By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert Someone recently asked me: “Do you use AI to make your merch designs?” My answer? Absolutely not. Now, before the internet comes for me, let me clarify: AI-generated design can be useful for brainstorming ideas or exploring creative directions. But when it comes to creating […]

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert Podcast audiences are strangely invisible for how deeply obsessed people are with them. And honestly? That’s a marketing problem. Because podcast listening is private. You could have a million people in your city listening to the exact same show every week and never know it. […]

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert There, I said it: Most branded tech accessories are bad merch for non-tech companies. Yes, even the branded chargers.Yes, even the phone stands.And yes, definitely the random cables. Before you come for me, hear me out. When companies think about corporate swag or promotional products, […]

Why the best branded merch and company swag decisions come from the people who actually wear it. By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert Every year, the same thing shows up. A new batch of company swag arrives.Maybe the logo moved an inch.Maybe someone updated “2025” to “2026.”Maybe the hoodie changed from […]

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert Let’s talk about the side of branded merch and swag nobody wants to admit… The ick. You know exactly what we’re talking about. The moments where your company swag program quietly goes off the rails—and everyone feels it, but no one says it out loud. […]

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert“Drop your t-shirt size.” It’s one of the most common messages managers send when it’s time to roll out company swag. It sounds harmless. Easy. Efficient. But it’s not. Why Asking for Sizes Is More Personal Than You Think We’ve normalized it, but asking someone for […]

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise ExpertRepeat after me: office collateral is not merch. Those branded notebooks, pens, and folders you order for the sales team?That’s not a branded merchandise strategy. That’s operational supply. It lives in a supply closet. It’s useful. It’s necessary.And nobody has ever felt anything about it. Let’s […]

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert If I covered the logo on your merch, could anyone tell it was yours? 👀 That question cuts straight to one of the biggest problems in branded merchandise and swag today: everything looks and sounds the same. Walk through any conference, scroll LinkedIn, or browse […]

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert Here’s a quick gut check for your branded merchandise strategy—and it’s one most companies fail. The Logo Swap Test for Custom Merch In your mind, take your latest piece of company swag and swap your logo with another brand’s.Maybe even a competitor, if you’re feeling […]

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise ExpertIn a world where brands constantly chase trends, there’s something refreshing—almost rebellious—about staying exactly who you are. And when it comes to branded merchandise, Geezer Creative is doing just that… and absolutely nailing it. Why Authentic Branded Merch Wins Every Time A lot of companies make […]