Introduction
As the summer season approaches, small businesses have a unique opportunity to strengthen their marketing efforts with creative seasonal products. On top of capturing the seasonal vibes, summer products are good tools to increase brand surface and consumer engagement. Summer merchandise is one way to appeal to your audience and make a great sale or just be on top of their mind at any instance. Also, this can be profitable too, without costing you much comparatively.
For small businesses, it is important to strike the right balance in impact and cost-effectiveness. And you can do the same thing by gifting summer-related promotional products to ensure that your item is not only seasonal but also going to be used again! The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive list of creative and affordable summer product ideas specifically tailored for small businesses. You will have the most engaged customers, strongest brand presence, and biggest company growth this summer from your product choice by the time you finish reading it.
What is the Most Effective Promotional Product in Summer for Small Businesses?
Promotional products are something that businesses have been using successfully for decades to enhance their marketing strategies. There is a time in life when one size just does not fit all, and the same applies to summer. Picking the right products pays dividends in how people perceive and remember your brand.
2.1. Brand Recognition and Visibility
Summer products — A summer product has the capability to grow brand identification and exposure. The best advertising products are the useful and visible ones that we use for daily life during summer. For instance, promotional beach towels or water bottles are in high demand as they usually find regular use both in public settings and the summer. Whenever a client uses these products, they certainly leave an impression on the mind of your brand.
2.2. Emotional Connection with Customers
Besides being seen, an essential aspect of why promotional products work is due to the emotional relationship they form with people. From the joy and relaxation to the opportunity for outdoor activities that summer delivers, a properly matched product can positively associate itself with these feelings. This creates a feel-good connection with the end-user, and picking summer-inspired items that align with these emotions ensures businesses are more likely to be remembered in the long term. For example, hand out personalized sunglasses or beach gear to not only provide a useful amenity but further connect your business with all the fun outdoor events that come along in summer.
2.3. Cost-Effective Marketing
When purchased in bulk, summer promotional products are usually cheap and effective as well. This is important for small businesses with low budgets. Inexpensive swag items such as custom tote bags, sunscreen packets, and reusable water bottles are highly visible and practical because they turn into long-term advertising tools that spread your word all season, and also give return on investment, as these products are used the whole season around.
Are Swags Hot in Summer?
In recent years, summer merchandise has been on the rise as businesses have realized that the season provides some nice marketing opportunities. But, what are these points because of which we feel summer fashion is so chic and unguarded at this point?
3.1. Relevance to the Target Audience
The effectiveness is based on how relevant the summer swag will be to your target audience. However, the summer activities and interests of both should be considered when giving gifts. For example, a business that targets outdoor lovers might find branded camping gear or battery-powered fans perform best. In contrast, companies providing for the office market might choose an item like cooling devices or desk accessories appropriate for work-from-home use.
3.2. Cost versus Quality
Cost containment is important, especially for small businesses, but that should not mean sacrificing quality. Quality products will enhance the positive aspect of your reputation, whereas cheap things may damage it. It is important to find a happy medium in price and quality. Pick items that are offered at a good price and provide consumers with excellent value. Inexpensive items like moisture-wicking T-shirts or premium branded caps can be used due to their utility and longevity.
3.3. Customizability and Branding
The second reason why the summer swag is a super hit is that it becomes a medium to customize with your logo or message branded on it. By personalizing it, you are ensuring that the product will remind people of your business every time they use it. Personalized touches such as your logo on a reusable shopping bag or custom screen printing of your business onto a beach towel can make all the difference when it comes to how people perceive you.
Top Affordable Summer Merchandise Ideas
With such a wide range of promotional merchandise ideas for small businesses to get their hands on over the summer, there are various ways that your business can interact with its customers. In this category, low-cost summer goods include things that are sure to bring the joy of relaxation: everything from cool beach accessories and handy travel essentials to innovative digital products. Each category is designed to help you choose the best products for hosting your business, attracting potential customers this summer, and engaging with them.
