By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

When most people think of branded merch, they think of freebies at events or employee welcome kits. But one of the most unexpected and powerful things swag can do?

👉 Start conversations you’re not even in the room for.

Branded Merch Is More Than a Giveaway—It’s a Quiet Connector

Branded merchandise isn’t just a logo slapped on a t-shirt. When done right, it’s a strategic brand-building tool. Whether it’s a hoodie, tote bag, or water bottle, custom merch has the power to spark interest and spread awareness—organically.

When someone wears your brand, it travels:

• To school drop-off
• On Zoom calls
• Through airport security
• Into Trader Joe’s (yes, especially Trader Joe’s)

Your merch builds presence in places you’re not actively pitching. And that’s where the magic happens.

Why Branded Swag Works (Even When You’re Not There)

Here’s what smart, intentional branded merch does:

• Expands your visibility without you having to show up
• Builds emotional connection through wearability and repeat exposure
• Sparks curiosity and word-of-mouth marketing—the most trusted kind
• Supports community-building with fans, customers, and team members

It’s a low-effort, high-impact strategy for any brand looking to grow.

Don’t Sleep on Wearable Marketing

If your goal this year is to expand your reach, grow your community, or create deeper brand recognition, custom swag should be in your toolkit. It’s more than a T-shirt, it’s a conversation starter, a brand ambassador, and a walking billboard all in one.

So… about those Trader Joe’s cashier shirts: Are you going pink or blue? Solid or floral?
Just imagine your logo on one of those, now that’s a merch moment.

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Based on The Little Engine That Could—
This is the glow-up story of forgotten merch. 🚂

“I think I can… I think I can…”

Once upon a time, there was a lonely piece of branded merch.

It was… an ugly logo mousepad from 2014.

It tried its best.
It wanted to be loved.
But the truth was, no one wanted it.

• It sat in the trade show booth.
• It sat in the office swag shelf.
• It sat in the back of the merch closet, untouched.

It dreamed of being useful.
Of delighting someone.
Of making an impression.

But alas—it was just another piece of forgotten, outdated swag.

Then One Day… A Glow-Up Arrived

It started with a shift.

✨ A print-on-demand swag shop opened its virtual doors.
✨ The company said goodbye to bulk orders and outdated giveaways.
✨ Suddenly, swag got a whole lot sexier.

• Sleek, branded water bottles
• Comfy, wearable hoodies
• Trendy tech gear that people actually wanted to use
• All personalized, easy to ship, and on-brand every time

Employees rejoiced.
Recipients raved.
The brand finally looked and felt like them.

RIP to every lonely mousepad and stress ball that never had a chance.
But for the new swag era? Oh, it was on.

Your Branded Merch Deserves Better

Here’s the truth: Swag can dream bigger.
It can be the spark that excites your team.
It can be the thing that makes someone go,

“Wait, how do I get one?”

When your branded merchandise strategy evolves from basic giveaways to intentional, quality pieces, everything changes:

• Employee swag becomes part of team culture
• Event swag drives demand instead of collecting dust
• Your brand travels into the world—in a way that actually gets noticed

All Aboard the Swag Upgrade Train 🚂

If your branded merch isn’t creating buzz or love, it’s time to reimagine what’s possible. And yes—that old mousepad can finally retire.

We’re here to help you:

• Build your own on-demand swag shop
• Curate premium custom swag that excites and engages
• Transform forgotten freebies into beloved brand moments

Because great merch doesn’t just sit. It moves.

One Last Thing…

What’s one tiny work win that made you feel like a powerhouse this week?
💬 Bonus if you whispered “I think I can” first.

Let’s celebrate the small wins—and the merch glow-ups—together. 🚂💥

Want to give your swag the glow-up it deserves?
Let’s make your merch unforgettable.

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Let’s get one thing straight:

Your branded merch shouldn’t whisper. It should roar.

It should feel like a T-shirt cannon at a pep rally—
Not like, “Hey, we made you a pen.”
Not like, “Here’s a stress ball you’ll lose in your bag.”

