Back-to-school season is a time filled with excitement and anticipation—and not just for students. For businesses and organizations, it’s a golden opportunity to connect with a younger audience and create lasting brand impressions.
Our favorite—and arguably the most fun—way to tap into this excitement? Launching a successful back-to-school swag campaign. By offering fun, unique, and useful items, you can enhance brand visibility and foster goodwill among students, teachers, and parents alike.
Read on as we guide you through creating a memorable back-to-school swag campaign.
Why Back-To-School Swag is a Smart Move
Even if your school days are long past, you can probably still remember how exciting it was to gear up for a fresh start with the latest supplies, clothing, and accessories.
In that regard, nothing has changed! People still use the back-to-school mindset to explore new products and services, giving brands an easy opportunity to introduce themselves or reinforce their presence. Thoughtful and well-executed swag campaigns serve as tangible reminders of your brand, creating a positive association with every use.
Unleash Creativity; Think Outside the [Pencil] Box
Back-to-school swag campaigns are an opportunity to break away from your usual marketing tactics. Don’t be afraid to get creative or get out of your comfort zone.
Some fun ideas?
- Hold a contest where students submit original designs for your brand. Feature the winning design on a limited edition run of your merch.
- Create student success kits for the less fortunate in your community. Stuff branded backpacks full of high-quality branded swag and guarantee every student is well-stocked for the year.
- Sponsor a sports team or extracurricular club. Add your logo to their uniform and event programs. Encourage members of your team to attend your sponsoree’s events to nurture the relationship.
- Don’t forget the teachers. If sponsoring a team is outside of your budget, let your community members nominate deserving educators—and then spoil them with your swag!
Choosing the Right Swag Items
The key to a successful swag campaign is selecting items that are both functional and fun. Think about what students and educators genuinely need and want. Popular back-to-school swag items include:
- Custom T-Shirts: A classic choice that never goes out of style. T-shirts with cool designs or inspirational quotes are always a hit. Using screen printing for your t-shirts ensures vibrant colors and durable prints that last.
- Notebooks and Planners: Personalization is key here. Offering notebooks with unique designs or motivational messages can make studying a bit more enjoyable.
- Tote Bags and Backpacks: These are practical items that also serve as walking billboards. Choose designs that appeal to students and showcase your brand creatively.
- Water Bottles and Travel Mugs: Staying hydrated is essential, and eco-friendly options are increasingly popular.
- Pens, Pencils, and Stationery: Never underestimate the power of these small items. They’re everyday essentials, and can subtly keep your brand in the minds of users.
Conclusion
A well-executed back-to-school swag campaign is a fantastic way to increase brand visibility, connect with the community, and create memorable experiences. By prioritizing high-quality, creative swag items, you can capture the spirit of the season and leave a lasting impression.
Contact your Brand Ambassador to start brainstorming your back-to-school campaign today!