Imagine someone delicately nestling their mug of coffee as they start their day. A mug bearing an ostentatious corporate emblem is encircled by their intertwined fingers. Or perhaps a hoodie features a quirky brand in such vibrant hues that pigeons pause to stare. That’s the power of word-of-mouth—the clothes and gadgets speak for themselves. Companies used to throw stress balls and pens into the audience. Right now? The bar is elevated. That extreme, carpenter pencils with logo as viral event is what everyone is chasing.
Everyone loves free stuff, right? However, nowadays, it’s not about handing out arbitrary objects. Memorable and talk-worthy gear is the main focus. Imagine water bottles that could last through the end of the world, caps that flash eye-catching logos, and socks with clever sayings. Brands aim to elicit emotions. Laughter, jealousy, and perhaps a selfie for social media are what they desire.
While Millennials love quirky companies, what about Generation Z? A tale to share is what they desire. Custom branded goods are like a signal flare in the situation. At an event, a company distributes tote bags. Out of nowhere, pictures start appearing on website after website. Then where did you obtain that purse? Many people are interested in seeing the big deal for themselves.
Do you recall the backstory of that taco joint in town? They distributed sweatshirts featuring their raging emblem. They were worn by the city’s college students everywhere within a week. The logo spread like wildfire across campus. People began to form a queue around the block in no time. For the cost of thread and fabric, you can get free advertisement.
Emphasizing quality is critical. Wearing a T-shirt that is too rough isn’t something anyone desires. Made with care, an item lasts a long time. Goodwill is rendered useless in the event that the zipper breaks or the print comes loose. Stylized clothing is fun to show off. Their wardrobe rotation will include it if it’s comfortable. No need for expensive billboards when your brand flies across supermarkets, fitness centers, and coffee shops.
What’s more, everyone now has print-on-demand technology at their fingertips. Companies of any size can launch new designs without having to stockpile a ton of products. Products are given a unique charm through pop-up shops, limited editions, and in-jokes. Include contests or challenges using hashtags? Everyone is becoming a brand advocate, showing off their merchandise on social media.
How come everything takes off so quickly? The need to belong, to find a group of people who share interests or jokes, is universal. Anyone can seem like they’re a part of the hip club when they’re seen walking around with a branded mug or hoodie. Virality spreads like wildfire on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
Keep in mind that the next time you put on that sweatshirt, you’re multitasking as a fan, a conversation starter, and a walking billboard. A simple cloth or cup can have a profound effect. An organization can go from having no customers at all to being viral in an instant with the correct logo.