Often in unpredictable times, it is a knee jerk reaction to cut the marketing budget; however, now is the best chance to get ahead of the competition and allow your brand to shine when everyone else is cutting back.
CASE STUDY
One of the most important case studies to illustrate this concept:
Kellogg Continued Its Marketing During the Great Depression
In the late nineteen-twenties, two companies—Kellogg and Post—dominated the market for packaged cereal. It was still a relatively new market: ready-to-eat cereal had been around for decades, but Americans didn’t see it as a real alternative to oatmeal or cream of wheat until the twenties. So, when the Depression hit, no one knew what would happen to consumer demand. Post did the predictable thing: it reined in expenses and cut back on advertising. But Kellogg doubled its ad budget, moved aggressively into radio advertising, and heavily pushed its new cereal, Rice Krispies. (Snap, Crackle, and Pop first appeared in the thirties.) By 1933, even as the economy cratered, Kellogg’s profits had risen almost thirty percent, and it had become what it remains today: the industry’s dominant player.
Consider These Additional Advantages of Branded Apparel.
1. Unify Your Team - Providing employees with branded apparel is a definite way to unite the team. Matching shirts offers everyone a sense of community and gives something in common for everyone to experience.
2. Inspire Interest in Your Company - When worn around town or in meetings, the eye-catching clothing spreads the brand message and increases awareness. The more times your target audience views your company, the more likely they will be to remember you.
3. Share Your Corporate Culture - Branded apparel includes all sorts of clothing types. It can easily demonstrate the corporate culture of your company. Whether it be polo or t-shirt, the right apparel can be found to match your brand message.
4. Provide Opportunity for Loyal Clients to Share - Apparel is an excellent way for satisfied clients to share their enthusiasm for your company. Branded clothing can be bought or gifted to others to demonstrate how much your business means to them.
5. Keep Your Employees Looking Uniform - A sharp and professional look often seen in the office with branded apparel can also be replicated with your virtual team. The cohesive atmosphere ensures your brand message is in every client interaction.
6. Make a Great Giveaway - Although more and more events are virtual these days, branded clothing is a great giveaway or gift to send before or after the event to promote excitement and increase engagement that will maximize your brand visibility.
