Think Outside of The Box – SWAG to Spark Ideas
A year in review: Unique SWAG that dared to be different in 2018
In a world full of options, it can be difficult to find the best business or service for the best price. That’s why companies are always battling against other competitors to be the go-to company for customers. Whether it’s shoes, apparel, IT, consulting, or even food, chances are there’s a brand that comes to mind first for each category. The question is: “Why do you pick these particular brands?”
Well, it’s a combination of things that make this brand come to mind first, but ultimately it is the marketing! You have to stand out in your customer / potential customers mind! Let’s face it, that’s hard to do with the average attention span falling to 8 seconds in adults! Perspective: A goldfish has a 9 second attention span. So sometimes you need to be a little radical/extravagant, it’s what makes you unique, it’s what makes you stand out in the minds of others.
With that said, here are a few marketing campaigns from 2018 using SWAG that dared to be different and thought outside of the box. Take a look, maybe it will spark some new ideas using SWAG to make you stand out!
# 1 Taco Bell’s Ugly Christmas Sweaters
From ugly Christmas sweater parties to friendly best sweater competitions in the office, everyone gets a kick out of these festive sweatshirts. You can find ones that light up, sing your favorite holiday tune, or sparkle like the star on top of your tree. However, popular companies like Taco Bell are taking the world by storm with their own custom sweaters. They were released around the beginning of December, but unfortunately, they sold out faster than you can say “Chalupa.”
Take a look at these spec-taco-lar sweaters:
# 2 Adidas’s Vending Machines
As long as none of your items get stuck, vending machines are pretty great. Sure, they can be a little pricey, but that’s why a FREE vending machine that distributes promotional gear is downright genius. Adidas decided to kick off the 2018 World Series between the L.A. Dodgers and Boston Red Sox by placing two “Create a Splash” vending machines in both major cities. Fans went crazy over the chance to win free baseball gear you couldn’t get anywhere else.
The whole thing was an experience, with promotional products front and center. If you’re reading this, you already know how effective that is!
This is incredibly cool! The way the machines update and dispense branded gear in real time adds an interactive element that generates ongoing buzz and keeps fans coming back to see what’s new. The enormous touch screen and slick, colorful cabinet design are like magnets for the target audience, generations of sports fans raised on Chuck E. Cheese’s and, now, Instagram. Most importantly, there’s a baseball-playing hot dog on the side of the machine.
# 3 Hidden Valley’s Inflatable Yard Décor
When you love something, you like to show it off, right? That’s exactly what Hidden Valley had in mind when they re-launced their online store, which included a ton of ranch-inspired merchandise to meet your creamy-buttermilk-loving needs. Of course, how could your holidays be complete without a 6.5-foot inflatable ranch bottle in your yard next to Frosty the Snowman? I’m willing to bet Frosty loves ranch just as much as everybody else. After all, what goes better with carrots other than ranch?
However, most people either love ranch on everything or hate it with a passion. If you love ranch as much as I do, you know paying an extra 60 cents for it on the side is 100% worth it. Well, now you can be extra too with a giant, inflatable ranch bottle. And you don’t have to stop there! Aside from their amazing yard décor, Hidden Valley also has ranch-themed ornaments, wrapping paper, earrings, apparel, and a “star” for the top of your tree. Hidden Valley definitely knew what they were doing when they were coming up with trendy ideas to combine the holiday season with their brand.
# 4 KFC’s Pool Floats & Honey Bears
Have you ever thought about relaxing in the pool on a hot summer day with a bucket of fried chicken? Me neither, but KFC certainly has with their Colonel Sanders pool float. As if that wasn’t enough, KFC also released a chance for people to “adopt” a honey bear dressed as Colonel Sanders to help promote their new Hot Honey flavor. Both giveaways received a lot of chatter and everyone wanted to get their hands on these exclusive freebies.
# 5 McDonald’s PopSockets®
Nothing’s better than getting your favorite foods delivered right to your door (or office), especially when you get free branded swag too! McDonald’s teamed up with Uber Eats and kicked off the partnership with some McAwesome giveaways. For a limited time, customers could receive McDonald’s branded items like a Bic Mac PopSocket® with their food order.
The joining of 3 successful companies was sure to be a big hit. Not only is McDonald’s one of the leading fast food chains worldwide, but Uber Eats and PopSockets® are two newer companies that emerged within the last few years. We live in a world that’s dominated by technology, strong work ethics, and not enough time in the day. Any collaboration that incorporates a useful promo, delicious food, and the convenience of delivery should be recognized and appreciated by all.
