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More than free stuff: How giveaways make an impact

Let’s take a look at how giveaways make an impact, with a bit of psychology and tips for your business.

  • 5th Feb 2025
  • Reading time Calculating...
  • Category Merch know-how,
More than free stuff: How giveaways make an impact

Picture this: you stroll up to a booth at an expo, half-expecting the usual sales pitch. Instead, you’re handed a sleek tumbler. Suddenly, this booth isn’t just another stall. It’s your favourite stop. Why? Because let’s be real—who doesn’t love giveaways?

But here’s the twist; it’s not just about free stuff. It’s about creating a feel-good moment that matters. Let’s take a look at how giveaways make an impact, with a bit of psychology and tips for your business.

Summary

    • Giveaways do more than make people smile—they leave an impression.
    • When businesses get giveaways right, they’re not just handing out free stuff; they’re creating an experience that builds a strong connection.
    • Businesses will have the greatest impact when they focus on quality over quantity, choose items that fit their brand identity and use merch to create a story.

  • The psychology of giveaways

    At first glance, giving away branded merch might seem like a short-term strategy to grab attention. But the truth is, giveaways tap into our brains and create lasting associations with brands. Here’s a bit about the psychology of giveaways:

    Tangible brand reminders

    Merch turns a brand from an abstract idea into a physical object that people can see and use. It’s one thing to hear about a brand; it’s another to wear it or use it daily. A branded wireless charger becomes a tangible reminder of the brand every time someone charges their phone. It’s psychology 101: people remember and bond with things they have regular, positive interactions with.

    Little moments of joy

    The joy of receiving an unexpected gift creates a memory. High-quality, thoughtfully designed merch provides an experience that people associate with positive feelings. These memorable moments foster goodwill towards a brand. A branded shirt or cap given out at a networking event is a surprising gesture that makes someone remember a brand long after the event ends.

    Personalisation and thoughtfulness

    When giveaways are tailored for a specific event, it shows the business has put thought into what resonates with their audience. The business isn’t just handing out generic items. Branded phone stands, for example, would be useful items at a startup summit, helping keep entrepreneurs connected and organised. People are receiving not only some cool merch, but also something that holds meaning.

    Getting the most out of giveaways

    It’s one thing to give away merch, but it’s another to make that experience meaningful. The right approach ensures that giveaways aren’t just a nice gesture; they actually become a part of your marketing strategy. Here’s how you can get the most out of your giveaways:

    Focus on quality over quantity

    Cheap, throwaway merch doesn’t have much impact—it can easily end up straight in the bin, which also means landfill. Invest in high-quality merch that people will actually use and love for a long time. A well-made, reusable coffee cup is not only practical, but also shows your brand cares about quality (and the environment).

    Choose items that fit your brand identity

    The type of merch you give away should reflect your brand values and message. Merch that aligns with your brand’s identity feels more authentic and creates a stronger emotional connection. A tech company might give away branded gadgets, while a fitness brand might hand out gym towels.

    Use merch to create a story

    Merch can be more than a product; it can be a conversation starter. Use custom created products to tell your story or spark interest in your brand. A notebook made from recycled materials could also have a message on the inside cover about your commitment to sustainability.

    The value of giveaways

    Giveaways have the ability to turn fleeting interactions into long-term brand loyalty. They transform potential customers into brand advocates, leaving an impression that goes beyond the moment they receive the item. Done right, giveaways become a marketing investment that keeps giving back. Get in touch with us to ensure you make the most out of giveaways for your business!

    Giving away branded merch might seem like a short-term strategy to grab attention. But the truth is, giveaways tap into our brains and create lasting associations with brands. Let’s take a look at how giveaways make an impact, with a bit of psychology and tips for your business.

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