Let’s be real: Most branded merch = logos slapped on junk.

✨ That’s not strategy. That’s clutter.

If your branded merchandise isn’t being worn, used, or loved — it’s not working. And that’s because so many brands are stuck in an outdated swag mindset: bulk-ordering cheap products, adding a logo, and calling it a day.

But real swag strategy? That’s a whole different game. It’s about building connection, not just boosting brand recognition.

Great Branded Merch Reflects Your Brand’s Vibe and Values

When your swag reflects who you are and what you stand for, it becomes something your audience wants to keep around. Thoughtfully designed merch should:

• Reinforce your brand identity
• Reflect your company culture
• Speak directly to your ideal customer
• Build a lasting emotional connection

Branded merch isn’t just about visibility — it’s about value.

Printing Logos on Junk? That’s a Missed Opportunity.

If you’re investing in merch, go beyond the basics. Ask yourself:

• Would my ideal customer wear this hoodie in public?
• Would they use this water bottle at the gym, on a hike, or at work?
• Does this product tell a story about who we are and what we stand for?

Because the best branded swag doesn’t end up in the junk drawer.
It lives in your customer’s daily life — and reminds them why they love your brand.

Connection Over Promotion, Always.

Instead of shouting your logo from the rooftops, let your merch speak with your people, not at them. Let it carry a message, a movement, a shared mindset.

Think of brands that nail this approach:

• Nike – Performance, empowerment, sleek design.
• Peloton – Community, commitment, active lifestyle.
• Spiritual Gangster – Intention, spirituality, elevated design.
• Stanley – Function meets trend. Utility becomes identity.

These brands understand that swag is an extension of the experience they offer. It’s branding that breathes — and it builds loyalty.

TL;DR? Your Branded Merch Deserves Better.

🧠 Be strategic.
🫶 Be intentional.
💥 Be bold in creating swag that actually means something.

Because great branded merch isn’t about being seen.
It’s about being remembered.

Need help designing merch your audience actually wants to wear?
Let’s create something unforgettable. ✨

Yes, you read that right—you can now get married at the Las Vegas Taco Bell… complete with wedding-themed Taco Bell swag. 🌮💍

Taco Bell Swag: Taking Brand Love to the Altar

I’ve written a lot about Taco Bell merch before, but their sauce-covered bowties, sauce packet garter belts, and even a sauce packet bouquet have officially left me speechless. 🤯 I mean, talk about commitment—Taco Bell is going ALL IN on branded merchandise, and honestly, I’m both impressed and slightly covering my eyes in disbelief. 😆

The Cult-Like Devotion to Taco Bell (Yes, It’s Real)

I didn’t fully grasp the absolute devotion some people have for Taco Bell until I watched Love is Blind this season and saw that one of the main contestants had “TACO BELL” tattooed inside her lower lip. Now, that’s brand loyalty. 🔥

And Taco Bell knows it. They’ve built a brand that people love with their whole hearts—and they’re creating branded merchandise to complete that love story.

What This Means for Branded Merch

Taco Bell’s wedding swag proves that merch isn’t just about slapping a logo on a T-shirt. The best branded merchandise taps into: ✅ Emotion – It makes fans feel connected to the brand ✅ Experience – It creates moments people will never forget ✅ Authenticity – It aligns with what customers already love ✅ Shareability – It’s unique enough that people have to post about it.

Taco Bell is setting a gold standard for brand engagement through merch—and if your brand has a passionate audience, there’s definitely a way to create swag they’ll obsess over.

Would You Say “I Do” at Taco Bell?

What do you think—would you (or someone you know) tie the knot at a fast-food wedding chapel? And are any of my followers Taco Bell fanatics? I need to hear your stories!

Want to know the one swag item people were shoving each other to get their hands on at Expo West last week? The answer might surprise you ⤵️ (Plus, there’s a major lesson for you at the end!)

