By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Let’s be honest: Your business isn’t where it was in 2022. So why does your branded merch still look like it is? Your company has grown, pivoted, launched new services, expanded into new markets—yet your swag strategy is stuck in the past. It’s time for your custom merchandise to evolve with you. Because great swag isn’t static. It’s dynamic. It moves with your business goals—and fuels your growth in the process.

The Kind of Branded Merch That Builds Your Business

Smart promotional products aren’t about stockpiling stuff. They’re about creating intentional, timely moments that reflect your current brand voice, momentum, and marketing direction. Here’s what flexible swag strategy looks like:

🆕 Launching Something New?

Drop a fresh design that celebrates the moment and rewards your early supporters. Custom swag builds hype and gives your audience something to rally behind.

📉 Something Didn’t Land?

No worries—retire it. With on-demand printing, there’s no leftover inventory to manage. No clinging to what didn’t work.

🎯 Planning a Strategic Push?

Use a limited-edition tee or hoodie to drive urgency and engagement. People love exclusivity—and love showing off gear tied to a specific launch or campaign.

Agile Merch for a Fast-Moving Brand

If your business is always growing, your swag collection should never stay stagnant. Think:

• New initiative? ➡️ New merch.
• New campaign? ➡️ New merch.
• New goal? You guessed it—new merch.

With the right print-on-demand merch strategy, your swag can evolve as quickly as your brand does—without the upfront costs or commitment of traditional bulk orders.

Swag That Works With Your Brand, Not Against It

Your promotional merchandise should:

• Align with your current marketing message
• Excite your team and community
• Help your brand show up in relevant, visible ways

If it’s been a while since you refreshed your branded gear, now’s the time.

So tell me—what’s changed in your business this year? New team? New direction? New goals? 👇 I want to hear what’s new (and help you turn it into next-level merch).

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

When it comes to branded merch, intention is everything. If you’re ordering swag without a clear goal in mind, you’re not building brand equity—you’re just building a closet full of regrets (and a landfill of leftover tees no one wanted). It’s time to shift how you think about promotional merchandise. Because merch isn’t just a “nice-to-have.” It’s a marketing tool. A community builder. A brand flex.

Branded Merch Should Move the Needle—Not Just Sit on a Shelf

Before you order anything with your logo on it, ask yourself: 💬 What are my current marketing goals—and how can custom swag help amplify them? Here’s how to make your merchandise actually work for your business:

🛠 Launching a New Service or Product?

Use branded merch to reward early adopters and turn them into brand ambassadors. Limited-edition swag creates buzz, boosts referrals, and strengthens emotional connection.

🤝 Want to Strengthen Your Community?

Don’t just give them something to wear—give them something they’re proud to wear. High-quality, on-brand custom merch turns your audience into walking billboards (the cool kind).

🌍 Need to Grow Brand Visibility?

Strategic swag puts your logo in places that matter—coffee shops, airports, Instagram feeds. Let your merch do the talking organically.

Smart Swag Builds Momentum

When done right, custom merchandise does more than sit on a shelf. It:

• Sparks conversation
• Drives loyalty
• Extends your brand presence beyond the screen
• Turns customers into superfans

Branded swag isn’t about stuff. It’s about strategy.

Every item should have a purpose and a story that connects back to your mission. So next time you think about ordering merch, don’t ask: “How many t-shirts should we print?”

Ask: “What impact do I want this swag to create?” Because the best merch doesn’t just exist. It moves your brand forward.

Real Talk: Ever made a custom shirt for a family reunion, team outing, or bachelorette party? Tell me what it said and who flat-out refused to wear it. 👇

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Most branded merch strategies start—and end—with slapping a logo on a mug, tote, or pen. But let’s be real: That’s not strategy. That’s clutter.

Too many businesses are still stuck in the outdated swag cycle:

• Order bulk promo items
• Hope people like them
• Watch them collect dust (or end up in the trash)

Here’s the truth: If your branded merchandise doesn’t reflect your brand’s vibe and values, you’re missing a major opportunity.

The Future of Branded Merch Isn’t About Inventory. It’s About Intention.

