The Value of Corporate Swag Internally and Externally
It's not just about the t-shirt, water bottle or pad and pen. Branded swag is about driving both employee engagement and customer loyalty. But not everyone understands the value of providing corporate branded merchandise to their employees and customers. Want to make the case for spending a little on things your employees and customers love and want? Here are some thoughts to share with your boss:
For the most important audience in your company - your EMPLOYEES - internal branding through give-aways fosters positive employee engagement!
Sense of Belonging: Giving employees branded items like apparel, office supplies, or tech accessories fosters a sense of belonging to your company. It makes them feel like they are part of a team, strengthening their connection to your company's brand.
Recognition and Reward: Branded merchandise can be used as a reward for accomplishments, helping employees feel appreciated. Acknowledgment through gifts, even small ones, boosts morale and motivation.
Company Culture Promotion: Branded swag helps reinforce your company’s culture and values. For instance, environmentally-conscious companies might give out eco-friendly products, emphasizing their sustainability focus.
Encourages Ambassadorship: When employees wear or use branded merch outside the workplace, they act as ambassadors for your company, which enhances their engagement with your brand.
For your CUSTOMERS, don’t you always want to be front of mind with them? And, who doesn’t love a surprise gift and something free? No one will ever criticize your external branding ideas especially when your customers remain loyal!
Tangible Brand Experience: Branded swag offers customers a tangible reminder of your company. These physical items help make the brand more memorable, reinforcing the relationship beyond just a service or product purchase.
Emotional Connection: When customers receive useful or creative swag, it creates positive emotional associations with your brand. This can lead to increased loyalty, as they are more likely to remember and choose your brand over competitors.
Reciprocity Effect: The principle of reciprocity suggests that when customers receive something for free, they feel more inclined to give back—often by staying loyal to your brand or making future purchases.
Increased Visibility: Like employees, customers also become brand ambassadors when they use your branded items in public. This not only enhances brand visibility but can also build social proof, further strengthening customer loyalty.
To sum it up, both internally and externally, branded swag has the power to create positive connections that deepen engagement and loyalty. Now you have the reasons to make the case for your next company branded gift!