Meet Belgian Boys (and Their Irresistible Swag)

Have you heard of Belgian Boys? (I hadn’t—until I saw their swag.)

They’re a cheerful, joyful, happy brand that makes pancakes and waffles, and their branding is so colorful and fun it practically glows with happiness. Their marketing makes you feel like their goodies will coat you in ✨ glitter ✨ on the inside.

So, it’s no surprise they knocked it out of the park at Expo West with one standout piece of swag: 💖 A BRIGHT PINK Puffy Tote Bag 💖

People were absolutely salivating over it. 🤤

Why This Swag Was a Showstopper

My friend on the inside (Amy Davis, thanks for the scoop!) told me that people mowed each other down to get their hands on this bag.

That’s the power of smart, strategic branded merch—when it’s done right, people will literally chase it down.

What This Means for YOUR Brand

Here’s the big takeaway for you: 👉 You can (and should) create the kind of swag that people are tripping over themselves to grab. And guess what? It’s easier than you think.

Branded merch is more than just slapping a logo on a tote bag. The best swag is:

• Useful (people want to use it daily!)
• Unique (it stands out from the crowd)
• On-Brand (it reinforces your message and identity)
• High-Quality (so it feels like a treat, not a throwaway)

Ready to Create Buzz-Worthy Branded Swag?

Now, tell me—how many people would you take down to get that pink puffy tote? 😉

Also, have you heard of Belgian Boys before? Because now I’m eager to taste their goodies!

You know those BIG business wins you see all over social media? Here’s the dirty secret about them:

They’re (often) a big fat lie. And they’re doing a HUGE disservice to entrepreneurs everywhere by setting a “standard” of success based on smoke and mirrors.

Sure, maybe they did:

• Earn $80K in a month
• Gain 3K new followers a day
• Sell tens of high-ticket offers in a day
• Get 30 new clients from one post

(Probably, they didn’t—but that’s another story.)

What They’re Not Telling You

Let’s say the success stories are true. Here’s what they’re not telling you:

• How much money they’re spending on ads
• How many staff members they have helping them
• How many failures came before their success
• The business connections they leveraged to fuel their growth

There’s a crapton happening behind the scenes. But when you’re a new business owner, you might think you’re failing if you’re not seeing these same massive wins.

That’s a ridiculous standard. Slow and steady is the way to grow at the beginning of your business journey.

Build a Sustainable Brand—Not Just a Viral Moment

Instead of chasing social media illusions, focus on real, lasting brand recognition—and this is where branded merch and swag come in. A strong business isn’t built on vanity metrics; it’s built on community, credibility, and consistency.

Here’s how branded merchandise can help you grow your business the right way:

• Brand Visibility: High-quality branded swag (like apparel, drinkware, and accessories) keeps your business top-of-mind for customers.
• Customer Loyalty: People love repping brands they believe in. Thoughtful, useful merch turns casual customers into loyal fans.
• Organic Marketing: Unlike paid ads that disappear, branded merch is a walking advertisement that keeps your brand in circulation.
• Business Credibility: A well-designed merch collection adds professionalism and authority to your brand, making you look more established.

Don’t Buy Into the Hype—Build a Business That Lasts

Forget the overnight success stories. The real winners are the entrepreneurs who focus on long-term brand growth rather than momentary hype.

That’s why I was thrilled to discuss this (and more) with Women On Topp for their latest piece, “What I Wish I Had Known My First Year in Business: Leading Women Entrepreneurs Share.”

Thanks to Dreamers & Doers® for the opportunity!

And if you’re ready to grow your business authentically, let’s talk about how branded merch can help you make a lasting impact.

Branded merchandise isn’t just for customers—your team needs it too! Investing in high-quality, stylish company swag can boost morale, increase brand loyalty, and create a strong sense of belonging. Here’s why your business should prioritize team swag today:

1️⃣ Strengthen Team Connection in a Remote World

In today’s remote and hybrid work environments, your employees may struggle to feel connected to the larger team. Think about sports teams—what’s the one thing they all have in common? Team colors and uniforms!