Smart swag isn’t just a giveaway—it’s a relationship-builder. It should:

✅ Strengthen your brand identity
✅ Deepen your connection with your audience
✅ Be something people actually want to use and wear
✅ Spark conversations and visibility for your brand

This is where intentional, well-designed branded merch comes in. When your swag is meaningful, on-trend, and aligned with your brand story, it turns every tee, tumbler, or tote into a touchpoint—one that boosts loyalty and brand recall.

Why Thoughtful Swag Strategy Matters

Your branded merchandise should make people feel something—seen, inspired, part of something bigger. Here’s how to level up your branded merch:

• Ditch the bulk-buy mindset. Print-on-demand lets you stay flexible and relevant.
• Design for your ideal audience. Not everyone wants another stress ball—but a thoughtfully designed hoodie? Game changer.
• Use merch as marketing fuel. The right pieces spark social shares, create brand ambassadors, and amplify your message.

Merch That’s More Than Just Stuff

Don’t waste your marketing budget on junk. The best branded swag:

• Adds value to your customer’s life
• Reflects your mission and personality
• Creates community and conversation

If your current merch strategy starts with “How many mugs should we order?”—we need to talk.

Want help turning your merch into a powerful marketing tool? I’m Amanda Hofman, and I help brands design intentional, on-trend, on-message branded merchandise that actually works. Let’s create swag that people love—and that grows your business.

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Let’s talk about an old-school swag habit that needs to be officially retired: 📞 Printing your phone number on promotional items. We get it—it used to make sense. But in today’s digital world, it’s basically the equivalent of slapping a fax number on a hoodie.

Nobody Is Calling You From a Toothbrush

Let’s be real: Nobody is dialing your number off a branded toothbrush or squinting at your tiny print on a stress ball. That’s just wasted prime real estate—especially when you have the chance to say something that actually sticks.

Old-School Swag:

• A phone number they’ll just Google
• A URL no one wants to type manually

Modern, Memorable Swag:

• 💬 A clever message that sparks curiosity or delight
• 🎯 A vibe that represents your brand’s personality
• 👕 Something people actually want to wear or use

When you invest in custom swag, you’re not just handing out items—you’re telling a story. So use that merch real estate to build brand affinity, not just drop contact info.

Your Branded Merchandise Should Start Conversations

Today’s most effective promotional products are designed to do more than inform. They should:

• ❇️ Spark emotion
• 🗣️ Encourage conversation
• 📸 Be Instagram-worthy

Whether it’s a T-shirt with a bold statement, a tote bag with a witty phrase, or a mug that makes people laugh in the breakroom—great swag creates moments, not just impressions.

Rethinking Everyday Swag: The Dentist Office Test

Think about the classic goodie bag from your dentist. You probably get a toothbrush, floss, and maybe a sticker. It’s expected—and forgettable.

But what if it wasn’t?

What if you walked out with a clever “Floss Boss” tote or a minty-fresh lip balm branded with something funny instead of just another reminder to call the office?

That’s the difference between functional and shareable swag.

Use Branded Swag to Leave an Impression, Not Just Information

Let’s move beyond contact details and toward connection. The next time you’re designing your company merch or planning event giveaways, ask yourself:

• Does this item make someone smile?
• Would they keep it—or toss it?
• Does it say something about my brand, not just from it?

If you want your branded merch to stand out in a sea of generic giveaways, ditch the digits. Give people something they’ll love, laugh at, or wear proudly.

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

At exactly 11:59 AM, I was emotionally prepared to become someone who wears a solid gold macaroni necklace. By 12:01 PM, it was sold out. And yes—I’m still thinking about it. 😭 Why? Because it was more than just a necklace. It was a masterclass in bold, joy-filled brand storytelling—and a shining example of how custom branded merch can create deep emotional connections.

The Power of Irresistible Swag

Let’s be honest: branded swag doesn’t usually sell out in three minutes.

But Kraft Heinz isn’t just selling pasta—they’re selling nostalgia, love, and humor. That limited-edition gold macaroni necklace was genuinely chic and culturally iconic. It turned a beloved brand into something people could wear, gift, and talk about.

