Unleashing The Power of Branded Merchandise: 3 Invaluable Lessons to Learn from Influencers

3 Invaluable Lessons to Learn from Influencers about Promo Merchandise

influencers promoting their products

In today’s digital age, the power of branding has never been more crucial. With a multitude of businesses vying for consumer attention, it’s crucial to find unique ways to connect with customers and stand out from the crowd. One of the most effective ways to do this is through branded merchandise.

Influencers have become a driving force in the world of marketing, especially when it comes to merchandise. Branded merchandise is not only a valuable source of income for influencers but also a powerful tool to strengthen their brand image. Corporate businesses can benefit from influencers’ strategies by adopting their tactics to enhance their own merchandising tactics. Here are three invaluable lessons that brands can learn from influencers when it comes to branded merchandise.

1. Know Your Audience

As with any promotional campaign, the first step is to get to know your audience. Influencers are not afraid to connect with their audience and ask them questions. Don’t be afraid to ask yours directly about their preferences, interests, and age by sending out a survey.

By doing so, they can create promotional items that their audience will actually use and appreciate. Brands can also adopt this strategy by surveying their customers and gathering insights about their audience. This information can then be used to create promotional items that align with the customer’s preferences and lifestyle.

Example: Charli D’Amelio is one of the biggest TikTok influencers known for her dance routines. As such, her merchandise offerings consist of comfy hoodies and shirts that feature messaging about dancing.

Charli D'Amelio hoodie

2. Design is Crucial

Aesthetically pleasing branding and design are crucial for a promotional product’s success. For influencers, this is a crucial component of their merchandise, so much so that they invest in designers or partner up with fashion brands to create eye-catching merchandise that resonates with their audience.

This is not limited to the design. Make sure that the messaging also connects with your branding and design. Craft a copy that reaches out to your audience, such as a catchy tagline, in-jokes, or an inspiring message.

Example: Allie + Sam are a same-sex couple that produces family-related content on TikTok. Their merchandise reflects their values with branded sweaters, t-shirts, and onesies that reflect their lifestyle choices.

Aliie+Sam shirt promoting same-sex love
Allie+Sam onesie

3. Promote Scarcity

Influencers frequently employ the tactic of scarcity to drive demand for their merchandise. By creating limited-edition releases, they instil a sense of urgency in buyers, who are more inclined to make a purchase for fear of missing out.

While not all corporate brands can use this tactic, they can use the following strategies to leverage exclusivity and scarcity.

  • Drum up excitement by announcing the availability of certain items ahead of time
  • Only releasing items on a limited-edition run
  • Make it seem like people will be missing out if they don’t order the item ASAP, such as incentivising people who take action immediately (e.g., the first 10 to sign up for the newsletter get a special gift)
  • Use social proof as a way to increase fear of missing out or value perception (such as sharing other people using your item or good testimonials about your item)

Get effective branded merchandise tips from influencers

In conclusion, branded merchandise is a powerful tool for influencers and corporate businesses. By adopting the strategies of influencers, brands can create promotional items that resonate with their audience, prioritize design and messaging, and promote scarcity to drive demand. With these three invaluable lessons in mind, brands can unleash the power of branded merchandise and strengthen their connection with their customers. For more effective branded merchandise tips, brands can contact Brandconnect via phone 1300 567 565, email sales@brandconnect.com.au, or web chat.