Providing your employees with branded merch, like custom hoodies, T-shirts, or hats, can help create a sense of unity, even when they’re working from different locations. When everyone wears your company’s swag, it reinforces team spirit and makes employees feel part of something bigger.

2️⃣ Build Brand Loyalty and Identity Outside of Work

When your team members proudly wear or use your company’s swag in their everyday lives, they’re not just representing your brand—they’re strengthening their emotional connection to it. Whether they’re sipping coffee from a branded tumbler, carrying a custom tote, or rocking a stylish company hoodie, they become walking brand ambassadors.

Branded merchandise also serves as a subtle yet powerful form of advertising. Every time an employee wears your merch out in public, they’re increasing brand visibility and sparking conversations about your business.

3️⃣ Show Employees You Care

Providing employees with high-quality, cool swag isn’t just about marketing—it’s about appreciation. Thoughtful, well-designed merch shows your team that you value them and their contributions. Giving them the freedom to choose from different designs and styles makes the experience even more meaningful. When employees feel seen and appreciated, they’re more likely to stay engaged and committed to your company’s mission.

Ready to Elevate Your Team’s Swag?

The Elevate Virtual Business Solutions team (shoutout to Ashley Carlson! 😘) is already rocking their awesome branded merch—does your team have theirs yet? If not, it’s time to step up your swag game!

What’s your go-to piece of company merch? Let us know in the comments!

One of the most common questions I hear about branded merchandise is: “I need giveaways for my upcoming trade show. What should I print?” Before you make a decision, consider this: Are you looking for brand recognition or lead generation?

Branded Merch for Brand Recognition

If your goal is brand recognition—meaning you want to hand something out to everyone— stick to small, practical items like:

• Mints
• Pens
• Sticky notes
• Other small, useful items that people might keep in their bag

This strategy will get your brand name seen, but it won’t necessarily build relationships or generate leads. It’s also an expensive and often wasteful approach. However, if you insist on printing something for the masses, these are the best options.

(And please, please, please never print a stress ball 😖)

Branded Merch for Lead Generation

If your focus is lead generation, here’s a smarter approach:

1️⃣ Create a Print-on-Demand Shop – Design a collection of trendy, stylish branded merch that people will actually want to wear. Make it cool, creative, and high-quality. (Need help? DM me!)

2️⃣ Print a Postcard with a QR Code – Instead of giving away cheap swag, hand out postcards with a QR code directing people to your online shop. Offer a free branded item like a hat, t-shirt, or tote bag (your choice). Make sure your booth staff is wearing the merch to showcase it.

3️⃣ Capture Leads at Checkout – When visitors redeem their free merch, ask them to opt in to your mailing list. This turns casual trade show attendees into engaged leads who are genuinely interested in your brand.

Why This Giveaway Strategy Works

✅ Quality Over Quantity: Only a small percentage of attendees will redeem the offer, but those who do are high-intent leads—people who want to engage with your business.

✅ Free Advertising: When attendees wear your branded merch, it provides social proof and increases brand visibility—unlike 1,500 mints that disappear in a pocket.

✅ Sustainability Matters: Consumers care about eco-friendly practices. This approach minimizes waste and aligns with their values.

What If You Can’t Set Up a Print-on-Demand Store?

No worries! You can still offer something valuable, like:

• A free course
• A consultation
• An exclusive interview
• Any other high-value lead magnet that directs traffic to your website

Final Thoughts: Make Your Merch Count

Pens and stress balls don’t make sales. But people who opt in for your branded merch are solid leads who are interested in your business.

If you HAD to pick a low-cost giveaway item, what would it be? I’m team mints! 😆

Props to Dr. Sandra Lee (aka Dr. Pimple Popper) and her Skin Physicians and Surgeons team for having a merch shop—there are plenty of clever and fun designs here! But as with any branded swag collection, there’s always room for improvement.

