What Is Company Swag? A Beginner's Guide to Branded Merchandise

Whether you're a swag novice or just looking to refine your brand's swag strategy, understanding the power of swag is the first step towards making a lasting impression.

What Is Company Swag? A Beginner's Guide to Branded Merchandise

Introduction

Welcome to the world of company swag! If you've ever wondered what swag is all about, you're in the right place. It's everything from the t-shirts, pens, mugs, to the high end executive gifts that each sport your company's logo. But swag is more than just freebies; it's a powerful branding tool. Let's explore what makes company swag a key player in the business world.

What Exactly Is Company Swag?

Let's start with the name. Swag has been called many things over the years, and will undoubtedly under go future name changes. Regardless of what you call it, company swag includes any type of merchandise used for promotional purposes. It's a popular way for businesses to increase brand recognition and create a sense of belonging among employees and customers. From trade show giveaways to employee onboarding kits, swag can take a variety of forms and functions. Here is a quick list of synonyms for swag you might see or hear around the world: 

  • Swag
  • Premiums
  • Promotional Products
  • Branded Merchandise
  • Company Gear
  • Advertising Specialities
  • Chachkies

Building Your Brand With Swag

Great branding is all about creating memorable impressions. There are dozens of ingredients that go into making a great brand. Everything from logo design, color choice, typography, brand voice, unique value propositions...the list goes on. When it's done well, swag can help support those ingredients and act as a multiplier for your brand. In our digital world, swag can connect your employees and customers in a physical way. It's a form of advertising that keeps on giving.

Choosing The Right Swag

If you have one take away from this article, let it be this. Quality really matters when it comes to swag. The industry is chock full of mass produced chachkies that end up in the trash two minutes after you hand them out. Don't get me wrong... these have a place and purpose. Especially depending on your use case, volume, and budget. In general, you want items that people will actually use and enjoy. Think about what your audience likes and what kind of items would be useful on a daily basis. The right swag can turn a potential customer into a brand advocate and an employee into a loyal team member. At the same time, the wrong swag can really send the wrong message and leave a bad taste in someones mouth.

There are quite literally thousands of brands and millions of product options... sound overwhelming? Not to worry, you can always use our team to curate highly specific swag options that fit your brand and budget. We'll steer you towards what's hot and what's not, and make recommendations based on how you intend to use the swag.

Conclusion

Company swag is a blend of marketing, appreciation, and community building. It's a tangible way to spread brand awareness and create positive vibes among your team and customers. Now that you know what swag is, it's time to consider how it can help you and your company shine.