Can Anyone Hear You?
A question you should never stop asking.
In any industry there’s a lot of noise - you need to make sure that you and your brand don’t just stand out, but make the real connections you need to make a difference. “You listening, but you didn't hear me.” Alonso Harris said it best (if you know, you know).
Bold colours. New materials. Even going Eco. Pick something that is authentic and aligns with your values and your message. Going above and beyond is an investment in your long-term brand success. That’s EVERYTHING. And that’s fact. It’s so easy to think about your merchandise as disposable. Don’t. Make it a celebration of your brand. Think about what you're producing now, what you’re spending your hard-earned cash on, and make sure it’s making the biggest impact and a lasting impression.
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So what can you do about it?
There’s not just one way. This is where you need to be willing to get creative and to see your brand as more than just your logo. Here’s some ideas to get you started:
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Get Lit.
The Yeastie Boys LED Neon.
Bright lights are a top way to bring your brand to life in the most obvious way possible. You’re bringing dynamism and desirable connection in spaces where you might not be the only one, so getting that edge is everything. The trick here is to make sure you’re not just loud, but you’re authentically “you” too.
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Get bold.
The Beavertown Skull Glass.
When you’re a drinks brand the one place you know 100% you will be seen is in the hand of the person drinking you. But no matter what you’re industry think about this as a fundamental - be where your people are, and when you’re there, be front and centre. If you’re brave you’ll step further than your logo and create something that sticks. Remember there will always be lots of noise around you. Being bold, being brave, this will get you heard.
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Get Cohesive.
The Spitfire Ale Collection.
Sometimes more is more, and this is definitely true when you can execute a broader brand message across multiple items. You can create impact and engagement, really telling YOUR story, and that’s something that’s powerful and resonates. That builds loyalty too and when you get that you get the game is yours.
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Get outside the box.
The Oreo Skateboard.
Your opportunity to get really creative and go beyond what you would NORMALLY do. Get brave and get bold. Not only is the potential payoff bigger when it comes to brand impact, but creating something people remember, and that’s what you always need to strive for with every pound you spend.
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No matter which direction you go in, if you pay attention to merchandise that’s special, people not only feel a personal connection to your brand but also become proud ambassadors, happily sharing their brand merchandise with everyone around them.
It’s big to understand that when you go above and beyond, step out of the box and trust your creativity with your brand merchandise, this is an investment in your long-term success. By capturing attention your brand becomes memorable. That’s what you want. You go top-of-mind for consumers when they think about not just you, but your industry too. This increased visibility and positive association can lead to customer loyalty, word-of-mouth referrals, and ultimately, higher sales. Brand merch for the win.
So…
To sum it up, in a market where difference is big, creating brand merchandise that’s innovative, eye-catching, and instantly memorable is what it’s all about. The use of bold and vibrant colors, unconventional materials, and interactive elements can help you craft unique products that leave a lasting impression. When customers not only want to wear or use your merch but also show it off, your brand's visibility and impact increase big time. And by harnessing and prioritizing uniqueness, this becomes a powerful tool that helps you stand out loud and stand out proud.
Don’t get stuck with “just doing”. It’s not enough. Just because you’re there, doesn’t mean they can hear you. That’s the combination if being noticed X being understood. Make sure they do both.