Here’s how I’d refine the shop to make it even better:

1️⃣ Kick the Design Up a Notch 💥

While the merch is creative, the design execution could use some polish and consistency. Right now, it feels a bit chaotic with:

🚨 Too many different fonts clashing on designs

🚨 Too many contrasting styles that lack cohesion

A streamlined aesthetic would make the merch feel more professional, wearable, and on-brand—instead of looking a bit, well, on the nose (like… a pimple).

2️⃣ Reduce the Number of Options 👕🎽👚👔

Variety is great, but too many choices can lead to shopper fatigue. Right now, the store offers 34+ designs—which is likely overwhelming for fans.

Instead, a curated collection of 5-6 standout designs would be more impactful, helping shoppers easily find the best-selling, most-loved pieces.

3️⃣ Organize the Store for a Better Shopping Experience 🛍️

Currently, similar designs are scattered throughout the shop, making it harder for customers to browse. For example:

🔹 The “I’d Rather Be Watching Dr. Pimple Popper” tee comes in four different styles, but they’re not grouped together.

A more structured layout—grouping similar items together—would make the store feel more intuitive and enhance the customer experience.

Would You Wear Dr. Pimple Popper Merch? 🤔

What’s your take on the Dr. Pimple Popper merch collection? Are you a fan of these designs? Let me know in the comments!

(And let’s be honest… if you watch just one video, your feed is never going to be the same again. 😳)

When two iconic brands like Whataburger and Wrangler team up, you know the merch is going to be something special. And let me tell you—this collection is giving me ALL THE FEELS.

Why Am I So Obsessed With This Merch?

This branded swag collection is the perfect blend of trendy and nostalgic, and here’s why:

✅ Trendy & Retro at the Same Time – The designs capture a perfect mix of vintage cowboy vibes with modern aesthetics. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Whataburger or Wrangler, this merch delivers a timeless cool factor.

✅ Exciting & Relevant to Fans of Both Brands – Whataburger lovers and Wrangler loyalists will instantly connect with this collaboration. It’s a fresh take on two legendary names, celebrating Texan culture and American style.

✅ Fashionable & Wearable, Even If You Don’t Know the Brands – You don’t have to be a die-hard fan of either brand to appreciate the quality and design. The pieces are stylish enough to wear anywhere, even if you’ve never stepped foot inside a Whataburger (🙈 guilty!).

This Swag is for Everyone Who Wants to Look and Feel Cool

Great branded merch isn’t just about logos—it’s about creating something that people genuinely want to wear. The Whataburger X Wrangler collection does just that, making it a must-have for fans of Western fashion, fast food nostalgia, and casual streetwear alike.

These Brands Understood the Assignment 💥

Not all collaborations hit the mark, but this one? Absolute chef’s kiss. It’s the kind of limited-edition merch that creates buzz, drives sales, and builds brand love. Whether you’re in Texas, New York, or anywhere in between, this collection proves that a well-executed branded swag strategy can reach and excite a broad audience.

Could a Collab Like This Work for Your Brand?

Seeing this drop got me thinking—could a strategic brand collaboration like this work for YOUR company? If you’re a business owner or marketer looking to create standout branded merchandise, take note:

🔥 Find a brand partner that shares your values and audience

🔥 Create designs that blend both brands’ aesthetics in a fresh, wearable way

🔥 Make sure the swag is something people will actually want to wear, not just a promotional item.

The success of the Whataburger X Wrangler collab proves that great branded merch is more than just a logo—it’s an experience, a conversation starter, and a way to connect with customers in a real way.

So, have you seen this collection yet? What do you think—would you wear this tee? Drop a comment and let me know!

