By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

I don’t believe in separating who you are from what you do—especially when it comes to building a brand.

In the world of branded merch and swag, authenticity is your secret weapon. Real connection creates real results—and that starts with being honest about the human behind the business.

So here’s me, unfiltered and fully present in every client call, brainstorm session, and custom merch shop we build:

→ Merch mentor (yes, I have strong opinions on your swag strategy 🙃)
→ Cyclist / gym rat / runner (type-A energy, foam roller nearby 😈)
→ Dog obsessed (I will ask to pet your pup on the street 🐾)
→ Mom of two (& unofficial CEO of snacks 🥨)
→ Arts & crafts enthusiast (hot glue gun always locked and loaded 🔥)
→ Entrepreneur + small biz consultant (third business, still standing 💼💃)

This is the full person that shows up to do business—not just a polished profile or a curated pitch deck. Because when we show up as real people, we create better partnerships, stronger brands, and merch that actually means something.

Why This Matters for Your Branded Merch Strategy

When you bring your full self to the table, your merch reflects that. And that’s the kind of custom swag people actually want to wear, use, and show off.

Authentic brands stand out—and swag should be an extension of that identity.

So next time you’re creating branded merch, think beyond the logo. Start with:

• Who are you?
• What do you stand for?
• How can your swag reflect your whole brand—not just the polished parts?

Because the best swag isn’t just stylish—it tells a story. And that story starts with you.

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Just like owning a treadmill doesn’t automatically make you fit, owning a box of branded merch doesn’t magically build your brand.

Yes, swag can be fun. But branded merchandise without strategy? That’s just stuff in a sad box.

To actually drive ROI, grow brand awareness, and increase customer loyalty, your swag needs a plan.

At Go To Market, we walk every client through a custom swag strategy to make sure their branded merch works for them—not against their closet space. If you’re thinking about launching custom merchandise or revamping your current merch collection, start here:

1. What do you want your branded merch to do for your business?

Are you using it to:

• Attract new clients?
• Reward your top-tier customers?
• Encourage social media engagement?
• Motivate internal teams?
  Your goals shape everything—from product selection to design to distribution strategy.

2. Who is your swag actually for?

This matters more than you think. Will your audience wear it proudly on a Zoom call? Bring it to the gym? Post about it on Instagram?

The best custom swag is a flex—because people want to be associated with your brand. So choose merch that reflects their identity as much as yours.

3. How does this fit into your current marketing strategy?

Swag shouldn’t float in its own silo. The right branded merch supports your current goals: whether that’s increasing email subscribers, improving employee retention, or growing brand visibility at live events.

Your merch should amplify your existing strategy—not compete with it.

Bottom Line: You Don’t Need More Stuff. You Need a Swag Strategy.

We’ve all seen it: the leftover mugs, sad pens, or outdated t-shirts that never quite landed. That’s swag without a purpose. Compare it to fitness again:
Treadmill in the basement = unused merch in storage.
Treadmill + trainer + program = strategic swag with real impact.

If you want branded merchandise that drives results, builds community, and gets seen (and worn!)—start with a strategy.

By: Molly Kunth

In one of the most energizing and idea-packed episodes of The Found Podcast to date, I welcomed back Amanda Hofman of Go To Market Studio — and this time, we got tactical.

If you remember Amanda from her first appearance back in Episode 157, we dove into her journey from her very first startup in NYC to founding a merch company that defies boring, bulk-order convention. At Go To Market, Amanda and her team create strategic, meaningful, and memorable branded merchandise for brands that want to stand out and stay top of mind.

This week, Amanda returned to the pod and we wasted no time getting into the good stuff. Since we’re focusing on 2025 marketing trends this month, we decided to do a rapid-fire merch strategy hot seat. I tossed out ideas — a bakery, a coach, a brick-and-mortar boutique — and Amanda came up with instantly actionable merch strategies that work for each one. Her creative brain is next-level.

One of my favorite moments? When she said: “Imagine five parents at school pickup all wearing your bakery’s t-shirt. The other parents will be like, ‘Huh… maybe we should go there after school.’ It becomes an ecosystem of brand awareness and community.”

This kind of visibility, Amanda explained, is what branded merchandise can do when it’s done well. It builds culture. It creates social proof. It invites people in.

And then there was the T-shirt gun moment — literally. Amanda joked about how people lose their minds over cheap t-shirts launched from a cannon (guilty!) and said: “You have T-shirt gun energy in your business if you have branded merch. The key is harnessing it strategically.”

We also talked about:

• Why “useful” isn’t always the right question for merch
• What to focus on instead: meaning and message
• How your merch should reflect your brand’s vibe (think: bright and playful vs. warm and minimalist)
• Why consistency = connection

Whether you’re a service-based solopreneur, a product-based business, or running a local shop, this episode is FULL of ideas you can apply right now to your marketing.

