20 Creative Marketing Swag Ideas

Aaron Haynes
Jun 3, 2023

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Want to give your customers something unique and practical while promoting your brand all at the same time?

We’ve got the perfect thing: marketing swag.

From eco-friendly tote bags and branded coffee mugs to customized fans, we’ll share 20 marketing swag ideas that will help your brand stand out.

20 Marketing Swag Ideas (that people actually want)

From fashionable t-shirts to custom mugs, there’s something on this list for everyone.

1. Pens

Custom pens donning your company logo are small, easy to distribute, and cost-effective.

Using a pen bearing your company logo is a constant yet subtle reminder of your customers, keeping you top-of-mind. When they use the pen in public, it serves as a walking advertisement for your business.

Company pens are great giveaways at trade shows, conventions, and networking events. They can also be included in welcome packets for new customers or as a thank-you gift for existing customers.

This simple yet effective method of increasing brand awareness and generating new business is a timeless classic that will appeal to any business owner. With customized pens, you can be sure that your brand is always within reach and that your customers are reminded of your company subtly and professionally.

2. Tote Bags

With many jurisdictions banning single-use plastic bags, branded tote bags made from eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton or recycled polyester have never been in higher demand.

This makes tote bags a fantastic marketing swag idea.

Not only do they show that your business cares about sustainability, an initiative that’s become increasingly important to many modern consumers, but they also provide a practical and stylish way to promote your brand—a definite win-win.

3. Water Bottles

Custom water bottles keep your customers hydrated and show them that your brand cares about their well-being.

They are an easy and affordable way for businesses of any size to create marketing swag that people will be proud to carry around.

And not only can these bottles be customized with logos, text, and company slogans, but they can also be filled with all sorts of refreshing drinks like fruit juices or carbonated beverages—perfect if you’re in the food or beverage industries.

4. USB Drives

USB drives preloaded with company information and promotions are an excellent way for businesses to stand out in today’s market and get noticed by potential customers.

These innovative marketing tools effectively spread brand awareness and give people an easy way to access information about your business.

The best part?

Pre-loaded USB drives can include catalogs, brochures, pricing information, product demos, contact information, and more—all conveniently accessible on one device.

5. Phone Cases

Custom phone cases are a great marketing swag idea that offers both practicality and brand promotion.

They provide ample space for your business logo design or promotional message while protecting phones from dirt, dust, damage, and wear and tear. This means that people will carry your brand wherever they go, increasing brand visibility and exposure.

Custom phone cases also act as great conversation starters, creating more opportunities for user engagement with people who may have never heard of your business.

6. Travel Mugs

Custom travel mugs are another great way to show off your brand in a unique and eye-catching way. With such an array of styles, sizes, colors, and materials available, there’s sure to be one that fits the needs of your business.

Custom-printed mugs are ideal for a classic look that stands out from the crowd. Not only can you choose from various materials like stoneware or ceramic, but you can also decide on which shape works best for you.

Plus, with added features like handles and lids, they make great promotional items for customers and clients alike.

7. Keychains or Keyrings

Keychains and keyrings are often overlooked as promotion tools but are highly effective when used correctly.

Why?

High-quality custom keychains or keyrings offer multiple opportunities to promote your business through creative designs and symbols associated with your company’s message.

Not only do they provide an eye-catching item that potential customers will take home, but you can also include contact information or logos, which may capture their attention even more.

8. Clothing Items

Give your customers and employees a way to show off your business pridefully by offering branded clothing like t-shirts or hats as part of your marketing swag.

The benefit of branded apparel is that it’s visible in the community, which gives your business the level of exposure your brand deserves.

Whether people see someone wearing one of your clothing items at a local event or even just walking down the street, they’ll be reminded about you and what you offer.

Another huge upside of these items is that they can also function as an advertisement for years after they’re purchased, acting as free advertising in exchange for a relatively small cost to your business.

9. Stickers or Decals

Talking about small costs, stickers are an affordable way to get your name out there. They can be used for everything from giveaways at trade shows and events to enhancing packaging, labeling products, or adding an extra touch to mailers.

Decals are also a great way of getting noticed, as they tend to stand out more than traditional stickers due to their size.

In addition, unlike stickers that adhere directly to surfaces, decals offer greater versatility due to their ability to be transferred onto flat surfaces such as walls or windows.

10. Power Banks or Phone Chargers

Custom power banks effectively spread the word about your company while providing a valuable service to potential customers.

Not only will these items increase the likelihood that customers will return to your business in the future, but they will also provide a constant reminder of how much you value their patronage.

Power banks and phone chargers are among the most popular promotional giveaway items because they solve a practical problem almost everyone has experienced.

They come in several shapes and sizes and can be customized with your logo, website address, and other contact information so that anyone who receives it will never forget where they got them.

