From Trends to Touchpoints: Making Branded Merch Work Smarter

February 5, 2026

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).

Keep Your Brand Top of Mind

Everyday, functional products keep your brand visible long after a campaign ends. Think tech accessories, drinkware, or hybrid work gear that people reach for again and again. When design and function work together, your brand feels elevated and consistent. PPAI’s Consumer Study found that 63% of consumers keep a promotional product for more than a year, creating long-term visibility and recall (PPAI Consumer Study, 2025).

Build Buzz and Engagement

Merch can make campaigns, events, and launches more memorable. Bold, shareable items or limited-edition designs spark conversation and encourage social sharing. Pre-event mailers or post-event thank-you kits extend engagement, keeping your brand top of mind while creating excitement.

Strengthen Culture and Community

Products can help people feel like they belong. Onboarding kits, volunteer gifts, or values-driven merch show appreciation, celebrate milestones, and reinforce your organization’s culture. When employees or customers feel connected, they become advocates who share your story.


When branded merchandise is part of your strategy, it stops being a line item and becomes a true growth driver. Explore the From Trend to Touchpoint catalog and start turning products into meaningful brand moments.

Insert Catalogue Link Here

Top New Promo Items from PPAI: Matt & Chelsea’s Favorite Finds

February 4, 2026
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.

Preparing for expo and trade show season without the stress

February 4, 2026
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.

Rebranding with Purpose: Our Work with Cummings Property Management

January 19, 2026
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.
Closeup of gray sweatshirt with embossed script text reading Las Vegas

Embossed Apparel Is Finally Within Reach

By Angela Hanners • January 8, 2026
A modern decoration method with low minimums and major impact

From Ecommerce to Engineered Solutions: Our Work with Benecor

By Chelsea Mills • January 7, 2026
At Behind Your Design, we enjoy working with companies that are clear on who they are and ready to make sure their marketing reflects it. Benecor was a great example of this. Benecor is a national, family-owned systems integrator that works with Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers across multiple industries. Their previous website leaned heavily toward an ecommerce experience, but it did not fully communicate what truly sets them apart: custom-engineered fueling and storage solutions designed around each customer’s operation. Our objective was to shift Benecor’s brand and website from a product-first approach to one that clearly highlights their engineering expertise, problem-solving process, and long-term partnerships. 

Adding a personalized touch to Joan's 70th Birthday

January 7, 2026
Behind Your Design was honored to collaborate with Gerych’s Flowers & Events on a stunning 70th birthday celebration that blended elevated design with deeply personal touches. Hosted at the chic and modern MAD NICE , this event was a beautiful example of how the right details can transform a milestone birthday into an unforgettable experience. This celebration came together thanks to an incredible group of collaborators: Floral & Event Design: Alexis Gerych, Kristen Sims, Jon Gerych Rentals: Gerych’s Flowers & Events Lighting & AV: Band Ayd Venue: MAD NICE Cake: Frost This by Amy Adams-Means Signage & Accessories: Behind Your Design Photography: Emily Engler The Power of Personalized Details Behind Your Design created several custom pieces for the event, each designed to feel intentional, meaningful, and seamlessly integrated into the overall aesthetic. These details played a big role in making the celebration feel one-of-a-kind.
Show More