Total Merchandise is now closed for the Bank Holiday weekend – our team will be back to assist you from 8.30am on Tuesday 27 May.

Reasons Why Promotional Marketing is Essential

In a world of digital marketing and social media campaigns, other long-standing forms of marketing are sometimes forgotten about. Whilst trends in the marketing world come and go, some are here to stay. Promotional marketing is one of them. What is clear is that today’s customers are looking to create a relationship with a brand. This can be done in a multitude of ways, but one way is through promotional merchandise.

What’s more, these relationships are long-term, with Jansen Manfredini from Sage World writing that “consumers hang on to promotional products for an average of 6.6 months” and “89% of consumers can recall the advertiser of a promotional product they’d received in the last two years”. The incredible thing about promotional marketing is that you can create an uninterrupted link between your promotional merchandise and your brand.

According to a survey by Brandwatch, the most popular promotional products are USB drives, pens, electrical items, and mugs; all relatively low-cost and easy to add to your marketing plan. There are many ways you can hand out promotional merchandise to your customers. Firstly, you can give them away at trade shows, festivals, and events to individuals who walk by or come to your stall.

You could also offer your merchandise as a free gift with a purchase from your company, either in-store or online. You could send promotional merchandise as a welcome gift for signing up to an e-newsletter. Furthermore, you can use promotional merchandise as a prize for social media competitions. For instance, we have given out Total Merchandise themed goody bags in the past from our Facebook competitions including merchandise such as beach balls, pens and advent calendars!

A final way that you can use promotional merchandise is to sell it- if your brand is on-trend, people will happily pay for some merchandise, in particular, t-shirts. For example, Leeds University Union has a popular hummus and pitta stall, and they sold t-shirts with a witty slogan and their brand name which have been spotted around campus and on the gym.

Promotional merchandise can be one of the best ways to increase brand recognition. As we mentioned earlier, people will often link your brand with the product you gave them. By gifting merchandise that is branded with your logo and is useful for everyday use, you will provide the opportunity for your customers to see your brand every day. For instance, mugs have been reported to be kept longer than other promotional merchandise, so these could be something you invest in for your next marketing campaign.

If you have any promotional merchandise you have kept, tag us in your pictures of them on Instagram!

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

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

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

Eco Friendly Promotional Gift Ideas

Eco Friendly Promotional Gift Ideas

It’s time for green to go mainstream, people. With more and more businesses becoming aware of their corporate responsibility to become more eco-friendly, it’s really

Unusual Corporate Gifts & Promotional Merchandise

Unusual Corporate Gifts & Promotional Merchandise

Have you received a promotional product at some point in your life? For most of us, the answer to this question is yes. So, how do you make sure your promotional product stands

The TM Edit: Our Most Popular Promotional Products Of 2019

The TM Edit: Our Most Popular Promotional Products Of 2019

With the end of the year - and decade! - fast-approaching, we've decided to shine a light on the most popular promotional products of 2019.  These are no o

TM Edit: The Best Pride Promotional Products For Your Business In 2025

TM Edit: The Best Pride Promotional Products For Your Business In 2025

Pride month is almost upon us, and whether you run an LGBTQ+ organisation or are perhaps planning a corporate event to show your support of the occasion, we're here to help.

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