11. Magnets

With promotional swag your target audience can use, you’ll magnetize your audience while boosting brand awareness with every glance of your logo, message, or slogan.

That’s why branded magnets are ideal for businesses of all sizes and industries; they come in various shapes, sizes, and colors that draw attention to the right people in the right places.

12. Umbrellas

Umbrellas are a unique way for businesses to market their brand and product, regardless of the weather. Custom umbrellas provide practicality and serve as a walking billboard for your marketing swag.

When you give out custom umbrellas with your logo or slogan, you’ll be sure to stay in the minds of customers, clients, and potential leads.

Custom umbrellas are an excellent way to expand your brand’s reach while keeping it top-of-mind all year round—rain, hail, or shine.

13. Stress Balls

As a business owner, you know how stressful day-to-day life can be. An easy way to reduce stress and promote your brand is through marketing swag like custom stress balls.

Stress balls are an inexpensive and fun way to give back to your employees while promoting your brand. They come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and materials, so you can find the perfect one for your company’s image. They’re great for relieving tension at home and in the office.

Customers and clients can put them on desks at the workplace or use them as pet toys—either way, they’ll be sure to leave a lasting impression on everyone that sees them.

14. Lanyards or Badge Holders

Lanyards and badge holders are a great way to give potential customers something tangible that showcases your logo and brand colors and is also helpful.

They can be handed out at conferences and workshops or given away through promotional giveaways to help increase the visibility of your company’s name.

Lanyards come in various styles and materials, from polyester and neoprene to metal chain link options, making it easy to customize your logo design.

15. Fans or Hand-held Fans

One of the most classic options for swag is fans or hand-held fans, which can be both stylish and practical.

By choosing a fan as your swag item, you’ll stay cool with your brand recognition while providing a lasting gift that potential customers will appreciate.

Whether you choose a large fan with an intricate pattern or design, or something small and bare like a mini paddle fan, the choice is yours.

16. Notepads or Journals

Notepads or Journals are classic, evergreen items that will bring a smile to your customers’ and clients’ faces. With their practicality and convenience, notepads or journals have become some of the most popular ways to promote any business.

These versatile marketing swag pieces are great for professionals who need something they can use on the go and at home.

Another significant benefit of notepads and journals is they are highly cost-effective compared to other promotional products.

17. Earbuds or Headphones

Earbuds and headphones are not only practical but also highly visible when worn by customers. As such, it’s an ideal item to display your logo or slogan in front of potential customers.

Whether you choose over-ear headphones or small earbuds, these items can make a statement about who you are as a business owner—impressively conveying critical messages about your brand image with just one glance.

18. Desktop Clocks

Desktop clocks are a unique way to advertise your company while also providing good branding. They’re both practical and stylish, making them great additions to any office environment or home workspace.

You can offer modern digital displays, classic analog designs, or even novelty clocks that speak directly to your brand identity.

And thanks to the wide range available on the market, you’ll find something within your budget that won’t compromise on quality.

19. Coasters or Drinkware

An oldie but a goodie—coasters, and drinkware can be incredibly useful for spreading your message.

Coasters are an excellent choice, as every restaurant, bar, and office building could use them. Not only will you be helping them protect their furniture, but you’ll also have the opportunity to show off your logo and artwork on each coaster with full-color printing.

Similarly, any type of drinkware, such as mugs or tumblers, is sure to get plenty of use at work or home—just another reminder for customers and employees alike about who you are.

20. Flashlights or Lanterns

Flashlights and lanterns are excellent options when it comes to marketing swag. Not only do they serve a practical purpose, but they also provide a perfect opportunity for you to get creative with your branding.

Flashlights and lanterns have the potential to make an impact on consumers. Customize your flashlights or lanterns with logos, slogans, images, and colors that accurately reflect your values. This will help remind customers of you and your company of who you are and what you do. Plus, these items can be used in diverse settings, providing even more exposure.

g customers.

Ultimately, small businesses should remember that retaining customers is about building relationships. By taking the time to understand what customers want and need, small businesses can create a loyal base of customers who will continue to do business with them long into the future.

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Summary

From customized pens to eco-friendly tote bags and water bottles to customized watches, these ideas will promote your brand and provide practical benefits for your customers. In addition, these ideas will increase brand awareness, generate new leads, and increase customer loyalty.

Of course, swag isn’t the only way to effectively market your brand.

If you’re a business owner looking for a reliable and experienced SEO and digital marketing team, look no further than Loganix. With over twelve years of industry experience, Loganix is an industry-leading service provider specializing in SEO, link-building, and digital marketing services.

So what are you waiting for? Contact our sales team today.

Hand off the toughest tasks in SEO, PPC, and content without compromising quality

Explore Services

Written by Aaron Haynes on June 3, 2023

CEO and partner at Loganix, I believe in taking what you do best and sharing it with the world in the most transparent and powerful way possible. If I am not running the business, I am neck deep in client SEO.