We’re talking: 𝐓-𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐭. 𝐆𝐮𝐧. 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲. 💥

That BOOM of excitement.
That “Oh my god, I NEED one of those!” feeling.
That moment when your custom swag turns heads and starts conversations.

Because let’s face it: no one’s getting hyped about a generic tote bag with a blurry logo. But the right piece of branded merchandise? That’s how you make an impression that sticks.

Branded Merch That Gets People on Their Feet

We believe the best custom swag isn’t just a giveaway—it’s an experience.

It says:

• “We care enough to make this cool.”
• “This isn’t just stuff—it’s a vibe.”
• “We know our community, and we know what they’ll love.”

When your branded merch hits right, it becomes:

• A favorite hoodie they wear every weekend
• A tumbler they bring to every meeting
• A hat that becomes part of their everyday look
• And more importantly: a walking billboard for your brand.

Why Swag Should Enter Loud

When your swag feels like a moment, your brand becomes memorable.

It’s not about quantity—it’s about quality and emotion. The kind of merch that doesn’t just show up at events… It makes an entrance.

Because that’s how you create real brand love:

• Emotional connection
• Shareability
• Organic visibility in the wild

In a sea of branded noise, you want merch that echoes.

What Level of Energy Are You Aiming For?

If your swag doesn’t inspire someone to turn to their friend and say, “Where did you get that?” …then it’s time to raise the bar.

Your branded merchandise strategy should deliver that pep rally punch every time. It should ignite brand fans, build loyalty, and turn passive recipients into proud brand advocates. So yes—T-shirt cannon energy. Every. Single. Time.

One Last Question (Just for Fun):

Think fast: If you had to join a high school club today, which one are you picking?
🎭 Drama?
📚 Debate?
📸 Yearbook?
👟 Track?
Tell us below 👇

Want help creating branded merch people actually want to wear?
Let’s bring that cannon energy to your next drop.

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

As a business owner, your number one job is simple (but not easy): Stay top of mind.

But in reality, you’re not just competing with other brands. You’re up against:

• 55 open browser tabs
• Five never-ending Slack channels
• Inbox overload
• And let’s not forget the algorithm gods that demand a blood sacrifice to go viral 🐑🔪

So how do you break through the noise?

Make Your Branded Merch Unmissable

If you’re still handing out throwaway pens and ill-fitting tees, it’s time to level up.

Create custom swag people actually love—and wear, use, or carry proudly in their community.

Whether it’s a perfectly cropped hoodie, a sleek insulated tumbler, or a laptop sleeve that turns heads in the coffee shop, the right branded merchandise becomes more than a giveaway—it becomes part of someone’s daily vibe.

This is the kind of swag that:

• Gets Instagrammed without you even asking
• Becomes part of their desk setup
• Starts conversations at school pickup or WeWork desks
• Lives in their life, not in a junk drawer

From Promotional Item to Brand Billboard

When your branded merch becomes part of someone’s lifestyle, your brand becomes part of their story.

That means your logo isn’t just seen by the person you gave it to—it’s seen by everyone else they interact with. That’s exponential brand visibility.

It’s how you:

• Build brand recognition organically
• Earn trust and familiarity through repeated exposure
• Stay top of mind without having to scream for attention

That $25 hoodie? It might be worth more than a $10,000 ad campaign when it comes to brand stickiness.

So, What Makes Swag Wearable?

Great branded merch should check at least one of these boxes:

• Useful – Think premium water bottles, tech accessories, notebooks you actually want to write in
• Stylish – Apparel that feels retail-quality, fits well, and doesn’t scream “I got this at a conference”
• Identity-Driven – Swag that reflects your brand values and resonates with your audience’s lifestyle

This is where a strategic merch partner (hi 👋) comes in. It’s not about slapping your logo on a t-shirt. It’s about curating pieces that are aligned with your audience and brand DNA.

Bonus Question: Who Are You in the School Pickup Line?

Unrelated, but… important: Are you the parent who arrives 10 minutes early to school pickup with coffee in hand and a podcast queued up? Or are you the one screeching into the parking lot with 0.1 milliseconds to spare?

