Kettering University Pins and Cord Keepers
October 16, 2023
Kettering allowed us the opportunity to make lapel pins and cord keepers to use as gifts for their students and staff. These are very popular because they show affiliation with the university. The pins and cord keepers symbolize achievement and belonging, and they are very stylish. It makes a statement to others to show that you are a part of something that is worthy to be shown to people. Here at BYD, we offer branded swag to help attract the best candidates to your business.
Corporate swag, also known as promotional products or branded merchandise, can offer several benefits for businesses as part of their marketing and branding efforts. However, it also comes with some challenges. Here's an overview of the benefits and challenges of corporate swag:
Benefits:
- Brand Awareness: Corporate swag can increase brand visibility and recognition. When people use or wear items with your company's logo, it acts as a constant advertisement.
- Customer Loyalty: Giving away branded merchandise to customers or clients can foster a sense of appreciation and loyalty. It can make customers feel valued and more likely to return or recommend your business.
- Employee Morale: Providing employees with branded swag can boost morale and create a sense of belonging. It can also serve as a tangible reminder of their association with the company.
- Trade Shows and Events: Branded items are popular giveaways at trade shows and events. They can attract visitors to your booth and serve as reminders of your company after the event.
- Lead Generation: Swag items can be used as incentives for lead generation. For example, offering a free promotional item in exchange for contact information can help build your marketing database.
- Cost-Effective Marketing: Compared to some other marketing strategies, corporate swag can be cost-effective, especially when ordered in bulk.
- Tangible Marketing: Swag provides a tangible way to connect with your audience. People often retain and use branded items, extending the lifespan of your marketing efforts.
Challenges:
- Costs: While corporate swag can be cost-effective when done right, it can also become expensive, especially if you invest in high-quality or custom items. Budget constraints can be a challenge.
- Waste: Swag items that aren't well-received or are of low quality can lead to waste. They might end up in the trash, and this can have negative environmental implications.
- Effectiveness: The effectiveness of swag can vary widely depending on the type of items you choose and how they align with your target audience's preferences. It's essential to select items that resonate with your audience.
- Storage and Distribution: Managing and storing a stockpile of swag items, as well as distributing them to the right people at the right time, can be logistically challenging, especially for large organizations.
- Competition: Many businesses use corporate swag, so standing out in a sea of branded merchandise can be difficult. To be effective, your swag needs to be unique and memorable.
- ROI Measurement: It can be challenging to measure the return on investment (ROI) of corporate swag. Determining whether the cost of producing and distributing swag results in tangible benefits can be elusive.
- Sustainability Concerns: With growing environmental awareness, there's a greater emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly promotional products. Using non-environmentally friendly swag can generate negative perceptions.
In summary, corporate swag can be a valuable tool for marketing and branding efforts, but it should be approached strategically. Careful consideration of the type of items, their quality, and their alignment with your target audience is crucial. Additionally, managing costs, waste, and sustainability concerns should be part of your swag strategy to ensure its effectiveness.
If you're interested in this product for your business and/or event contact us at (810) 373-9293 or www.behindyourdesign.com/contact
Canvas totes are having a moment. Thanks to Trader Joe's, what started as a simple grocery bagsare now widely recognized as stylish, everyday accessories that businesses are using to increase brand visibility. As Forbes notes, Trader Joe’s tote bags have become “an unlikely status symbol,” driven by scarcity, cultural cachet, and social signaling. Outside the U.S., owning one suggests access, travel, and a certain worldview, proving that “the object accrues value through scarcity.” That same psychology makes these bags especially effective as promotional products. Why we are paying attention and your brand should too: Canvas tote bags tap into perceived exclusivity Limited-feeling, small-format canvas totes come across as intentional and collectible, creating perceived value without a luxury price tag. Canvas totes act as social signals, not just swag A well-designed tote aligns your brand with style and lifestyle, not giveaways people forget at the bottom of a drawer. Their size encourages daily use Perfect for phones, wallets, keys, and small essentials, mini totes are easy to grab for errands, lunch runs, events, or travel. Canvas totes feel premium and practical Durable canvas, reinforced bases, sturdy handles, front stash pockets, and modern color options give these bags a retail-quality look. They align with modern brand values Reusable, PVC-free, and built to last, canvas totes naturally support sustainability and thoughtful branding. Mini canvas totes blend trend-driven psychology with everyday function. They give brands a stylish, affordable way to stay visible wherever life happens. At Behind Your Design , we believe the best promotional products are the ones people actually want to use. Mini canvas totes check every box: on-trend, functional, and easy to customize in a way that feels intentional, not overbranded. Whether you’re planning an event, creating client gifts, or building branded merchandise, we help you turn a simple bag into a lasting brand impression that shows up in everyday life.
