It’s a quandary as old as promotional marketing itself:
You’re a small business ready to build some brand awareness and create lasting impressions with a wider customer base. Strategically, you know you want to invest in branded merch at some point, but your promotional marketing budget is limited. You don’t want to waste it on items no one uses, but you also don’t want to limit your reach by purchasing a smaller volume of higher-end swag.
Luckily for you, this is a problem easily solved. Options for attractive, cost-effective merch are more diverse and readily available than ever before!
But before we dive into our recommendations, we’d be remiss if we didn’t throw in our two cents about budget swag:
In many cases, the cheapest option isn’t necessarily the most budget friendly.
As you start allocating your swag budget, keep this simple advice in mind:
- Focus on Quality: Cheap swag may save money upfront, but poorly made items reflect poorly on your brand. Always ensure that your promotional items are durable and functional—even if you have to reduce your volume slightly to purchase something of higher quality.
- Strategize Thoughtfully: Consider your target audience’s preferences. Useful, practical items tend to have a higher impact than gimmicky products. Think of all the swag you’ve received over time. How many of the pens that stop writing, the water bottles that make water taste like rubber, or tote bags that rip out the bottom did you keep long-term?
- Buy in Bulk Where Possible: Generally, the higher quantity of an item you order the more affordable it is per item. Ordering in bulk not only ensures you get the best possible price, but also that you’ll have enough on hand to distribute effectively.
Now, read on to learn what we feel are the most effective swag items on a budget!
1. Custom Stickers
Stickers are fun, versatile, highly affordable, and customization options are virtually limitless. We’ve had clients create simple stickers using their logo or a catchy slogan, and other clients go as far as printing full-color artwork and “potato paper dolls” complete with wigs, accessories, and branded apparel in sticker form.
Since they’re lightweight and easy to hand out, they’re perfect for events, packaging, or as a freebie with every purchase. Plus, people love sticking them on laptops, water bottles, or notebooks, which gives your brand extra visibility.
Pro Tip: Choose eco-friendly materials to make your stickers more appealing to environmentally conscious customers.
2. Branded Reusable Bags
Eco-friendly and practical, reusable bags are a fantastic way to spread brand awareness. They’re particularly valuable because customers use them repeatedly in their everyday life. And, as a bonus, branded bags are an effective way to boost your reputation as a company that cares about sustainable practices (something that 78% of consumers said was important to them).
Pro Tip: Stuff a branded tote bags with other swag and information about your company for a budget-friendly giveaway at your next promotional event.
3. Custom Pens
Pens are probable the most classic and practical swag item—for a good reason! Even in a digital age, people use pens daily, which keeps your brand in constant view. Custom pens are relatively inexpensive and can be distributed widely at trade shows, events, or in your store. Make sure the design includes your logo and website, ensuring that every time someone grabs the pen, they think of your business.
Pro Tip: Choosing a pen with interesting colors, shapes, and additional abilities (like a stylus tip) can help make a more distinct brand impression.
4. Personalized Keychains
Custom keychains are a great low-cost swag option; small, lightweight, and useful, they’re a great option for mass distribution. Although most people generally won’t use them for their daily-use key sets, almost everyone has extra keys or keys they don’t use every day. This gives an excellent opportunity for your branded keychains to serve as an unexpected long-term reminder of your business.
Pro Tip: Custom shapes, colors, and materials help you stand out and generally don’t cost more than standard options.
5. Branded Notepads
How often have you needed something to write on but had nothing on hand? It’s a universal experience, which makes a simple notepad an incredibly versatile promo item. Plus, they’re useful in a variety of settings (work, school, home, in the car…). Branded notepads are an affordable item that can be distributed at networking events, local markets, or as part of a swag bag.
Pro Tip: Custom notepads are one of the only items you can print your logo on every page, ensuring your brand gets noticed with each use.
6. Custom PopSockets
PopSockets are a trendy and functional phone accessory that people love to use. They’re also relatively inexpensive when ordered in bulk, making them an ideal affordable swag item for small businesses. Customized with your logo or brand design, PopSockets can give your business a fun and modern edge while offering a high perceived value to customers.
Pro Tip: Custom-shaped PopSockets are even more eye-catching than a standard disc. Consider customizing your PopSockets to your company’s industry (a wrench shape for a construction company, a house for a Real Estate agent, or a funky piece of food for a restaurant).
7. Branded Water Bottles
More people carry a water bottle than ever before, giving your brand an opportunity to be part of someone’s daily routine. This practical and highly visible long-lasting swag item also aligns with environmentally conscious values, making it a hit with customers who appreciate sustainability.
Pro Tip: While plastic is the cheapest water bottle material, most consumers prefer sturdy metal or glass. Luckily, there are many bottles without the Stanley price tag and some even have additional features consumers love (multi-function lids, borosilicate covers, or antimicrobial straws, just to name a few).
8. First Aid Kits
There are some items consumers would love to have but wouldn’t think to purchase for themselves, and first aid kits fall into that category. Available in different sizes and with different contents, these are perfect for stashing in a car or purse. They’re also ultra-customizable; add your business name, contact info, or a memorable design on the case to ensure customers keep you top of mind.
Pro Tip: Many first aid kits come in either standard zippered cases or hard cases with hinged lids. To give your first aid kit even more utility, consider a waterproof case that doubles as a dry bag that can keep phones, wallets, and other valuables safe in case of emergency!
9. Branded Stain Removers
Since practicality is the name of the game, we’d be remiss if we didn’t share one of our most favorite items: a stain remover pen. Light and portable, these are easily stowed in a center console, glove box or purse. Plus, since they come in handy in so many situations (we know we can’t be the only ones who have spilled coffee on our shirts before a big presentation), your brand has ample opportunity to make an impression.
Pro Tip: Combine stain remover pens with a matching lint roller or pack of lint remover sheets for a double handiness punch!
10. Eco-Friendly Swag
Customers appreciate brands that care about the environment. If sustainability aligns with your business values, offering eco-friendly swag such as bamboo toothbrushes, reuseable utensils, plantable pencils, or biodegradable phone cases can set you apart. These items may cost a little more (emphasis on LITTLE) but their unique nature and sustainable message will do wonders for your company’s reputation in your community.
Offering budget-friendly swag doesn’t mean skimping on creativity or impact. By choosing items that are useful, customizable, and well-aligned with your brand, your small business can create a memorable connection with customers while staying within your budget.
Need help strategizing the best way to stretch your swag budget? Make an appointment to visit our showroom or contact your Brand Ambassador today!