The Power of Branded Apparel

When you see someone wearing branded apparel, what thoughts come to mind? Does it make you wonder whether they work for the brand, and if so, why they are so loyal to it? Or does it make you wonder whether that person is an employee or a customer? Either way, it’s pretty impressive that they would wear the item on their own terms as if they’re proud to sport something with the brand’s name or logo on it. It’s a dream for all businesses to have that type of loyalty. You may already have staff and customers who are testament to the greatness of your brand, but you won’t be able to benefit from this loyalty unless you make it easy for them to spread the word about how great you are. If you need more proof, here are five reasons why you need branded apparel for your company.

Branded Apparel Creates a Sense of Team Spirit

The best employees don’t want to show up to work and simply go through the motions of a typical workday. Instead, they want to feel as if they’re contributing to the success of the organization and that their contributions are valued on an individual basis. The best teams consist of people who have different talents and contributions, as they all complement each other in order to complete a specific goal. Yet despite the need for individual talents, it’s also important to feel like they’re one cohesive, well-oiled machine. Try offering your staff at least one free branded apparel item for them to choose from. Even if they all choose individual styles and colors, the logo reminds them that they’re part of a team that values their individuality. This is something to remember when choosing company uniforms as well.

Branded Apparel Is a Low-Risk Marketing Strategy

If you’re hesitant about handing out free branded items, you may want to reshape your thoughts. The return on investment for branding apparel makes it worth it. And you may even get a significant discount if you purchase your branded apparel in bulk. Compared to the cost of renting a billboard or a radio or TV spot, the cost is trivial, especially considering the fact that those methods are temporary. People will hold onto a well-made branded fleece or logo polo shirt for longer than an advertisement lasts.

Branded Apparel Fosters Brand Loyalty

Giving away something for free is a great way to communicate that you want to build a lasting relationship with your target audience. And the customers and clients who receive those items are more likely to be loyal to your brand if they realize how much you appreciate them. The same holds true from an employment standpoint. Employees are also more likely to stick with you if they identify with your brand. Plus, they’re more likely to invest in their relationship with you long-term instead of going somewhere new where they have to start from the ground up in order to build what they already have with you.

Branded Items Make People Curious About Your Brand

Don’t stop at branded apparel. People are likely to use branded accessories as well, as long as they’re well-made. Even if it ends up in the hands of someone you didn’t directly give it to, someone will appreciate it. Custom tote bags are great examples of this. If they’re sturdy, attractive, and easy to carry, people can use them for lugging groceries home, taking spare shoes and gym clothes to work, and carrying towels and flip-flops to the beach. Think of all the people who will see your brand’s logo in the meantime. They may have heard about your company already but not had a need for it yet, so keeping your brand visible is a great way to ensure you stay on their minds. And if those people haven’t yet heard of your company, they may wonder enough about it to go home and do an internet search for it.

Branded Items Help Form and Support Your Brand Identity

When you put your logo on something, the item you choose says a lot about your brand. For example, if you put your logo on a custom pet leash, someone could easily assume that you own a pet store. However, it could also indicate that you’re an organization that cares about your employees and considers their pets as part of their family. Some companies generate buzz for the perks they give employees, after all. And if you let your employees bring their dogs to work, giving out free leashes with your brand’s name on them helps remind people who see that leash what a great organization yours is to work for. Remember that branding isn’t just about attracting business, it’s also about attracting and retaining top talent who are proud to work for you.

You can see why branded apparel pays off in the long run. Just make sure you choose items that are well-made instead of settling for something cheap. What you give away, even if it is free, says a lot about your standards and attention to detail.