The use of promotional products has gone under the radar until recently since most brands prefer to go the digital route. Most companies often choose to run adverts on social media pages and use influencers over creating tangible marketing and branding items for their campaigns.
However, branded promotional items like badges, keyrings, and tote bags have an upper hand, especially if you want to capture attention and spark conversations.
There is also so much you can create, from enamel pins to eco-friendly promotional badges made from recycled plastic or bamboo. People will wear these badges because they influence how they connect to brands.
In this article, we will explain why people love wearing branded badges and how your business can leverage this for a lasting brand impact.
Humans are social. We always yearn for this sense of belonging and create communities to boost our chances of survival. Promotional badges give you a simple and subtle way to communicate and make your presence felt.
Wearing a promotional badge is a sign that you are associating yourself with a community, cause, or business you support. This goes deeper than fashion or design; it is more about your identity. Walking around wearing a badge featuring the logo and colours of your favourite team is a good example.
Always design your badges with a meaning behind them and include colours or slogans that represent your business or cause. People won’t hesitate to wear your promotional badges if the badges are about sustainability, creativity, or innovation.
Promotional badges let people express who they are and what they believe in without talking. Wearing badges from certain brands is the new way of blending fashion with marketing or brand promotion.
Designing with your target audience in mind should be your number one goal always. Some people prefer minimalist designs while others feel more comfortable donning bold badges with eye-catching artwork and slogans.
Also, think about creating exclusive or limited edition badges. People love this because it makes them feel unique. Add more personality via humour or witty slogans to make your badges more sentimental.
Special badges carry sentimental value. They are also reminders of experiences like a product launch or volunteer work. People will keep the badges as a reminder of the good time they had.
The badges can also be kept as a ‘collection of achievements.’ Take, for example, someone who attends every annual charity event in their town. They will be proud of their achievements, and the badges will be there as souvenirs.
Besides, the badges will spark conversations about your brand. Questions like ‘Where did you get that?’ and ‘Which year did this event happen?’ will turn the wearer into a brand ambassador.
Wearing a badge is like a silent thumbs-up. More people are more likely to shop from you or contact you for services if they spot your badge in public. Seeing people wearing your badge in public makes your company seem relevant and trustworthy.
The repeated visibility you get over the years also plays a role in building a solid customer base. Clients will return and become loyal to your business if they spot your branded badges, hats, or bags in public often.
Authenticity is one of those things new businesses struggle to build early on. However, promotional badges can change this in an instant. Customers will feel more comfortable interacting with your company if they have seen it represented in public before.
Scarcity is a powerful psychological driver. People will always strive to earn limited edition or special promotional badges. Wearing badges with unique designs shows ‘I was there!’ or ‘I am a loyal long-term customer.’
You can take advantage of these and prompt customers to stick to your brand or turn up for the next event by creating special badges. Exclusive designs encourage people to show them off on social media, increasing your reach.
The best way to approach this is to create a limited number of these special edition badges to generate fanfare and excitement around the event.
Digital ads have a lifespan. Most people even install ad blockers to avoid getting bombarded with adverts while using social media. Promotional badges have an advantage in branding. They can stay relevant for years.
Focus on using high-quality materials when making your badges. Your budget will determine how big you can go. Metal is by far the best option because of its durability.
Bamboo and hard plastic are also good choices. The only downside with plastic is that it can be less appealing if your target audience is focused on sustainability.
The badge design will determine if people will wear it or throw it somewhere in their drawer and forget about it. There are some things you must keep in mind when designing promotional badges.
Design and Style
What does your audience want? Are they young teens who are into what’s trending? Are they minimalists who want something subtle that complements their daily look? Think of current design trends and adapt them to your brand.
Tell a Story
The goal is to spark a conversation, turn heads, and influence people to promote your business. Go deep by adding elements into the design that tell a story or communicate your brand’s value and purpose.
Don’t Compromise on Quality
Avoid going for cheap materials. You want to create something with value, a badge your customers will treasure and keep. However, using low-quality fabric will turn your badge into another disposable item; people won’t think twice about throwing it away.
Stay Versatile
This is crucial, especially if you have a wide and dynamic target demographic. Try to have designs that are relevant to various generations or people from different walks of life. Ideally, it should match different outfits and styles.
Promotional badges open up a new way of branding and marketing. This is a golden opportunity for businesses looking to build their name and create ambassadors for their brand.
