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Subscribe for weekly essays (& audio versions) on startup-related topics.
The first is on implementing an effective swag strategy!
Check it out below!
Now, a quick
on swag
https://startupsalad.substack.com/p/swag
, my newsletter about all things startups.Subscribe for weekly essays (& audio versions) on startup-related topics.
The first is on implementing an effective swag strategy!
Check it out below!
Now, a quick
on swag https://startupsalad.substack.com/p/swag
1/ Swag is one of the highest leverage growth mechanisms that your company can employ.
But an effective swag strategy is not implemented by accident.
Do it right, reap the rewards.
Do it wrong, pay dearly.
But an effective swag strategy is not implemented by accident.
Do it right, reap the rewards.
Do it wrong, pay dearly.
2/ So what does an effective swag strategy look like?
It’s a recipe with three critical ingredients:
beauty,
durability,
distribution.
It’s a recipe with three critical ingredients:
beauty,
durability,
distribution.
3/ Ingredient #1: beauty.
Beautiful swag is necessary, because you need your customers and employees to actually want to wear/use your swag.
Swag becomes a billboard.
And swag that never leaves the house is a waste of time and money.
Beautiful swag is necessary, because you need your customers and employees to actually want to wear/use your swag.
Swag becomes a billboard.
And swag that never leaves the house is a waste of time and money.
4/ Ingredient #2: durability.
The #1 mistake that startups make when using t-shirts as a marketing tool is buying crappy t-shirts, according to @girdley
Swag is a long-term investment in a billboard. When done right, swag can last decades.
Crappy t-shirts = crappy billboard.
The #1 mistake that startups make when using t-shirts as a marketing tool is buying crappy t-shirts, according to @girdley
Swag is a long-term investment in a billboard. When done right, swag can last decades.
Crappy t-shirts = crappy billboard.
5/ Ingredient #3: distribution.
Your swag is useless if it isn’t in the hands of the people for whom you made it.
There are 3 proven distribution methods:
$Free.99
At-Cost or Less
Exclusivity
Your swag is useless if it isn’t in the hands of the people for whom you made it.
There are 3 proven distribution methods:
$Free.99
At-Cost or Less
Exclusivity
6/ $Free.99 simply involves giving your swag away for free.
@public and @getcommande have both gifted me with swag that I greatly appreciate. I love to have the opportunity to tell my friends about companies I love.
Thanks, @tauebel & @katieeperry!
Check me out in my swag
@public and @getcommande have both gifted me with swag that I greatly appreciate. I love to have the opportunity to tell my friends about companies I love.
Thanks, @tauebel & @katieeperry!
Check me out in my swag
7/ At-Cost or Less involves selling swag at-cost or less (DUH).
@ShrugCap combines this method with the $Free.99 method exceptionally well. You can buy their swag (like their famous tweets calendar) but they also give swag away for free, creating hype! Big Shrug fan over here.
@ShrugCap combines this method with the $Free.99 method exceptionally well. You can buy their swag (like their famous tweets calendar) but they also give swag away for free, creating hype! Big Shrug fan over here.
8/ Exclusivity involves attaching status to swag.
When you can't buy swag, having swag becomes a status symbol.
@Public does this well with their INVEST hat, encouraging people to participate in the community to earn a hat. It's a brilliant initiative.
When you can't buy swag, having swag becomes a status symbol.
@Public does this well with their INVEST hat, encouraging people to participate in the community to earn a hat. It's a brilliant initiative.
9/ @MorningBrew & @businessbarista also used the exclusivity distribution method flawlessly with their branded Joggers initiative.
The joggers were limited edition, and they incentivized 8,000 people to refer 5 people each. Talk about a successful swag campaign!
The joggers were limited edition, and they incentivized 8,000 people to refer 5 people each. Talk about a successful swag campaign!
10/ Now, that you understand the recipe for an effective swag strategy, consider checking out some swag enablement companies, like @swaguphq, @promotewithswag, and @Printful. You don't have to do swag all by yourself!
11/ My personal favorite is @swaguphq. I think @MichaelMartocci has a real understanding of the power of swag and creates absolutely beautiful swag.
SwagUp also helps you automate the process, taking tons of stress off of your plate. Check them out!
SwagUp also helps you automate the process, taking tons of stress off of your plate. Check them out!
12/ So, if you’ve caught the itch, it’s time to get to work. Here are some next steps for you!
1. GET DESIGNING.
2. FIND A DISTRIBUTION MECHANISM.
3. PLAN YOUR APPROACH - DON’T WASTE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD HYPE.
4. START SWAGGIN’.
1. GET DESIGNING.
2. FIND A DISTRIBUTION MECHANISM.
3. PLAN YOUR APPROACH - DON’T WASTE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD HYPE.
4. START SWAGGIN’.
13/13 Thanks for reading! hope you enjoyed it.
If you have questions/comments, dm me! would love to chat!
Also, thanks to @packyM, @katieeperry, and @MichaelMartocci for taking the time to comment on the essay!
And thanks to @Taylor_C_Bailey for reading all 5,00 words!
If you have questions/comments, dm me! would love to chat!
Also, thanks to @packyM, @katieeperry, and @MichaelMartocci for taking the time to comment on the essay!
And thanks to @Taylor_C_Bailey for reading all 5,00 words!
