𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐧

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

𝘉𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘊𝘳𝘢𝘺𝘰𝘯 – the power of merch imagination
Harold had a crayon. It was branded.
It had the logo. It had the tagline.
𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐭.

So he drew a better idea:
🖍️ Stylish merch that matched their brand
🖍️ A shop employees wanted to share
🖍️ Gifts that didn’t end up in the trash

And just like that, Harold’s brand came to life.
All with one little (imaginary) crayon.

Harold dreamed it. We help you design it.
𝐖𝐞 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐲—𝐧𝐨 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝.
Ready to draw something better?

Harold had a crayon. You have…? 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐥, 𝐨𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭, 𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲? 👇

Elevate Your Trade Show Game: Why Swag Should Be a Power Player in 2025

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Are your 2025 trade show goals locked in? Great. But beware—poorly planned merch might just sink your strategy ☠️🏴‍☠️.

Smart, stylish swag isn’t fluff—it acts like a second sales team. With the right branded merch, your brand becomes omnipresent—in hallway chats, coffee breaks, and even airport lounges.

1. Why Strategic Swag Matters

  • Extends your booth presence beyond badge scans and handshakes.
  • Keeps your brand top of mind, tucked into tote bags long after the event.
  • Maximizes ROI—great merch works 24/7, free ad space in motion.

If your 2025 calendar is packed with trade shows, don’t let your swag underperform or clutter your table. Let it carry weight and drive impact.

2. Skip the Pen Pitfall

More pens? Nope. Aim for items that:

  • Are seen and used frequently (think tech accessories, stylish bags).
  • Spark organic conversations in any setting.
  • Enhance your brand’s perceived value—no cheap swag allowed.

Pens get tossed. Choose merch that endures—like branded chargers, classy lanyards, or eco-conscious water bottles.

3. Swag as Silent Sales Team

Your swag should:

  • Open doors to hallway and lounge marketing.
  • Reinforce brand identity in everyday moments.
  • Transform attendees into walking ambassadors.

Every time someone uses your merch, your brand is introducing itself—without you saying a word.

4. Make Your Merch Pull Its Weight

For trade show-heavy years:

  1. Choose wisely—prioritize visibility and everyday utility.
  2. Align with audience needs—techie clients? Go wireless chargers or screen cleaner cloths.
  3. Brand consistently—clear, bold logos that start conversations.
  4. Think sustainability—eco-friendly items show values and last longer.

5. NYC Trade Shows to Watch in 2025

Scouting NYC events? Here are key trade shows perfect for branded merch:

6. Let’s Talk Fabrics, Colors & Themes

Now, let me ask: Which trade shows are you attending this year? Especially curious if you’re doing any in NYC—happy to make tailored merch recommendations. And seriously if you had to dress as a Trader Joe’s cashier for a day (pink or blue? solid or floral?), what would you choose? 😉

The Power of Branded Merch: Starting Conversations Without Saying a Word

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.

The Swag That Couldn’t (But You Can Fix That)

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.

Your Merch Should Feel Like a T-Shirt Cannon at a Pep Rally

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.

How to Stay Top of Mind in a World of Distraction: The Power of Branded Merch People Actually Love

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?

The $0 Productivity Hack Every Entrepreneur Should Use

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:

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 👇

Guess How Much I Hate This Mug: A Tragic Team Swag Tale

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.)

Why I Bring My Whole Self to Every Swag Strategy

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.

Why Swag Without Strategy Is Just… Stuff

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.