Branded wearables and items are getting more and more attention from construction industry marketing professionals. When you hear “Team Wear,” “Merch” or “Swag (Stuff We All Get),” think of branded products that people wear or use that can represent your company and help differentiate you from your competitors. These products are more likely to directly reach the target audiences that will influence your success and, if done well, can provide great marketing opportunities that are basically the opposite of traditional paid advertising–promoting your construction brand in a way that is more of an endorsement from the people wearing or using these branded products.

Sometimes referred to as merch, wearables, SWAG (Stuff We All Get), team wear, promotional items, etc., promotional branded items can include apparel, stickers, electronics, supplies, vehicles, equipment, and even tools–basically anything people will “use” that has the potential for making a brand impression on the user and/or other “people” that the user interacts with.

According to Promotional Products Work, promotional products allow consumers to interact with a brand physically, creating a memorable experience. 94% of people enjoy receiving promotional products, and a high percentage of recipients remember the advertiser's name and do business with them.

Below are some examples of how merch can play a role in the success of construction companies:

• Job Site Visibility: Branded products like hard hats, safety vests, tool belts, and even t-shirts can improve visibility and safety on job sites as they promote a construction company's brand to the current client being served, observers, pedestrians, potential clients, etc.
• Professional Image Building: Branded merchandise like team wear including shirts, hats, and jackets with the company logo or a campaign theme can help create a professional image for a construction company. They can promote unity among employees and present a polished and cohesive image to clients and the public.
• Branded Equipment, Vehicles and Tools: Consistent branding is important on job sites to increase brand visibility and brand association. Even items such as tape measures, gloves, and hard hat decals with the company logo serve a practical purpose and also act as reminders of the company's presence and professionalism.
• Client and Stakeholder Gifts: Branded gifts are a good idea for clients, stakeholders, and partners that can show appreciation and leave a lasting impression. 
• SWAG for Trade Shows and Events: Handing out branded swag at trade shows and industry events is a valuable way to increase brand exposure and distinguish your construction company from competitors.
• Employee Recognition and Morale: Rewarding employees with branded swag can improve morale, create a sense of belonging, and foster pride in the company, leading to a positive work culture and increased employee retention.
• Community Engagement: When sponsoring local events and participating in service projects, using branded products can help a construction company engage with the community and build a positive reputation. Pro tip: Consider selling cool merch related to your company with 100% of the proceeds going to a nonprofit organization close to your company’s core values––shining a good light on your organization and a worthy cause.
• Long-lasting Impact: Branding durable bags, soft coolers, thermoses, or work-related gear can promote your brand for many years, building “long-term” promotional value for your construction brand in the minds of employees, clients, and the community. Pro tip: Use branded merchandise as customer rewards or incentives to foster loyalty, encouraging repeat business (merch makes great gifts and people love free stuff!). An emotional connection can move your customers beyond loyalty to advocating for your brand.
• Cost-Effective Marketing: Branded merchandise is a cost-effective marketing strategy for construction companies because it often has a longer lifespan compared to traditional advertising methods, offering ongoing brand exposure at a reasonable cost. Tangible items can also spark conversations and word-of-mouth marketing, potentially leading to new customer referrals.

Some important things to keep in mind before ordering:

• Make sure your company style and culture are conveyed in your branded product offerings.
• Match your brand quality. Branding cheap, low-quality items has the potential to associate your company with providing low-quality services. But the opposite can be true if you focus on quality—potentially providing a boost to your construction company's reputation for providing quality work. Always make a good impression—even with your branded products.
• Make an emotional connection. This will ensure that recipients will want to keep and display, wear, or use that freebie or even purchase your branded item (making it to the coveted status of Merch).

Are you ready to jump on the merch wagon? Great!

It is more than putting your logo on some items and calling it done. When considering the items you want to create, you’ll need to look at your target audiences and what appeals to them most. Look for opportunities to connect your tagline, theme, or campaign slogan to products. You’ll need to consider what best represents you and intrigues them, designing items specifically for those you see using them. Just about everybody loves a t-shirt, but thinking outside the shirt can pay off when others start sharing your brand on their social media. Things like puzzles, 3D models, tools, or even edible gifts like branded cookies can help your construction company stand apart.

It all comes down to just being creative—anything could work as compelling branded products! Not sure where to get started? We would be happy to chat with you about how we can make you stand out with merch!