10 Promotional Merchandise Ideas for Your Small Business: Part 1

Without a huge marketing budget, it can be difficult to get creative when trying to market your small business. Luckily, promotional merchandise handles the creative side for you, with companies such as ours (www.totalmerchandise.co.uk) offering hundreds of products from useful and functional to wacky and wild that you can have branded with your logo. Promotional merchandise acts as a powerful tool to increase brand awareness and generate brand loyalty, which is why we think it’s so great, and wanted to write about 10 ideas for using promotional merchandise to help your small business. The BPMA suggests that in order for promotional merchandise to be effective, it should be unique, usable, and good quality to name a few factors. Rest assured, our high-quality items are budget-friendly, and time-efficient too, with our sales team sending over your quote within 60 minutes. With the practical side out of the way, let's crack on with the first of our 10 ideas for using promotional merchandise for your small business to make big sales.

Promotional Water Bottles

We cannot stress enough right now how big the reusable water bottle hype is! Jump on this trend! In fact, we do hope it’s not just a trend  (we highly doubt it, the reusable water bottle is here to stay) as they’re eco-friendly, trendy, and offer a large space for your logo. With popular reality TV shows hyping up promotional water bottles they’re more popular than ever. Moreover, as we are recommended by the NHS to be drinking roughly 6-8 glasses of water per day, you will be encouraging users to stay hydrated whilst displaying your brand. You can go for a reusable sturdy plastic bottle, or for a stronger, long-lasting aluminium water bottle. We stock them all!

Cotton Tote Bags

Similar to above, cotton tote bags are becoming increasingly popular as individuals become more and more environmentally conscious. Instead of using the plastic bags provided at a charge by supermarkets, individuals are reducing their waste by bringing their own cotton tote bags. They’ve got a large space for branding, and with their increasing popularity now is the chance to get your brand noticed and seen by people on the local high street. Our top tip is to keep the branding simple and go for stand-out, eye-catching colours to draw passer-by’s eyes to your logo.

Next week we’ll crack on with the remaining 8 great ideas to use promotional merchandise for your business.

Written by

Adam Carter | Head of Products

Adam has been leading the Product team for over 18 years, during which time he's built up an enviable reputation as one of the industry's most trusted authorities on promotional merchandise. As well as supplier relations, product sourcing and pricing, Adam is also responsible for ensuring our promotional merchandise is presented on the website in the most effective manner. His expertise makes him the go-to person on the team for spotting merchandise trends and he's highly experienced in identifying the best branded products to meet our customers' needs. When he's not working, Adam enjoys travel, electronic music and all forms of cinema.

Connect with Adam Carter on LinkedIn Connect with Adam Carter on LinkedIn

Why Promotional Products Work: The Value Of Merch For Your Brand

Why Promotional Products Work: The Value Of Merch For Your Brand

Okay, we might be biased but there really is no denying it: promotional products are an incredibly powerful tool for any UK business. Whether you're a start-up looki

Colour Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Blue Promotional Items

Colour Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Blue Promotional Items

With Blue Monday in sight, there's no better time to take a moment or two to think about the colour blue in all its glory. Because it's really not all bad, despite the n

The TM Edit: Our Most Popular Products Of 2020

The TM Edit: Our Most Popular Products Of 2020

With the end of the year edging ever closer, we've decided to shine a light on our most popular promotional products of 2020. These aren't just any old merchandi

The Power Of Promotional Paper Coffee Cup Sleeves

The Power Of Promotional Paper Coffee Cup Sleeves

Whilst a hot cup of coffee is a daily saviour for people across the UK, singed fingertips are a decidedly less desirable side-effect of the morning caffeine fix.  W

Must-Have Merch for Your Brands Spring/Summer Marketing

Must-Have Merch for Your Brands Spring/Summer Marketing

Warmer and longer days are officially coming! So now is the perfect time to consider how your business is going to generate positive brand awareness throughout the spring and su

Promotional Merchandise Statistics: What’s Working in 2025?

Promotional Merchandise Statistics: What’s Working in 2025?

As digital marketing channels become more saturated, branded merchandise continues to stand out by offering something tangible and lasting. Whether given away at events, sent in

10 Exciting New Merch Ideas To Have On Your Radar This March

10 Exciting New Merch Ideas To Have On Your Radar This March

As we step into March, it's the perfect time to refresh your promotional strategies and stay ahead of the curve for the upcoming spring season. Whether you're pr

The TM Edit: 9 Must-See Spring 2025 Merch Ideas For Your Brand

The TM Edit: 9 Must-See Spring 2025 Merch Ideas For Your Brand

The days are getting longer, the birdsong is getting louder and one thing is becoming increasingly clear - spring is nearly here. If you're looking for a Q2 refresh