If there is one thing that's a universal mood booster, it's got to be free stuff. Company swag runs on that idea, but it's more than just a marketing game.

One of the best ways to make a good impression--whether it's on stakeholders, employees, or customers--is to give them gifts. Company swag can be both a gift or a marketing tool at the same time. It accomplishes the goal of making your recipient happy and, simultaneously, you are promoting your brand to them and the people around them.

So, what is company swag and why do you need it? What are the must-have qualities of company swag? What are the best kinds of company swag for employees, customers, and VIPs? We'll tackle everything you need to know in this article.

What is Company Swag?

Company swag, also known as marketing swag, corporate swag, or promotional merchandise, are products--usually branded with a logo, name, and/or slogan--used to promote a brand, campaign, or event.

Companies give out swag to promote their brand, make positive impressions, and breakthrough their target markets, among other marketing goals. Typically, companies also distribute branded swag to their employees. This helps to increase employee satisfaction, obtain free marketing, and promote a sense of camaraderie.

The Benefits of Having Company Swag

Branded swag can help your company achieve many goals, whether marketing or otherwise. Here are the top potential benefits of having company swag:

Brand familiarity and visibility

In a competitive market, brand visibility is the key to coming out on top.

One of the main goals that company swag aims to accomplish is brand promotion. Company swag typically bears the company logo and name, which helps increase brand awareness and visibility among target markets.

Repetition

Repetition is an important technique in marketing. The more people hear or see something, the more they remember it. Think of like making introductions at a party. If you hear someone's name for the first time, it can be difficult to remember it afterward. But if you hear their name over and over again for the rest of the night, the more you'll remember their name and face.

Branded swag embodies the power of repetition. If someone sees your brand logo on, say, their coffee mug every day, the more likely they are to do business with you.

Customer engagement

Giving out company swag is one of the best ways to increase customer engagement. Why? It's a combination of increased brand visibility, repetition, and positive first impressions. The more a customer is familiar with your brand, the more likely they are to choose you over the competition.

Employee satisfaction

Everyone loves free stuff, including your employees! Corporate swag is just one way to show appreciation towards the people that make your business tick. Not only that, but employees feel a sense of belongingness and company pride when they have physical things to prove that they belong to something bigger.

In addition, they are providing you with free marketing whenever they wear something that bears your brand name and logo. Just like walking advertisements! If you want to learn more about this, check out our complete guide to new employee swag ideas.

Positive impressions

First impressions are everything. If you have good-quality branded swag, your customers will associate the lasting impression that you made on them with your brand itself. In turn, this can lead to increased customer engagement and, ultimately, more sales.

Essential Qualities of Company Swag

Coming up with a good company swag idea is not that easy. That said, we've figured out some of the must-have qualities that your company swag should have in order to be effective.

Useful and practical

When giving out branded swag, you want every item to count. With that in mind, it pays to prioritize practicality over novelty.

Figure out what your target recipients would actually use, ideally on a regular basis. For example, if you're creating branded swag for employees, things that they use at the office are usually the best options.

For customers, on the other hand, you may have to consider your buyer personas and customer profiles. Depending on your customer base's age group, culture, geographical locations, and other factors, you should be able to come up with the best company swag ideas that they can use in everyday life.

Resonates with brand identity

Your company swag is a representation of your brand. With that in mind, your branded swag items should resonate with your brand identity. Otherwise, it won't make much sense.

For instance, if your brand identity revolves around gourmet food and high-end lifestyles, it won't make much sense to give out branded sporting gear. Instead, you could go with kitchen tools, sample gift boxes, and perhaps even travel gear for the frequent flyers.

Cost-effective

High-quality branded swag doesn't have to break the bank. If you want to set a reasonable budget for your swag ideas and learn how to maximize it, check out our in-depth guide here.

Environmentally friendly

With increasing rates of pollution and the threat of permanent climate change upon us, more and more people are paying more attention to the impact that they make on the environment.

That considered, making your swag environmentally friendly can earn you brownie points for actually choosing to be conscious about your carbon footprint. Things like reusable water bottles, snacks in recyclable packaging, and recycled paper notepads are great examples of environmentally-friendly swag.

Memorable and visually-pleasing

Company swag has to be both memorable and visually pleasing; it can't be just one or the other. If your swag is memorable but not visually pleasing, then it won't make a good impression on your customers. On the other hand, if your swag is visually-pleasing but not memorable, people are less likely to become familiar with your brand.

To achieve the utmost memorability and aesthetics, work with a good design team.

Most Popular Company Swag Ideas For Employees and Customers

Now, without any further ado, we're going to share some of the top company swag ideas for employees and customers alike. These ideas will even work well for stakeholders, vendors, you name it. Each of these swag ideas will help you meet the goals of any swag campaign you set out with. And, these swag ideas all feature the qualities of effectively branded swag. Let's start off with one of the most practical ideas out there: apparel.

