SWAG: Yup, I’ll wear it.
SWAG: Stuff we all get, souvenirs wearables and gifts, (or whatever you call it), free stuff (as I call it) is good.
Debate all you want whether it works or not but I can tell you, you give me something and I will wear it or use it. I was recently on location shooting a project for Vista Host in Nashville and I was wearing my favorite Zacuto tee shirt. A guy walked up to me and started asking about what we were doing and then asked me what Zacuto was. I told him about their company and the next day, he tracked me down and told me he had found something he had been looking for on their website. A guy from Indiana (me) plus another from Tennessee equaled an order for a company in Chicago – all from a tee shirt.
Interestingly, some research shows that giveaways can actually be more cost friendly than some TV or print advertising. Trade shows have become a treasure trove of gift bags and giveaways. These giveaways are used for building brand or name recognition. Recognition can be accomplished through event marketing, with a product like a plastic tote bag that you hand out to absolutely everyone. Later, you look around the show floor and see your name passing in every direction.
A second example of SWAG use is brand reminder. This is an item that might sit on someone’s desk, shelf or fridge to remind them when the need arises that your company is the one to choose. Lastly, SWAG is sometimes a “thank you” to current and loyal customers to let them know you appreciate their business, as an extension of your relationship marketing.
Some companies freely hand things out but others ask for a business card or your contact information and you end up on their calling list (a form of lead generation). The companies get their product name out there and they also expand their potential customer base.
Now I don’t know about you, but it certainly seems my trip to the grocery store these days wouldn’t be the same without my vast and varied collection of recycle friendly canvas tote bags promoting everything from prescription drugs to lighting companies. I have gotten everything from coffee mugs, ice scrapers, pens, key chains, candy jars and socks. Now personally, my favorites are tee shirts. They help build my wardrobe, make great conversation starters, prove that I work in the coolest industry ever (digital media) and most of all, they’re free.
So…if you would like to promote your product by having your shirt seen on the set of a really cool video shoot and add to my collection, then please send those shirts in care of Bob.
