Why Branded Products Matter
Starting a small business can be fun, but it can also be tough to stand above the crowd depending on your market.
Sweet Crumbs Ice Cream felt this too - they had amazing ice cream, but with so many other ice cream spots around, it was going to be hard to squeeze into a crowded market.
Instead of just waiting for people to find them, they decided to get creative with their advertising; they started handing out t-shirts, samples and random merch at local events. Even if nobody had heard of Sweet Crumbs before, they decided to operate under the age-old idea that everyone loves free stuff, even if they don't know what it is when they accept it.
What happened next? The samples converted people who'd never even heard of Sweet Crumbs into people walking into the ice cream shop, and walking out as customers. Those shirts and merch became walking advertisements. That word of mouth and extra bit of branding went a long way towards getting their name out, but it also worked to foster a sense of community - everyone wants to support a local business over something corporate.
People started sporting Sweet Crumbs’ logo around town, and that led to even more people checking them out. It wasn’t just about free stuff; it was about creating a sense of belonging. Customers felt like they were supporting a local business, and that connection made them more likely to come back again and again.
This strategy doesn’t just work for ice cream shops. Whether you’re running a café, a local boutique, or even an online store, having custom-branded merchandise can help build your presence in the community. People love receiving free stuff, especially when it helps them feel connected to a brand they like. And let’s be honest – who doesn’t want a cool t-shirt or bag that reminds them of their favorite local spot?
It’s not just about giving away free stuff, though. It’s about making an impact. Studies show that 83% of people like receiving promotional products, and 85% can recall the business that gave them the item. So, when you give out a branded t-shirt or tote bag, you’re not just giving away free swag – you’re planting the seed for future sales and building lasting relationships.
For Sweet Crumbs, it worked. They went from a small, local ice cream shop to a community staple, all thanks to the power of branded merchandise. And it’s not just about making your customers happy – it’s about showing them that you value their support and want them to be a part of your journey.