4.1. Practical Travel Essentials
Travel is closely associated with summer — whether for business, weekend getaways, or vacations. Not only could basic travel essentials make your consumers’ lives easier, but they are also perpetual mouthpieces in the way to their different destinations.
- Custom Luggage Tags: It is much easier to print your brand name or logo on a luggage tag as they are small yet essential aspects of the travel gear. They are a high-impact advertising method, as they offer vast exposure in hotels, airports, and other travel hubs. These types of luggage tags are heavy-duty, good-looking, and will make sure everyone knows your brand is visible in a crowded area on an ongoing basis.
- TSA-Friendly Luggage: Frequent travelers need their bags to be easily checked. This will make it a lot more helpful for the user, as going through security screening becomes much easier with these bags. By putting your logo on them, you can guarantee that a mass of people will be exposed to your brand every time they are used, with passengers carrying these bags from boarding gates through security checkpoints.
- Branded Travel Kits: They always carry toothpaste, brushes, and personal body washes with them because a personalized travel kit containing a little quantity of their essentials like a toothbrush, sanitizer, or earplugs is so useful. Supplied in a small, reusable case that continues to help you promote your organization long after the trip is over, these kits can even be customized with your brand identity.
- Foldable Duffel Bags: If you intend to shop a lot during your travels or bring back lots of souvenirs, foldable duffel bags are convenient and lightweight for travelers who need extra luggage space. They might be a little daunting to fold back up, but they get cinched into the most convenient fanny pack. If they are imprinted with your brand logo, duffel bags provide unparalleled visibility while traveling and when reaching the endpoint.
- Passport Holder: A stylish passport wallet serves a good purpose and also creates ample branding space. And what better way to ensure your brand is on their mind whether they are traveling for business or pleasure than by printing it in full color using dye sublimation?
- Portable Travel Pillows: It shows that you care for your customers and their travel needs because a comfortable customer is good. Because you can customize these pillows with your logo and they are used regularly, the product is a long-lasting promotional item that connects care and comfort to your brand.
4.2. Hydration and Cooling Items
Top tip: Summer heat calls for staying hydrated and cool. This is the reason why some promotional items are more successful than others, and it would explain why cooling or hydration goods rank high on this list. Not only are they practical, but they offer a lot of branding real estate so your logo will be out there all summer!
- Reusable Water Bottles: Summer promos often include moldable water containers. They really do give you a great amount of space per item to place your logo; they are useful and environmentally friendly. A good quality water bottle that can keep their drink cold, either at the office or while exercising on a beach, will be greatly appreciated by your clients. Hell, throw in some fruit infusers or insulation with those bottles for extra value.
- Cooling Towels: For sporting events, outdoor gatherings, or just hot days in the sun, these bath towels are designed to last for hours and stay cool when in the presence of heat. Because when these towels have your logo stamped on them, you can bet they will identify your brand as something that is useful and comfortable. They become a customer favorite.
- Insulated Tote Bags: For outdoor get-togethers such as picnics and days on the beach, insulated tote bags are wonderful for keeping food or drinks chilled. Every time they are used would be an extra exposure for your brand, and you get to maximize them. Luckily, these bags are handy and eco-friendly as they can also be used for supermarket shopping.
- Branded Ice Packs: If you have an outdoor fan in the family or a brand-proud customer who wants to promote your products and solutions, large logo ice packs with customers’ own colors are more respectful than any other cheaper gifts. Use them as soft-sided coolers at outdoor barbecues, picnics, and sports events. They are great for perishable grocery shopping on the way home from the store. You can customize these with your brand logo. Since they are reusable, your brand will get noticed all the time.
- Portable Fans: You also have the option of taking foldable fans out on hot summer events. They are battery-operated, small, and easy to brand up. These fans are likely to be used a lot, so your brand is really going to get out there. If you would like to spice up your marketing item, consider offering a fan with the option for misting.
