Picture this: your beloved cup. Next, add a logo. You can’t help but think of that person every time you take a sip of coffee now. There’s a reason for that. That one second of fame is money in the pockets of thousands of corporate merchandise brands. The water bottles, pencils, t-shirts, and tote bags all have a secret trick up their sleeve. “Spreading awareness” is what most people assume it’s all about. The explanation is more profound.

We can sketch it out quickly. Imagine a convention center. Free freebies everywhere, booths lined up. The one handing away weak pens or the one handing out thick hoodies and insulated tumblers is the one you should approach. Like bees to honey, people go crazy for the nice stuff. Having the correct merchandise is more than just a kind deed; it attracts customers.

Now for the exciting part: Products become a company’s name ingrained in your mind every time you use them. Ever taken out a free notebook and, out of nowhere, someone’s branding appeared? More so than with any social media campaign, that repetition sets roots. All of a sudden, you associate positive emotions with that brand just because they provided you with a useful device. Complex, isn’t it?

Take this all in: a stylish jacket or water bottle is considered priceless by most people. They’ll use it on park benches, in the gym, and at the office. These people are becoming walking, talking advertisements. Their pals notice and wonder. Like wildfire at a backyard cookout, word about the brand spreads quickly.

Companies can be cunning and overly practical at times. Consider portable chargers or stands for your phone. That’s not kindness; that’s planning. Things like that get utilized and seen a lot. The business card you stashed away all of a sudden? It’s printed on your power bank and it’s active.

Would you like to hear anything crazy? Though they were strapped for cash, several of the most rapidly expanding firms dove headfirst into merchandise. Why? Tangible stuff remains. Online advertisements? Suddenly vanished. That cozy sweatshirt, though? That forms a strong bond.

Nothing is more important than quality. Frugal plastic is not an option. Choose things that people are proud of. Repeat business is generated in this way. Even if someone says it’s just for high expenditures, don’t trust them. Connecting with small batches, unique slogans, and local pop culture can be more effective than with mass-produced items.

One helpful hint: Start by tapping on staff. Think you know what to do if your squad is very into its branded apparel? They plan to wear it casually outside of work. Genuine exposure is equal to a proud staff. A natural product. This is real. Better than sending out a mass email with a discount code.

Those “tiny commercials” that you see in your daily life are the key. A company’s favorite cap may potentially generate more buzz than a multimillion-dollar billboard. That is the major secret that brands would prefer to remain hidden. But now it belongs to you.