, or oversized novelty signs as a way of securing a sales call.

Better yet, if you can get a list of all the people in attendance, you can have a custom apparel box sent over, opened, and distributed before the call begins. Imagine seeing everyone on the video call wearing a jacket with your company logo!

Social Media Giveaways

If your company has a social media account, you can hold monthly contests to give away some very nice swag.  This will not only serve to increase your social media followers but will also add some much needed variety to your social media posts. 

Companies that tend to self-promote on social media quickly find that their audience doesn’t engage as well as they would like. This is because people are tired of being overtly marketed to in this day and age. 

They would much rather read and participate in engaging social media posts instead of the same old “buy our stuff!” trap that many companies inadvertently fall into.

Trade Shows

Trade shows are a great way to promote your business with promotional products. However, you have to be strategic in choosing which products to give away. 

Many companies opt for the proverbial punch bowl filled with promo pens. While this is a tried-and-true way to promote your company, it doesn’t make your business stand out from the rest of the pack -- who’s doing the same exact thing. 

At the end of the day, your promo pen will be just one of many in the bottom of the bag that the trade show attendee has been carrying around for the past 8 hours.

In addition to choosing an excellent promotional product, there are a few things that you probably shouldn’t give away at a trade show. For example, if you’re giving away promotional apparel, the recipient will be forced to carry it around the convention hall for the next few hours.  The same goes for food and other perishables.

The temptation to drop that heavy hooded sweatshirt on an empty table may be too great for some people. It’s probably not going to fit very well into their suitcase either.

Your Best Clients or Customers

Customer appreciation is an art-form unto itself.  Many companies have valued partners, clients, or customers who give them repeat business throughout the year.

A thoughtful custom promotional item given to your best clients or customers will let them know that you value their business and look forward to their continued patronage.  

You can go one step further by having the item etched or engraved that will serve as a reminder for a long time to come. This is one area where you should not skimp on cost.  Make sure the item is as high quality as possible as the customer will definitely take note!

Custom Promotional Products in Seattle 

Custom promo products as a marketing tool can help drive new business and let existing customers or clients know that they and their business is appreciated.  

At McNamara Signs, we’ve been helping Seattle companies with their custom promotional product needs for well over 20 years. 

Give us a call at (206) 284-0809 or contact us to learn how we can help you design and create the perfect custom promo product!