That’s the secret sauce right there:

Make your brand tangible.

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Why This Works (And How You Can Do It Too)

Kraft took the emotional connection customers already had—and transformed it into premium branded merchandise that was unexpected, delightful, and meaningful.

You might not have a globally iconic noodle in your logo, but you can create memorable, personalized swag that inspires loyalty and sparks conversation.

Here’s how to apply this strategy to your own corporate swag program:

🎯 1. Tap Into Emotion

Create branded merch that reflects your brand’s values and story. Think beyond logos—focus on what your audience feels when they interact with you.

✨ 2. Be Bold and Playful

The gold macaroni worked because it was unexpected. Unique, fun, and just a little ridiculous—in the best way. Let your custom swag have a personality.

👕 3. Make It Wearable and Shareable

People want to wear what makes them look good and feel connected. Great branded apparel and accessories turn customers into brand ambassadors voluntarily.

🔄 4. Think Beyond Giveaways

This wasn’t just promo merch—it was limited-edition, high-quality, and worth buying. Consider print-on-demand swag stores and premium custom products as part of your brand strategy.

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Swag That Sparks Brand Love

This kind of campaign shows what’s possible when you treat branded merchandise as more than a checkbox for events or conferences. It becomes a vehicle for joy, storytelling, and connection. And if your merch gets people excited, laughing, or reminiscing—you’re doing it right. You don’t have to be Kraft. You just have to be you—in a way that people are proud to put on, share, and celebrate.

So, tell me: Would you wear the golden noodle? What would your brand’s version of this be? 👇

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Let’s talk about that box. You know the one—tucked in the corner of your office or storage closet. Overflowing with branded merch that no one asked for, no one wants, and no one knows what to do with. You guessed sizes. You ordered in bulk. Now all the mediums are gone. Some are… beige? (Nobody ever asked for beige.) And half of it is still there, quietly collecting dust. 🫠

Traditional Branded Merchandise Is Broken

Managing inventory for corporate swag can be a nightmare. You either order too many or not enough. You hope people want what you picked. Spoiler alert: they often don’t. The result? Cluttered shelves, wasted money, and zero brand impact.

Enter: Print-on-Demand Swag

If you’ve ever been burned by bulk ordering, it’s time to rethink your branded merchandise strategy. Print-on-demand corporate swag solves nearly every problem that traditional merch creates.

Here’s why print-on-demand is the future of branded merch:

• 🧠 No more guessing sizes – Let employees, clients, or event attendees pick what fits them best.
• 🛍️ No bulk orders gone wrong – Stop ordering 300 of the wrong item and hoping someone takes them.
• 🎯 Stay brand-flexible – Update designs, logos, and product lines anytime without tossing old stock.
• 🙌 People choose what they actually want – Which means they’re more likely to wear it, use it, and rep your brand proudly.

The Benefits of On-Demand Swag Go Beyond Convenience

• 🚫 No waste – Sustainable corporate gifting made easy.
• 🧹 No clutter – Say goodbye to those sad office boxes.
• 😬 No awkward “Do you have this in literally anything else?” moments.

Branded Merch People Actually Keep

The best branded swag is the kind people want to keep. It’s personalized, stylish, and functional. With on-demand corporate merchandise, your team or audience gets to choose the item that speaks to them.

So, What’s the Oldest Piece of Branded Swag You Still Own?

We all have one. Mine’s a summer camp T-shirt from 7th grade—faded but still in the drawer. 👕👇 What’s yours?

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

As a founder who lives and breathes branded merchandise, I use social media every single day. It’s where I check in on client campaigns, review engagement, and track what’s trending in the world of company swag. But let’s be real: it’s also where productivity goes to die.

Social Media: Necessary for Work, Dangerous for Focus

You know the drill. You log on to check someone’s job title—and somehow you end up 27 comments deep in a thread debating protein intake. (Just me?) Social platforms are powerful tools for building your brand and growing your reach, but the distractions can derail your day in seconds.

