8 Ways to Integrate “Experience” Using Branded Products

As market demand continues to evolve, promotional professionals are constantly pushed to cut through the noise, and ultimately, create more value for customers. We talk often of ROI – Return on Investment, but often neglect its more nuanced sister: ROX – Return on Experience. ROX considers a multitude of often intangible metrics (like user interaction, engagement, conversion) and can provide a more holistic understanding of impact. 

So, let’s talk about it in the context of branding, merch and print. Ultimately, experience is an emotional response, memorable action or prolonged connection to a tangible item. Here are some approachable elements to enrich experience:

1. Custom packaging - With so much real estate and customization options, you can incorporate clear messaging and vivid visuals to evoke intended emotions and actions. 

2. Product collections - Themed kitting projects have a way of transporting the recipient to an intended time, place and vibe. Choose products that “speak” to each other from a practical and aesthetic perspective and are diverse in category and perceived value. 

3. Custom print - Bring your messaging full circle by adding custom stickers, brochures, insert cards and other printed items to add depth and additional storytelling. Elevate it further by adding luxurious touches like foil stamping, matte finishing and die cuts. 

4. Social media campaigns - Don’t just sell the product. Create a call-to-action that amplifies the exposure and messaging. Help customers build the rule set, hashtags, and potential prizes for involvement/winners. So often, there can be challenges in tracking true ROI with product alone, but social stats via posts, shares, comments and likes can provide clear-cut insights. 

5. Cross media marketing - Did you know, the average consumer needs to hear a message 7 times before taking action? Hit them with different channels. Mix in direct mail, email marketing, social media, product drops, and any other means to reach them over several weeks or months. 

6. Intentional exclusivity - Creating positive FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) can be extremely valuable. Create limited edition t-shirts, tumblers, bags, etc. Design a line with planned scarcity. In many ways, it feels counterintuitive, but with the proper approach can create a sought-after buzz in the absence of product. This also creates an opportunity to control the sell price if the demand is high enough. 

7. Food gifts - Food taps into all the senses, most importantly, taste and smell since they’re so tied to memory. Be sure to approach for long and short term, so pair the edible item with another product that has a longer life. You can also take it the extra mile with a virtual or in-person tasting experience. 

8. Games and activities - This is such a simple way to enhance the experience at events, teambuilding or parties. Adding branded cornhole, Jenga and other playful products will add branding and fun to any initiative. Products like coloring books and puzzles are great options in-home as well. 

Customers will continue to seek more from us. To stay on top, we must deliver in ways that may push us outside our comfort zone. Thankfully, we have endless inspiration and support through supply chain partners, thought leaders and industry resources to accomplish more multi-dimensional print and promotional solutions that will continue to drive us forward.