Apparel

Branded t-shirts, hoodies, hats, etc. are popular swag ideas. They essentially turn customers and employees into walking advertisements, and they are very easy to produce. And let's face it, we could all use new clothes - as long as their quality! Don't waste your time with itchy, scratchy t-shirts.

Office supplies

Office supplies are always a great option for employee swag. Items like notepads, pens, staplers and other common desk fare are sure to be used frequently. It doesn't get much more practical than this!

Food and drink

Do you know what's better than free stuff? Free food and drinks! Whether it's for customers or employees, giving out swag packs full of edible goodies is sure to put a smile on their faces.

Drinkware

Drinkware is another common option for corporate swag. Branded tumblers, coffee mugs, and other types of drinkware are typically used on a regular basis and are rarely thrown out.

Stickers 

Among all swag ideas, stickers may be the most inexpensive option. They are fun, cheap, and you can easily hand them out during promotional events. Granted, not everyone will want to use them, but you're not losing a lot of money if people throw them out.

Remote work kits

With remote work the new set-up for many companies, remote work kits are extremely useful and highly appreciated by remote employees. Usually, remote work kits include comfort items (neck pillows, blankets, chair pillows), hygiene items (hand sanitizer, surface wipes), food and drinks, as well as tech accessories (headphones, webcams, chargers).

Gift boxes

A swag pack typically contains common promotional merchandise. Some brands give out themed boxes, such as remote work kits, office supplies gift boxes, and gourmet food boxes. If you want to mix and match, you can create your own custom gift boxes.

Unique Company Swag Ideas For Employees and Customers

Want swag ideas that are a bit out-of-the-box? Here are some things you might want to consider:

Pet goodies

Pet owners will love to receive gifts for their furry friends. Great examples of branded pet accessories include leashes, collars, treats, food, and portable dog bowls, just to name a few.

Plant pots

Branded plant pots are fun gifts that will allow your employees and customers to unleash their inner green thumb.

Sleepwear

Sleepwear is not a common contender on most swag ideas lists. Nevertheless, it can make great gifts. Branded pajamas, sleeping masks, travel pillows, and blankets can make some of the best company swag.

Self-care kits

Giving out self-care kits to your employees can help promote a positive work-life balance. Common gifts in a self-care kit include facial masks, soaps, bath bombs, lotion, scented candles, healthy snacks, and even inspirational books.

Stadium cups

Are you planning to hold an office party or a team-building activity? Brand some stadium cups and allow your employees to bring them home after the event. It'll make a nice souvenir and eliminate the need to have disposable cups at the party.

Wireless chargers

What is better than portable chargers? Wireless chargers, of course! Customers and employees alike will love this piece of tech that will allow them to charge their phones effortlessly. If you have VIPs, wireless chargers also make a great gift because they are premium in nature.

Dos and Dont's of Choosing and Creating Company Swag

Now that we've shared our top company swag ideas with you, we want to share some quick do's and don'ts to help you get the most out of your swag endeavors:

Do: Determine your goals

What is the purpose of giving out company swag? Determine your goals before anything else. This way, you'll have an easier time coming up with good swag ideas and finding items that fit your objectives.

For example, if you're giving out swag to increase employee satisfaction, you'll have to figure out what your employees want and what would make them happy.

Do: Ask for samples

If you're trying out a new swag company and/or plan to purchase items in bulk, don't hesitate to ask for samples. The worst they can do is say 'no'. Doing this will help you avoid wasting funds on items that do not meet your standards, as well as give you an idea of what level of quality a particular price point can give you.

Do: Invest in good designs

As we've said before, memorability and pleasing aesthetics stem from a good design team. Always remember: you get what you pay for, especially when it comes to design.

Don't: Sacrifice quality

A poor-quality item is bound to end up in the trash sooner than a high-quality one. Don't skimp on quality when choosing your company swag. It'll make an impact on the impression that you make on your customers.

Don't: Be afraid to offer a variety of items

When giving out a promotional gift box, even the simplest combinations don't guarantee that your recipients will be using every item. With that in mind, don't be afraid to offer variety when mixing and matching.

Don't: Order too much

Excess company swag will likely end up in the back of a supply closet--or worse--the dumpster. If you have too many, you may have no choice but to give them away to just about anybody, even those that don't fit your customer profile. While this can be a good thing to promote your brand, doing so won't be very cost-effective.

Here at Swag Bar, we offer only high-quality products with the best brand designs

Can't decide what swag pack to give to your employees and customers? We offer the option of creating your own custom swag pack to meet all of your needs and preferences. Don't have the time to mix and match? We have ready-made Swag Packs with various themes such as Tech Lover, Office Zen, and Winter Cozy, among many more.

We prioritize your satisfaction over everything else. With our communicative team, talented design staff, and vetted premium products, our Swag Packs are sure to make a lasting impression on whoever receives them--be it your employees, customers, or VIPs!

Talk to us today and see what possibilities await you.