The Best Branded Merchandise for Everyday Use

If there’s one thing that remains the same, even as marketing fads come and go, it’s that usefulness is one of the key drivers of value. Branded merchandising isn’t most powerful when it’s the most eye-catching option - it’s at its best when it becomes a truly ingrained part of the user’s everyday life, providing genuine use and value day after day. When your brand’s able to slip itself into a part of someone’s daily routine, you’ve moved from gaining visibility to building genuine connection and relevance.

So how do you design the best branded merchandise for everyday use? Here’s what we see work time and time again at Brandconnect, with innovative twists for each brand application.

Think About Your Consumers’ Everyday Patterns

Sure, some branded merchandising can be a lot of fun - for a time. But if you’re looking for branded merchandising opportunities that integrate you into the daily world of your customers and consumers, it’s important to pay attention to their everyday patterns.

Do they drink coffee every morning? Drive their kids to school? Take their dog for a walk? Prep lunch in a hurry? Need to reach for a pen during a meeting? By asking questions about the nuances of your customers’ days, you can quickly identify these opportunities for connection.

For example, that morning coffee can now be poured into a branded, high-quality cup. The drive to school can be made easier by the addition of a car phone holder. That dog walk can be a lot more comfortable with a weather-proof branded jacket. Lunch prep is simplified with a branded bento box. Those pens can have your company’s name on them.

When branded merchandising is strategically and thoughtfully designed to be useful in everyday moments, it goes beyond marketing and becomes a powerful tool for ongoing connection.

Pay Attention To The Small Details

The difference between branded merchandise that gets used, and branded merchandise that gets thrown away, often comes down to quality. When your branded merchandise is made to last, it’s a clear sign to your customers that your brand stands for quality they can rely on.

While reducing quality investments can save money in the short-term, this can lead to long-term costs in brand perception. It’s why it’s so important to choose branded merchandise products that can stand up to the test of everyday use: products that feel substantial, that deliver on their function as promised, and are able to do so day after day without wearing out quickly.

When customers build trust in your merchandise, they’re much more likely to build trust with your brand in larger ways as well, delivering a compounding effect from a simple piece of effective merch.

Choose Versatility Over Novelty

Quirky branded merchandising products definitely have their place - and can be a key part of brand marketing activations - but by choosing versatility over novelty, you can truly earn a place in your customers’ daily lives.

For example, a neutral-coloured water bottle that has your company’s logo discreetly placed on it can be much more likely to become a part of everyday routines than a loud, attention-grabbing version. By thinking about the different settings in which your branded merchandise may be used, you’re able to create more ongoing connective tissue through those products. 

Elevated Everyday Merchandise

Functionality doesn’t automatically equal boring merch. Through making smart design choices, practical items can feel instantly elevated, with attention to detail (such as high-quality textures, interesting colour combinations and minimalist branding) working together to create a clear sense of quality and care.

Think about what you’d like to use in your everyday life. If it’s a product you’d reach for and find great value in, odds are, your customers will too.

Conclusion

Branded merchandise has powerful potential to do more than just promote your brand - when it’s strategically utilised, it can quickly become a part of your customers’ daily routines and rhythms. Skip out on simply handing out products for the sake of it and find simple ways to integrate into the everyday lives of your consumers. Looking for expert support? Brandconnect is ready to help you achieve this!