Start-Up Swag for Your Business to Stand Out

The world of start-ups is crowded. It’s essential to make your brand memorable. So, how do you make an impact in a busy world where it’s tough to be remarkable? 

Start-up swag is your calling card. It’s an easy way to show off your company’s style and get noticed. From branded water bottles to apparel, you can show your clients your appreciation and get your name out into the world. Read on to identify the start-up swag for your business to stand out.

What is Start-Up Swag?

Swag is the term for the promotional products a business offers that personify and promote the brand. They’re staple products branded with your business logo, usually given for free to employees or clients. 

Instead of a business card that is probably doomed to die in your purse or pants pocket, swag is useful and makes a lasting impression. Curating your swag kit is a great opportunity to get creative! Think about your company’s style, culture, and message. What kind of products match the vibe? Those products are essentials for your swag kit.

Some swag essentials include:

  • Waterbottles
  • Mugs
  • Apparel: Hats, T-shirts, sweatshirts, socks
  • Tote bags
  • Pens
  • Stickers

The sky is the limit when it comes to swag creation. Think about products you would actually use. Invest in high-quality materials and products, and it will pay off. If your swag falls apart in a day, that’s a direct reflection on your business. Ensure your swag fits your company culture and your budget.  

Why Does My Business Need Start-Up Swag?

As a start-up, you have to be strategic about where you invest money. So, why invest in swag when you could use that money for ads?

Swag opens doors to new conversations. When growing your brand, getting your foot in the client’s door is crucial. High-quality, free swag could be the first step to a sale or client relationship. Swag increases positive sentiments surrounding your brand. Keep the good vibes coming! For existing clients, it builds customer loyalty and keeps them coming back for more. Promotional products draw as many as 500% more referrals from satisfied customers than just a letter.

Swag drives people to your table when promoting your business at a tradeshow or event. You want eyes on your product. That’s why you need high-quality, attractive swag that will keep customers interested. Swag builds credibility. It shows you’ve invested time, energy, and funds in your brand image.

Your team works hard. Show your appreciation with some impressive swag! It boosts morale (Who doesn’t love free stuff?) and showcases your brand. While advertisements have an end date, swag is long-lasting. Consider all the impressions you get from your employees using company-branded water bottles. You’ve boosted your company awareness, increased employee engagement, and made a useful product. 

Tips for Ordering Start-Up Swag

There are endless possibilities for how your swag can turn out, so where do you start? Below are some tips for ordering start-up swag.

  • Know Your Budget. Swag is an investment, and it can add up. Think about your goals. Should you spend on quantity or quality? A few big items or several small products? Be aware of your target audience and what kind of results you want to see.
  • Think Outside the Box. While having a few staple items is important, don’t be afraid to get creative. You want to be remembered. Evaluate what products fit your company’s personality and make it memorable.
  • Add Extra Personalization. Add an additional personalized touch by creating monogrammed apparel or products with your employees’ names or initials. Make your team feel special, appreciated, and proud to rep your brand!
  • Utilize your Company Values. Increase your brand identity by including your company values in your swag. These values could be reflected through verbiage on your products or represented in the design. The company mission statement is a great place to start. Your swag should be a symbol of your business.
  • Choose Eco-Friendly Products. The great thing about swag is its reusability. It will last even longer (and make even more impressions) with sustainable materials. Illustrate your brand’s commitment to being eco-friendly and give a little love to the planet. 

Start-Up Swag that Stands Out

Whether you’ve got a budget of $20 or $20,000, you can incorporate swag into your marketing strategy.

Low-cost swag ideas include:

  • Stickers
  • Reusable water bottles
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Masks
  • PopSockets
  • Charging cords
  • Reusable straws
  • Candles
  • Office Supplies

Mid-budget swag ideas are:

  • Shirts
  • Bluetooth speakers
  • Headphones
  • Backpacks
  • Insulated tumblers
  • Lunchboxes

Go big budget with:

  • Insulated coolers
  • Power banks
  • Jackets
  • Yoga mats
  • VR headsets

Get noticed

It’s common for companies to underestimate the importance of branding. Building a start-up is all about getting your name out there. With attractive, useful swag, you’ll impress your clients, show appreciation for your team, and drive impressions to your start-up. It all happens with carefully curated products and a clear vision.

Lettering Express provides businesses with the products they need to be noticed and remembered. Contact us today to curate the best swag to make your start-up stand out.