If you’re a founder, creative, or marketer responsible for designing and delivering branded merch that connects, your time and focus are everything.

The Chrome Extension That Changed the Game

Then I discovered News Feed Eradicator—a free Chrome extension that hides your news feed on social platforms. Suddenly, I could open social media for one purpose: to post a campaign, review branded content, or check in on swag engagement stats—and leave without the scroll spiral.

No more digital rabbit holes. Just intentional, focused action.

Why Focus Matters for Branded Merch Creators

If you’re managing branded swag campaigns, client merch drops, or corporate giveaways, your creativity needs space to breathe. Tools like News Feed Eradicator protect that space. They allow you to focus on what really matters: turning branded merch into tangible brand experiences people remember and love.

Because the best swag doesn’t come from mindless scrolling. It comes from strategy.

Featured in Thrive Global

This small but mighty habit even got me featured in Thrive Global’s piece, “The Daily Habits That Fuel My Productivity and Creativity as a Founder + Leader.” I’m honored to be included alongside so many brilliant, intentional entrepreneurs and creators. Check it out here.

What’s Your Go-To Productivity Habit?

Whether you’re building a merch store, designing your next custom hoodie, or planning a swag launch for your team, staying focused is the real superpower. Got a tool or habit that changed your productivity game? I’d love to hear it.

Let’s swap strategies—because smart founders don’t just create cool swag. We create connection.

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Your brand is powerful. So why does it only exist on Zoom calls and in email threads?

If you’re a service-based business, your brand likely lives in digital spaces:

📧 Your client’s inbox
🖥 A Zoom square
📱 Direct messages
🗂 A tucked-away client portal

Helpful? Sure. But memorable? Not so much. If you want to build a brand that truly connects — and sticks — it’s time to make it tangible.

Bring Your Brand Into the Real World with Custom Swag

The most unforgettable brands aren’t just seen — they’re felt. Think about it:

• A branded hoodie they wear on repeat
• A custom mug that lives on their kitchen counter
• A notebook with your logo they carry to every important meeting

That’s not just merch — that’s emotional real estate. It’s everyday visibility. It’s trust, warmth, and brand loyalty built into daily life. You’re no longer “just a service provider.” You’re part of the routine. You’re part of their world.

Why Tangible Branding Works (and Digital Alone Doesn’t)

Branded merchandise creates real-life brand engagement in a way PDFs, email newsletters, and digital freebies simply can’t.

When your audience can literally touch, wear, or use your brand:

• They remember you
• They talk about you
• They stick with you

Custom swag becomes a conversation starter, a brand touchpoint, and a lasting impression — all in one.

Ditch the Digital Clutter — Go for Connection

You don’t need more online noise. You need real-world connection.

✅ Smart branded merch > forgettable downloads
✅ Thoughtful swag > logo overload
✅ Emotional connection > digital clutter

Whether you’re a coach, consultant, creative, or founder — your brand deserves to show up IRL.

Make Your Brand Unforgettable with the Right Swag

What piece of branded merch lives in your weekly rotation? Personally, I had a camp T-shirt I wore until it was basically thread. Why? Because it meant something to me. That’s the power of good swag. So what’s the one piece of branded merchandise your audience would never want to take off, throw away, or forget? Let’s create that — together.

If your branded merch strategy starts with, “How many mugs should we order?” — it’s time for a serious reset. Too many businesses are still stuck in the old promotional product playbook:
→ Order a bulk shipment of branded items
→ Hope people actually want them
→ Pray they don’t end up collecting dust in a drawer

Here’s the truth: The future of branded merchandise isn’t about inventory — it’s about intention. I recently had the opportunity to talk about this shift with Thrive, and I’m thrilled to share some of what we covered — because rethinking your swag strategy could be one of the most powerful moves your brand makes this year.

Out with the Old: The Problem with Traditional Swag

In the past, promotional products were often seen as “throwaway” marketing tactics — cheap pens, endless water bottles, random T-shirts, and yes, way too many coffee mugs. The problem? Most of that merch ends up unused, unloved, and ultimately ineffective.

You’re not just wasting money. You’re missing an opportunity to connect.

