By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Let’s face it: confusing branded merch doesn’t just fall flat—it actively works against your brand. You know the kind. Someone pulls a freebie out of a tote and immediately thinks:

👉 What even is this?
👉 Where did I get it?
👉 Why did I keep it?

When your swag sparks more confusion than joy, it’s not building brand recognition—it’s building clutter.

The Problem With Unclear Swag

In the world of promotional products, there’s a fine line between being creative and being confusing. Clever only works when people get it. If they don’t understand your message or can’t tell who the swag came from, they’re not going to keep it—or talk about it. That’s a missed opportunity for:

• Brand awareness
• Word-of-mouth marketing
• Repeat engagement

And ultimately? It’s wasted budget.

Great Branded Merch Is Instantly Clear

The best custom swag tells a story—without needing an explanation. It should feel intuitive, relevant, and aligned with your brand identity. The moment someone sees it, they should get it, like it, and want to keep it.

🔑 Here’s What Great Swag Has in Common:

• Clear messaging – Your brand voice shines through.
• Purposeful design – The item fits the context and the audience.
• Emotional connection – It brings a smile, a nod, or a “that’s so me” moment.
• Longevity – It gets used again and again (not tossed after one glance).

Design Swag That Makes Sense at First Glance—and Lasts for Years

Your branded merch should:

• Make people feel something
• Look good enough to wear or display
• Remind people of why they love your brand

Whether you’re designing employee swag, event giveaways, or corporate gifts, your goal should be to create something that lands instantly and keeps delivering value over time. Because when someone loves their swag, they keep it. They use it. They show it off.
That’s brand marketing money well spent.

So, What’s the “Charles in Charge” of Your Swag Bag?

We all have something that lives rent-free in our heads. For me? It’s the Charles in Charge theme song—I could sing it to you right now.

Your merch should have the same effect.

What’s the promotional item that’s stuck with you?
What’s something you got that made you say, “I love this”?

Let’s make more of that.