- Hydration Backpacks: Another excellent gift for customers who bicycle, hike, or otherwise spend time in the great outdoors. Hydrating while on the go is easy with these backpacks, which contain integrated water reservoirs. When people are out being active or adventurous, and you have your logo on that backpack, you can count on those straps!
4.3. Fun Beach Accessories
Beach accessories are another livelihood for guys considering summer and the beach go together. This makes your brand very visible, as they are often used in public places.
- Branded Beach Towels: A summer staple and a large branding as big advertisement benefit from branded beach towels. Most importantly, they are extremely powerful promotional literature as a result of being frequently used and visible to people. Choose beach towels with bright colors and the finest materials so that you can be more visible to them and they will use it frequently.
- Sunglasses: Another popular summertime freebie is custom sunglasses. They are trendy, practical, and customizable with your company colors and logo. And just think — your business will earn plenty of exposure because people wear sunglasses in public all the time. Consider providing UV-protective sunglasses to increase value and coincide with health-conscious branding.
- Sunscreen Packets: These are an excellent and thoughtful donation, since everyone needs sunscreen for summer outdoor activities. Stuff like small little sunscreen packets with your brand on them that you can give out to people at a store, beach, or event. You take care of your clients and advance your business by providing sun safety in SPF 30 or greater protection.
- Flip Flops: You can have branded flip-flops for consumers to wear around the home or at the beach, and that makes a fun promo too! Get your company logo printed on the straps or soles of these trendy sandals, which is a very arsenal way to keep up with branding.
- Beach Balls: These fun promotional products are perfect for outdoor fests, beach bashes, and summer soirees. Your brand will remind people that you are associated with fun and times of relaxation when they see your logo on these. They will likely also be shared with their friends and family, expanding your reach for the business.
- Waterproof Phone Cases: Waterproof phone cases are a must-have for all the beach lovers and outdoor junkies. These are practical and received well since they surround and protect our smartphones from water. Because when you have your logo on these cases, every time one of your clients goes out to the beach or swimming area, they will see your brand.
- Beach Umbrellas: With shade and sun protection, a useful branding tool. While they would be a more significant investment, their exposure abilities are unrivaled. This is great because a branded beach umbrella will stand out on the sand and everyone nearby can tell you have been there.
4.4. Essentials for Outdoor Events
Summertime is the perfect time for being outside. Providing participants with tangible swag is a great way to enhance the live experience while also increasing awareness around your brand.
- Portable Grills: For your clients who love to grill out and have barbecues, a portable grill is an excellent marketing giveaway. These small BBQs are great for occasions such as tailgating, camping, or picnics. You can brand these yourself. Yes, they are a little bit more pricey, but you receive longer brand exposure, and we all know how much everyone LOVES summer time, so your brand becomes associated with thriving in the outdoors.
- Picnic Blankets: Best used for outdoor events like going to the park, concerts, or festivals. They are handy, have plenty of room for branding, and you will most likely be using them a fair bit this summer. Consider supplying blankets with a waterproof back for more added use.
- Branded Coolers: Coolers are a practical promotional item; you need them to keep food and beverages chilled at outdoor events! There are a variety of options for every budget, from small lunch coolers to large ice chests. Not only does a branded cooler serve as functional swag, but it comes out of hibernation to show off your logo at all those summer outdoor events.
- Camping Gear: Tents, sleeping bags, and hammocks for all those companies or brands that address the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. All these products are often used multiple times, keeping your brand in high-visibility environments all the time. A little higher in cost since they are prone to getting used regularly and will last a longer time.
- Outdoor Games: Great for summertime celebrations and parties. Some include cornhole sets, frisbee sets, and paddleball sets. As they encourage fun and interaction, these games serve as impressive advertising materials. Having your branded logo on these games ensures that everyone associates those fun outdoor activities with you.