In with the Smart Swag Strategy

Modern branded merch is different.
It’s not just “promo.” It’s a growth strategy.

The most successful brands today are using intentional, high-quality custom merch to:

• Strengthen emotional connections with their audience
• Build long-term brand loyalty
• Turn customers into advocates
• Create real-world brand touchpoints that actually matter

When done right, your swag becomes more than a freebie — it becomes a reflection of your brand values, your personality, and your purpose.

Branded Merchandise as a Brand Experience

The smartest brands aren’t asking how much stuff to order. They’re asking:

• What experience do we want to create?
• How can our branded products delight our customers or team?
• How can our merch align with our mission and messaging?

This is where the magic happens — when your branded merchandise starts doing what marketing is supposed to do: connect, resonate, and inspire loyalty.

So What Should You Do Instead?

✅ Ditch the “bulk and hope” approach
✅ Choose thoughtful, well-designed merch that aligns with your brand story
✅ Opt for sustainable, on-demand options to reduce waste and increase impact
✅ Use your swag as a conversation starter — not just a logo placement

Real Talk: Swag Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought

Swag is a statement.
It’s a first impression.
It’s a brand-building tool.

And when you treat it like a strategic investment — instead of an afterthought — the return is real. Big thanks to John Kennelly and the Thrive team for letting me share why I care so much about this shift in branded merch strategy. 💬✨

Your Turn: Dream Merch Time

If you could create ONE perfect piece of custom swag for your brand — what would it be? (Don’t say pens. 😉) Drop your dream merch idea in the comments below — or reach out if you’re ready to create branded merch that actually works.

I thought I was heading to a wholesome dog rescue event last weekend. Plot twist: I walked into the New York International Auto Show at the Javits Center instead. So, no rescue pup—but what I did find was something equally thrilling: some of the best (and worst) branded merch in the game.

Turns out, every major car brand had a dedicated merchandise section. And for someone who lives and breathes brand expression through swag, this was an unexpected masterclass in what makes branded merch work—or flop.

Let’s talk about Hyundai. Their “Never Just Drive” collection was a standout. This wasn’t just a logo printed on a t-shirt. It was a full-blown vibe—stylish, modern, and perfectly aligned with the identity of their latest vehicles. The colors, fonts, and cuts all screamed design-forward thinking. It felt like lifestyle merch, not just marketing collateral. It’s the kind of custom swag that builds brand affinity because it doesn’t feel like traditional swag at all.

Then there was Corvette. And, well… it hurt. Their merchandise felt like it was unearthed from a conference swag closet circa 2004. We’re talking dated polos, bland mugs, and zero storytelling. Their cars are sleek and high-performance, but their merch was giving “freebie at a dealership service desk.” When your branded gear doesn’t reflect the power and polish of your product, you’re missing a golden opportunity to build connection and credibility.

Ford, on the other hand, absolutely surprised me. Their merch was retro in the best way—clean graphics, bold throwback fonts, and a trendy color palette that felt current but nostalgic. Everything looked wearable. Not in a “corporate branding” way, but in a genuinely cool, “where’d you get that?” kind of way. I don’t even drive a Ford, but I’d 100% rock their hats. That’s the power of branded merchandise done right—it makes outsiders want in.

What this little merch field trip proved to me is simple: great swag tells a story. It’s not just about stamping your logo on a hoodie or keychain. The best branded merch translates your brand essence into something people actually want to wear, use, and show off.

Whether you’re in the automotive industry or building a niche service brand, your promotional products should serve as extensions of your brand personality. If your gear is forgettable, it won’t spark loyalty. But if it’s thoughtful, on-trend, and genuinely cool? You’re not just giving away swag—you’re creating advocates.

So next time you’re designing your company’s merch, ask yourself: would someone who doesn’t even use your product still want to wear it? If the answer is yes, you’re doing something right.

And hey—sometimes the best brand inspiration shows up when you’re least expecting it. Even at an auto show you wandered into by mistake.

Seen any surprisingly great branded swag lately? Drop it in the comments—I’m always on the hunt for merch worth talking about.