Do you love free stuff? So do we! And that's why we're so excited to talk about the history of swag. Swag has come a long way in recent years, and it's now more popular than ever. But where did the word swag come from? And what does it mean? The term "swag" is actually short for "swagman." A swagman was a type of worker in Australia who would carry all of his belongings with him in a large bundle, or "swag." Over time, the meaning of this word evolved and found its place in the world of marketing!

In this blog post, we'll answer all of your questions and give you some insights for your business to thrive with the help of swag marketing! Let’s dive in to discuss this question: “where did the term swag come from?”.

Where Did The Word Swag Come From?

We are about to dive deep into the history of the word “swag”. Keep reading to gain a better understanding of where the word “swag” came from. And more importantly, how it's changed over the years - including the role it plays in the field of marketing these days.

History of The Word "Swag"

The word "swag", was used as short form for "swagman", as we discussed in the outlook of this article. The term eventually made its way to America from Australia, where it took on a new meaning. In the early 1900s, swag became slang for stolen goods. This is likely because many thieves would boast about their "swag" after a successful heist.

The word "swag" is also short for "swagger." Swagger is a term that has been around for centuries, and it originally referred to the way someone carried themselves. It was often used to describe people who were confident and had a lot of self-esteem. In the 18th century, swagger became associated with criminals and thieves. This is because criminals would often walk around with their hands in their pockets, looking cocky and confident. As you can imagine, this didn't exactly endear them to the public!

How The Meaning of "Swag" Changed Over The Years

By the mid-1900s, the meaning of swag shifted to describe promotional items and freebies given away by businesses. However, the company swag is more than just free stuff. It is an important tool in supporting you and your organization to reach your marketing goals while creating awareness of the value you offer to the world. In the field of marketing, why is having company swag so important? The swag helps you create recognition and make first impressions or strengthen enduring relationships with clients, employees, vendors, and frankly, anyone who comes in contact with your business.

The Role of "Swag" In Marketing

Now that you know swag refers to products that help to promote the brand, you might be curious about the role of swag in marketing. You often find swag to be branded by the company logo, name, and/or slogan. These are similar to goodie bags, but instead of birthdays, they are gifted in a professional setting. A common workplace swag bag will contain things such as branded items, food & drink, company swag, and gift cards, as well as other items. 

In marketing, company swag is used to promote the brand’s name as we shared earlier. This marketing strategy increases brand awareness and recognition/familiarity while creating a consistent message for your audience. Basically, swag is grounded on the philosophy that “the more people see it, the more people will remember it.”

So, giving out company swag allows people to recognize your brand, which, in turn, will assist in boosting sales! Isn't that amazing that through the artistic expression of your brand you can engage more people in your product?

How Swag Helps Businesses Thrive Today

Would you like to know how swag helps businesses thrive in today's world? Swag is important for businesses because it helps them meet their marketing objectives. Whether you’re endeavoring to enter into a new market or grow existing client relationships, gifting marketing swag can support you in fulfilling that.

Additionally, by giving out swag you will be getting your name out there! The more people use swag objects with your brand logo on them, the more people will get acquainted with your company identity– even if they are not your potential clients. Eventually, your company face will reach more people who actually might be interested in your offerings.

You probably already know how gifting creates bonding within a team. Think about the last time you received a gift from someone and how it felt in your body. Isn’t that a happy feeling? Your team members will also appreciate receiving gifts that have your brand name and logo on it. They will feel like they are part of the crew and welcomed. After all, receiving free gifts triggers a dopamine rush which results in feelings of motivation and happy hormones. Your team will eventually associate that happiness with your business, which will increase their loyalty, belonging, and commitment. 

They will hardly ever want to stop using the gift, especially if your swag is serving a practical purpose. Contemplate what your employees would find valuable at home or in the office, or maybe observe what interests they have in common to get inspiration for your swag idea!

Want To See What Swag Can Do For You?

Swag Bar is the perfect place to get all of your swag marketing essentials. We have the best swag packs for businesses and organizations just like yours. You’ll find a wide variety of options that you can choose from whether you are looking for a gift for existing employees, new hires, or virtual conferences. We make sure that our swag is of the highest quality and always branded with your company logo. We’re on a mission to change the narrative around swag - and once you experience the difference yourself, you’ll be glad you made the right choice.

Ordering your marketing gift box at Swag Bar is super easy, too! All you have to do is choose your object, pick a design (or let us create one for your business), and determine how many swag boxes you want. It’s effortless and cost-effective!

Where Did Swag Come From? Wrapping Things Up

A quality swag pack has great potential to amaze clients, convert leads, and, of course, make employees feel like they are part of a family. Are you ready to create a gift bag that everyone loves instead of the typical, boring corporate gifts?

If so, you’re in luck. Swag Bar is the perfect place to find all of your marketing swag needs. It's an excellent way to promote your brand, increase sales, and build customer loyalty. When used correctly, swag can help businesses of all sizes to achieve their goals. Swag is a powerful marketing tool that should not be underestimated!

If you're looking for ways to improve your marketing efforts, consider using swag as part of your strategy. It's an effective way to reach your target audience and build trustworthy relationships with customers. And who doesn't love free stuff that results in joy? Our promotional gift basket will create a sense of belonging at your company and bring practical solutions to your employees’ lives. 

You might also be looking for ways to encourage your new hires and onboard them with a sense of welcoming. Then, new hire welcome kit is perfect for your needs! In today’s changing world, where online conferences are quite popular, it’s becoming harder to create friendly atmospheres without sharing the same physical space. Our virtual swag bag is super trendy and solves this problem in creative ways!

So there you have it! The history of swag is fascinating, and we're proud to be part of such a fun and exciting industry. If you're looking for some great swag ideas, be sure to check out our website.

Thanks for reading and we hope you enjoyed this blog post about the history of swag.