Amanda brings big creativity, deep strategy, and so much fun to the conversation.

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

If you’ve ever felt like your week is just one long merch request after another—you’re not alone. Inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar, this is the story of every brand manager buried under endless swag demands. It starts innocently enough… but quickly turns into full-blown merch madness.

On Monday, the sales team needed branded mugs.

On Tuesday, marketing asked for custom notebooks.
On Wednesday, a finance bro demanded embroidered vests.
On Thursday, the interns wanted cool beanies for TikToks.
On Friday, legal said, “Where’s my hoodie?”

By Saturday, the brand manager was completely burnt out.

Sound familiar?

Welcome to the swag scramble—the chaotic world of fulfilling team requests with no system, no inventory tracking, and no time to focus on the big picture.

But here’s the twist in our story:

On Sunday, she created a print-on-demand merch store.

Suddenly, everything changed.

✅ Design-forward branded merch
✅ Custom swag options for every team
✅ No bulk orders, no storage closets, no clutter
✅ One easy storefront, available anytime

And she was very satisfied. 😌

Stop the Merch Mayhem—Start Streamlining

The truth is, your company’s branded merchandise strategy doesn’t have to be stressful. With a print-on-demand swag store, you can eliminate the chaos while still delivering high-quality, on-brand merch your whole team will love.

Why a Print-on-Demand Storefront Works:

• No more one-off requests or emergency orders
• Empowers every department to get what they need—when they need it
• Saves time and money by avoiding over-ordering and unused swag
• Keeps your brand cohesive, consistent, and creative

Whether it’s branded mugs for sales, cozy hoodies for HR, or beanies for the intern squad, your custom merch store can handle it all—without burning you out.

🐛 Ready to stop feeling like the Very Hungry Brand Manager?

Let’s build you a merch storefront that feeds your entire team—without draining your energy.

👉 Contact us to create a branded swag solution that actually works.

What’s your Very Hungry Caterpillar-style week of requests?
Monday: Emails. Tuesday: Meetings. Wednesday: Socials. Thursday: Outreach. Friday: Brand meltdown? Drop it in the comments below! 👇

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

New Yorkers aren’t rude—we’re just efficient. (If you were hoping for small talk, you should’ve flown to Ohio.) That’s the kind of unapologetic attitude that defines great branding and Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream gets it. This beloved NYC ice cream shop has never offered samples. Not once. Not ever. And they’re so proud of that stance, they printed it on a mug. No samples. No apologies. It’s bold. It’s on-brand. And it’s brilliant branded merch.

What This Has to Do with Your Merch Strategy

Here’s the truth: in the world of custom swag and branded merchandise, your quirks are your superpower. Morgenstern’s didn’t dilute their brand to please the masses. They doubled down on what makes them them. And that’s what makes their swag work.

Their custom mug doesn’t just sell ice cream it sells identity. It’s an inside joke for New Yorkers and a hilarious souvenir for tourists. It says something about the brand—and about the person who buys it.

Want Branded Merch That Works? Own Your Edge.

The best branded merch tells a story. It’s not about slapping a logo on a t-shirt and calling it a day. It’s about creating a memorable, emotional connection between your brand and your audience. Your strongest brand asset might not be your tagline.
It might be that weird rule, quirky policy, or iconic personality trait that makes people say: “Wait… what?” That’s your merch moment. Don’t water down your edges. Hone them. Print them. Sell them. Because the best brands don’t try to be for everyone. They turn their quirks into souvenirs—and into branded merch that people actually want to use and show off.

Be Bold. Be Memorable. Be Mug-Worthy.

So the next time you’re planning a swag drop, product launch, or employee gift, don’t ask “What will everyone like?” Ask: “What’s the most me thing I can put on a tote, shirt, or mug?” That’s where the merch magic happens.

Bonus question for the ice cream lovers: What’s the weirdest flavor you’ve ever tried—and did you wish you’d sampled it first? 🍦👇 Want help turning your brand’s quirks into unforgettable merch? Let’s chat.

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Pope Leo bobbleheads. “God’s Team” tees. Sprinkle cookies with his face.
No, this isn’t your Sunday school gift shop—it’s a full-on merch movement.

Right now, Chicago is treating the Pope like the next great streetwear icon, and honestly? It’s working. What started as a religious visit has turned into a cultural moment, and the merchandising game is divine.

Great Merch Captures a Moment

This viral Pope drop isn’t just fun—it’s a masterclass in how to do branded merchandise right. Because this is what the best custom merch does:

• It captures a moment.
• It celebrates what’s new, what’s now, what matters.
• Most importantly? It builds connection.