- Lights: Lanterns, flashlights (great for parties outdoors at night or camping trips). These items can easily be personalized with your logo and then used over again, so clients will constantly keep in mind that your brand is lighting up their spaces.
4.5. Summer Tech Gadgets
Gadgets are in high demand given today’s tech-savvy world. Digital advertising gadgets and promotional goods are in reality more suitable for sale due to the fact they each provide fun and function implementations.
- Earbuds: If you are always on the go, earbuds are a more electronic-based design and style. Dressing them with your company logo makes this freebie both spirited and visible. If you want to improve attractiveness, consider including features like waterproof earphones or an amplifier.
- Portable or Foldable Speakers: These are best suited for the summertime and all those fun activities like camping, picnicking in nature, and beach trips. This is a high-end product that customers will appreciate and most certainly use regularly, leaving your brand top of mind whenever they do so. Choose speakers that are made from premium materials and have Bluetooth capabilities to encourage use.
- Charging Cables: Summertime activities require charging cords to keep device batteries charged. These branded charging cables are super handy and easy to hand out, and they give your business regular exposure. Also, you may want to offer 2-in-1 cords that are able to charge multiple types of devices.
- Power Banks: During long days on the move, external battery packs are must-haves for keeping your devices charged. These chargers are small and can be used time after time, so use them often as a reliable handout to the client that associates your brand with reliability and usefulness. Offering power banks with solar charging is also a great environmentally friendly option.
- Smartphone Accessories: Although people own different models of smartphones, a lot of them will use phone grips or car mounts, and therefore you can simply stick your logo on them. As these products are typically used daily, there is a consistent brand view happening. Consider offering accessories that will work with a full range of devices if you want to reach bigger audiences.
- Fitness Trackers: These are very practical and thoughtful gifts your health-conscious clients will be ultra-thankful for. These wearable devices inspire users to be active by continually measuring things like heart rate, activity levels, and more. Simply brand these trackers with your logo, and customers will think of you whenever they map their progress.
Marketing and Distribution Strategies
After you decide which summer merchandise items to stock, the next thing is for you to distribute and market these wisely. Here are a few tips to help you make the best use of summer promotional items.
5.1. When and To What Extent Should a Campaign Be Done?
Timing is everything when you release and promote your summer lines. Start your promotions right before the beginning of the season to stand out ahead of the competition. In order to create a sense of urgency and salience, consider tying your promotions together with unique summer events, holidays, or occasions.
5.2. Social Media Engagement
Summer campaign promotion with social media is crucial. Leverage Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to display your products, run giveaways, and connect with followers. Have your customers take pictures with your products — it could be a photo of them holding their favorite product or wearing one, and you can repost these photos to get the word out.
5.3. Local Event Collaborations
Working with local summer events, like festivals, fairs, or charity runs, can be one of the best ways to get your promotional items out in public. Display your products as competitions and giveaways so that the audience reached is broad and relevant.
5.4. Creating Bundle Offers
Consider bundle offers as a way to make your merchandise appear more valuable and promote selling higher volumes. A Summer Essentials Pack might include items such as a branded water bottle, towel, and sunglasses together. It gives more incentive to the offer and helps in increasing brand exposure over multiple products.
Conclusion
In conclusion, summer merchandise provides small businesses with a distinct and impactful means to elevate brand recognition while entertaining customers and influencing sales. Choose wisely, and you will not only offer your customers a robust product selection during the summer season — but one that is also durable enough to last as more than just beachwear.
So, as you are mapping out your summer marketing strategy, choose products that accurately reflect who you are and what appeals to the people in your audience. With special products such as practical travel essentials, fun beach accessories, or any new tech gadgets, it simply comes down to having the right goods that will change everything about how your brand is seen.
Get your summer merchandise strategy in place now so you can take full advantage of everything the season has to offer. A great summer look can — with a little know-how and good taste, of course — make both your customers happy and grow your business.