Umbrellas may not be the first item that comes to mind for promotions, but they deliver impressive value when it comes to visibility, usefulness, and longevity. More than just rain gear, umbrellas offer year-round protection and everyday practicality, making them a promotional item people actually keep and use. Why umbrellas work as promotional items: Year-round usefulness – Provide rain coverage and help block harmful UV rays, adding a health-conscious benefit. High brand visibility – Large canopies create prime space for logos and messaging that can be seen from a distance. Repeated exposure – Stored in cars, offices, and bags, umbrellas are reused often, extending brand impressions. Wide audience appeal – Practical for all ages and lifestyles, making them ideal for diverse audiences. Long lifespan – Quality umbrellas can last for years, continuing to promote your brand long after distribution. Strong return on investment – Durable, useful items outperform smaller or disposable promotional products. Whether you go traditional or try something a little more fun, umbrellas remain a smart way to keep your brand visible rain or shine.
Branded merchandise is more than a giveaway. When used strategically, it becomes a marketing tool that builds visibility, connection, and loyalty. According to PPAI Research, 83% of business leaders say branded merchandise improves brand recall and campaign performance (PPAI Research, 2025). The key is thinking beyond the logo and choosing products people will actually use. Make Recognition Matter Recognition is one of the simplest ways to strengthen relationships. The best gifts are practical, high-quality, and thoughtfully timed. Apparel, lifestyle items, or accessories paired with custom details or packaging become keepsakes, not throwaways. Tying gifts to milestones like promotions or anniversaries helps reinforce your brand story. Companies with strong recognition programs see 31% lower turnover and 12 times higher engagement (Gallup Workplace Report, 2025).
Matt and I traveled to Las Vegas last month to the PPAI Show where our suppliers and manufacturers from around the world come to showcase their new and current products, educate us on trends for the upcoming year and learn more about what we are hearing is important to you, our customers. We will be featuring these products we saw and more over the next couple months in our newsletters and on our social media channels. If you'd like to schedule a time to come in and check out all the samples we brought home, just let us know! We'd love to show you what we found.
Expo and trade show season is an exciting time for many businesses. It is your chance to show up in person, meet potential customers, and put your brand front and center. It can also feel overwhelming when you start thinking about everything that needs to be done. From booth design and signage to giveaways and marketing materials, there are a lot of moving parts. That is where planning ahead and having the right support can make all the difference. Behind Your Design works with businesses every year to help make expo season easier and more successful. Start with clear goals Before anything is designed or ordered, it helps to define what you want to get out of the show. Are you focused on generating leads, building brand awareness, launching something new, or making connections? Behind Your Design helps clients walk through these questions, because your goals should help guide every decision. When your goals are clear, it becomes much easier to determine what your booth should look like, what materials you need, and what giveaways will make the most sense.
Some projects mean a little more than others. Cummings Property Management is one of those. We’ve been working with the Cummings team for nearly 15 years, and our relationship goes back even further. We’ve known the family since high school, so this rebrand wasn’t just another project. When they reached out about updating their logo and website, we knew how important it was to do it the right way. Cummings Property Management has been serving community associations since 1977. What started in the Flint and Genesee County area has grown into a company that now manages more than 130 communities across mid-Michigan. Over the years, the company has evolved, but their brand hadn’t quite caught up with who they are today. The goal of this refresh wasn’t to change who they are. It was to better reflect their experience, professionalism, and commitment to communication and education. We started with a clean, modern logo that still feels timeless, followed by a new website designed to be clear, easy to navigate, and useful for boards, homeowners, and prospective clients. The site supports their focus on education and communication while presenting a professional, approachable look. We’re really proud of how this project came together. The new logo and website feel like a true reflection of Cummings Property Management and position them well for what’s next. Even better, it’s always a win getting to work with people you’ve known and trusted for so long.