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

When people ask me about my favorite productivity tools, they expect me to name some cutting-edge app, a pricey CRM platform, or the latest AI plugin.

But the best free tool I use daily?
Keyboard text replacements.

Not fancy. Not flashy. Just powerful.

If you’ve ever typed out your calendar link, email intro, or mailing address more than once, there’s a better way—and it’s sitting in your phone or laptop settings right now.

Why Entrepreneurs Should Care About Keystrokes

As a business owner and merch strategist, my time is spent jumping between client meetings, swag design brainstorms, vendor orders, and follow-ups. That means I’m sending a lot of the same messages over and over.

Here’s how I use text replacements to streamline my day:

• Sales follow-ups
• Intro emails
• Social media handles & calendar links
• My mailing address
• Phone number
• Even a warm “welcome!” message shortcut

Instead of retyping the same info, I type a short code like “;cal” and boom—my full calendar link appears. Seconds saved, brainpower preserved.

How to Set It Up (Takes 2 Minutes)

Whether you’re on Mac, iPhone, or even certain Android and Windows setups, you can usually find this under:

Settings → Keyboard → Text Replacement

Create a shortcut like:

• ;cal → https://calendly.com/yourname
• ;sig → Your full email signature
• ;addr → Your shipping address

Set it once. Use it forever.
It’s the business version of automating muscle memory.

What Does This Have to Do With Branded Merch?

Everything.

In the same way text replacements help reduce repetition and increase ease, strategic branded merch should work the same way—streamlining your message, boosting visibility, and freeing up your team to focus on what matters.

You don’t need more swag.
You need the right swag, intentionally selected to build your brand without extra effort. Just like smart productivity tools, great merch works in the background—building awareness, delighting your audience, and reinforcing your message every time it’s seen, worn, or used.

TL;DR: Fewer Keystrokes, More Clarity

If you type the same thing more than once, you’re doing it wrong.
Whether it’s your email intro or your company tagline, text replacements are a tiny habit that add up to huge time savings.

You don’t need more hours in the day.
You need fewer keystrokes and smarter swag.

What’s your favorite quick-and-dirty productivity hack?

Drop it below—I’m always collecting tips that make business life smoother, faster, and less chaotic 👇

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

“Guess how much I hate this mug,” said the employee.
“This much,” her coworker replied, pointing to the office sink—overflowing with sad, unused company swag.

It was cheap.
It was ugly.
The logo was off-center.

And worst of all?
It was completely forgettable.

Why Bad Swag Hurts Your Brand

If your team is rolling their eyes at the branded merch you’re handing out, you’re not just wasting money—you’re missing a powerful opportunity.

Employee swag isn’t just about giving stuff. It’s about creating connection, reinforcing culture, and reminding your team (and your clients) that your brand is thoughtful, intentional, and yes—stylish.

Bad swag sends the message: “We didn’t think this through.”
Great swag says: “We see you. We value you. Here’s something you’ll actually use.”

At Go To Market – Anti-Boring Branded Merchandise, we exist to prevent this exact tragedy.

How to Avoid a Swag Fail

If your branded merch isn’t being used or appreciated, it’s time to ask some tough (but fixable!) questions:

• Is your swag aligned with your brand values and culture?
• Does it feel high-quality, intentional, and worth showing off?
• Would you want to receive it?

When your merch lands—really lands—your employees and customers will wear it, share it, and love it. That’s the kind of custom swag that builds loyalty, drives visibility, and actually does its job.

Ready for a Swag Glow-Up?

Don’t let your team suffer through another cringe mug or sad polyester tote. It’s time to invest in custom swag that feels good, looks good, and does good for your brand.

Because no one should have to ask:
“Why do they keep giving us this stuff?”

Let’s make sure your next mug sparks joy—not sarcasm.

One Last Question…

What’s your corporate version of “Guess How Much I Love You”?
👇 Drop it in the comments:

• “Guess how many times I’ve rescheduled this Zoom.”
• “Guess how much I hate writing expense reports.”
• “Guess how long I’ve been waiting on that approval.”

(We’ve heard them all—and we’ve got the swag to fix it.)

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! 👇