When the business startup market is active and crowded, cutting through the noise becomes a struggle. In the post-pandemic boom, venture capital is flowing and new businesses forming everywhere, thus making it more challenging for young companies and brands to grab attention and build recognition. A smart way to handle this challenge is through the strategic use of promotional apparel.

The rebound of business activity across the United States after the COVID-19 pandemic has been substantial. According to a data analysis conducted by Crunchbase in 2023, the pace of venture funding worldwide increased to $73 billion in Q3, thus representing a quarterly increase and annual stability. Another report published by the Center for American Progress in March 2024 shows the number of startups reaching volumes 16% higher than during the months before the pandemic was declared in 2020.

With the above in mind, let’s take a look at how promotional apparel can be a game-changer for startups in a booming and crowded market:

Promotional Apparel and the Walking Billboard Effect

Whoever wears promotional garments becomes an advertiser for your startup. Some people even go on to become brand ambassadors just by wearing custom logo caps, embroidered patches, t-shirts, and other promotional apparel pieces. Getting your logos, slogans, and taglines seen in the real world as opposed to only keeping them online can provide your startup venture with a constant stream of brand impressions, thus building recognition and sparking conversations. This is known as the “walking billboard effect,” which has been effective in marketing since the early 19th century.

People who wear the branded apparel of your startup become walking advertisements themselves, but not like someone walking around with a sandwich board outside of a brick-and-mortar establishment. There’s an almost reflexive perception of brand support when we see a nice fitted baseball cap or a stylish t-shirt promoting a startup business; when the graphics, lettering, or embroidery get our attention, many of us will seek to learn more about what they represent.

Employee Engagement Through Promotional Apparel

Providing branded apparel to your team can boost morale and create a more cohesive work environment, both important aspects of doing business as a startup. When employees and associates feel good about representing the new venture they are helping to develop, they are more likely to be enthusiastic and feel like brand ambassadors. If your staff is organized into work teams, think about ordering more than one design version of your promotional garments to mix things up.

Telling Startup Stories And Providing Conversation Starters

Instead of seeing promotional apparel as just a logo slapped on a shirt, think about it as a canvas that can be used to tell a brand story. The startup phase is the time to get creative with designs, impactful slogans, or even QR codes that link to your website. If someone sees your designs with an eye for curiosity, you will know that the promotional apparel is working. You have a good opportunity to engage potential customers on a deeper level and leave a lasting impression with promotional apparel; be sure to take advantage of it.

Published by: Holy Minoza