If you’ve ever heard me talk about branded merchandise, you know I can’t stop yapping about print-on-demand. But why? Because it’s one of the smartest, most efficient ways to create and distribute high-quality branded swag without the headaches of traditional inventory management.

The Simple Definition of Print-on-Demand

Print-on-demand (POD) is exactly what it sounds like—your swag items are printed as they are ordered. That means:

✅ No inventory to manage

✅ No minimum order sizes or quantities

✅ No wasted stock sitting in storage

How Print-on-Demand Works

There are printers all over the world with the same blank inventory, and they all use the same advanced technology to print your design onto products like apparel, mugs, tote bags, and more. When a customer places an order, the nearest facility prints and ships it—simple, efficient, and cost-effective.

Why Print-on-Demand is a Game Changer for Branded Merch

With print-on-demand, your risk is essentially zero. You can:

• Experiment with new designs whenever you want—no upfront costs.
• Offer a wider variety of products without bulk commitments.
• Ensure sustainability by only printing what’s needed, reducing waste.

The Bigger Picture: Why I Advocate for Print-on-Demand

I constantly encourage businesses to switch to on-demand printing because it’s simply better for:

➡ Your company – No financial risk from unsold inventory.

➡ The recipients of your merch – They get high-quality, thoughtfully designed items.

➡ The environment – Less waste, no overproduction, and a more sustainable approach to branded merchandise.

Have You Heard of Print-on-Demand Before?

Most people have heard the term, but few truly understand its potential. Now that you do, are you ready to rethink how you approach branded merch?

Branded merchandise, often called swag, is more than just a giveaway—it’s a strategic tool that can strengthen your brand, build customer loyalty, and even drive revenue. If you’re only using merch for trade shows and team outings, you’re missing out on its full potential.

1. Offer as a Reward for Customer Referrals

Your customers are your best brand ambassadors. Encourage them to spread the word by offering exclusive swag as a referral incentive. A stylish branded hoodie or high-quality tote bag can turn customers into walking billboards for your business.

2. Incentivize People to Join a Program

Whether you’re launching a membership, coaching program, or subscription service, offering a free branded item can boost sign-ups. People love free, high-value items, and a well-designed product can reinforce your brand in their daily lives.

3. Upsell Between Tiers of Membership

Encourage customers to upgrade by offering premium swag to higher-tier members. A branded water bottle, notebook, or hoodie can add perceived value and make customers feel exclusive while driving higher revenue for your business.

4. Gift to Key Influencers in Your Local Area

Local influencers and community leaders can amplify your brand. By gifting them high-quality merch, you create a connection and increase your chances of getting shoutouts on social media, leading to brand exposure and credibility.

5. Reward Loyal Customers

Long-term customers deserve recognition. Celebrate their loyalty with thoughtful swag that makes them feel valued and keeps them engaged with your brand. Personalized items or limited-edition merch work especially well.

6. Thank People Who Host You as a Speaker or Podcast Guest

If you’ve been invited to speak at an event, be a podcast guest, or contribute to a panel, leave a lasting impression with a unique branded gift. This simple gesture strengthens relationships and keeps your brand top of mind.

7. Create a VIP Tier for Customers Who Own Certain Merch

Exclusive merch can foster a sense of belonging. Consider offering perks, discounts, or early access to customers who purchase specific swag items. This turns merch into a loyalty program that keeps customers engaged.

8. Celebrate Anniversaries & Team Milestones

Your team is the backbone of your business. Recognizing their hard work with branded gifts—such as apparel, accessories, or desk items—boosts morale and fosters a stronger company culture.

Think Beyond the Basic Swag

Branded merch isn’t just about slapping a logo on cheap plastic giveaways. High-quality, thoughtfully designed items can build brand loyalty, drive sales, and create meaningful connections.

Are you using branded merch in innovative ways? If not, it’s time to think outside the (cheap, plastic, branded) box and turn swag into a powerful business tool.

How have you used branded merch in your business? Share your thoughts in the comments!