That’s the real power of branded swag—not the logo, but the feeling it creates.

Your Brand Deserves More Than a Logo Slap

Here’s the truth: your customers, your team, your audience—they don’t just want to wear your logo. They want to wear something that means something. Something that’s fun. Something that feels like them.

The best branded merch isn’t about promotion—it’s about participation.
When your swag invites people into the story of your brand, it becomes more than apparel or accessories. It becomes culture.

Make It Fashion. Make It Meaningful.

The Pope merch trend is a perfect example of how to blend brand storytelling, pop culture, and emotional connection into something tangible—and totally wearable.

🙏 So yes—brands, take notes.

Your swag shouldn’t be an afterthought. It should be a creative expression of your identity. A celebration of your values. A conversation starter.

Whether you’re launching new products, hosting events, or engaging employees, your branded merchandise should be as intentional as the rest of your marketing.

Ready to Bless Your Next Merch Drop?

Let’s make it unforgettable. Let’s make it… pope-ular. 😇

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

We’ve all been there. You attend a conference, onboard with a new company, or join a team retreat—and you’re handed a tote bag or t-shirt with the company logo splashed across it. You smile politely, but inside you’re thinking:

“I’m never wearing this.”

And that right there is the problem.

Branded Merchandise Should Be a Brand Experience

When corporate swag feels cheap, generic, or outdated, it’s not just a design fail. It’s a missed opportunity to connect with your audience in a long-term, meaningful way. Branded merchandise isn’t just a “nice-to-have” anymore—it’s a powerful tool for brand engagement, employee retention, and customer loyalty.

If your branded swag isn’t being worn, used, or shared on social media, you’re not just wasting budget—you’re leaving brand equity on the table.

Raise the Bar on Swag

The best branded merch doesn’t feel like a giveaway. It feels like a gift.
Think about it: your audience should be excited to use your merch. They should reach for your custom tumbler, zip up that soft hoodie, or carry that thoughtfully designed tote bag every week—maybe even every day.

🧢 That’s the bar.

When you stop thinking of swag as a giveaway and start thinking of it as a relationship builder, everything changes.

Swag That Gets Loved—Not Left Behind

Branded merch should be more than a logo on a t-shirt. It should reflect your brand’s values, style, and purpose. Whether you’re launching a new product, welcoming new employees, or thanking loyal clients, your swag should spark joy and foster connection.

Want your branded merchandise to actually be worn and shared?

Focus on quality, intentional design, and relevance. It’s time to think beyond pens and mugs and start investing in pieces your people are proud to show off.

Let’s Be Honest…

What’s the worst piece of company merch you’ve ever gotten? I’ll go first: a neon green race shirt made of cotton that felt like it could exfoliate your skin. We can do better. And your brand deserves better.

Ready to upgrade your swag strategy?
Let’s create branded merchandise people actually want to wear, use, and keep.

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

In the fluorescent glow of a long-forgotten supply closet…
Stacks of stiff hoodies sit untouched, tagged, and totally unloved.

Welcome to the branded merch graveyard.

Inspired by Goodnight Moon, this cautionary merch tale hits a little too close to home for companies still clinging to outdated corporate swag strategies.

In the dull grey office with the flickering light,
Lay a pile of hoodies, folded just right.
Goodnight box, goodnight tags,
Goodnight budget blown on swag.

Goodnight sizes we had to guess,
Goodnight closet of merch regrets.
Goodnight hoodie, stiff and thick,
Goodnight logo no one picked.

Goodnight waste, goodnight chore,
Hello merch they’ll ask you for.

Stop Wasting Money on Corporate Swag That No One Wants

The old model of branded merchandise—buying in bulk, guessing sizes, printing huge logos, and praying people wear it—is over.

If your swag ends up in a drawer (or the donation pile), it’s not doing its job. Your custom promotional products should:

• Reflect your brand’s voice and values
• Be high-quality and wearable in the real world
• Build loyalty, start conversations, and increase visibility

It’s Time to Say Goodnight to the Wrong Swag—and Hello to Smart Merch

Say goodbye to:
❌ Scratchy, stiff hoodies
❌ Giant logos nobody wants to wear
❌ Boxes of leftover sizes
❌ Budget waste and guesswork

Say hello to:
✅ On-demand merch your team and customers actually want
✅ Intentional design that aligns with your current campaigns
✅ Wearable, stylish branded apparel people are excited to rep

Your brand deserves better than the merch graveyard. You can do it. We can help. Sleep tight knowing your branded merch strategy is finally working for your business—not against it. ✨ Ready to wake up your swag game? Let’s chat.

Okay, which classic tale should we remix next? Because every good merch story deserves a happy ending. 😴👕

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. 👇