"In my opinion, what makes merch effective in 2025 isn’t the product itself. It’s the thought, the intention, the messaging behind it."
Most people start with what, a hoodie, a mug, a tote bag. But Savannah flips the script and starts with why. Before picking a single product, she asks brands: What message are you trying to send? What feeling do you want to create? Why are you doing this in the first place?
By focusing on the intention first, you avoid the mistake of slapping a logo on a random product and calling it a day.
Takeaway:
Great merch starts with a clear purpose.
If you don’t know why you’re making it, neither will the people receiving it. Start with the message, then find the right product to match. Not the other way around.
2️⃣. If It Feels Like an Afterthought, It Ends Up in the Trash
Savannah’s Take:
"Merch often falls low on the totem pole of Marketing priorities. That’s why so much of it ends up in the junk drawer."
When merch is treated as a last-minute box to check, it shows. Brands pick generic, low-quality items because it is the easy option. But if it doesn’t feel special, it won’t get used.
Savannah sees it all the time. Marketers make one-size-fits-all choices instead of thinking strategically about their audience, event, and brand identity.
Takeaway:
Merch without strategy = wasted budget.
Instead of picking the easiest or cheapest option, be intentional. Ask the right questions. Who is this for? What will make them actually want to keep it? If you are just picking something to "get something out there," don’t bother.
3️⃣. Your Merch is a Walking Billboard—Make It Count
Savannah’s Take:
"If you show up with low-quality merch, people will assume your brand is low quality too."
Merch is more than swag. It is an extension of your brand.
A flimsy tote bag or a cheap pen doesn’t just disappoint. It actively hurts your brand perception. On the flip side, high-quality, well-designed merch turns customers into brand ambassadors.
Savannah always tells brands to focus on one great product instead of trying to flood the market with a bunch of forgettable items.
Takeaway:
Merch is a brand touchpoint. Treat it like one.
Think of the best brands in the world. Their merch isn’t random. It feels premium, thoughtful, and aligned with their identity. Don’t settle for cheap and generic. Make something people are actually proud to wear or use.
4️⃣. Merch Should Feel Like a Gift, Not a Giveaway
Savannah’s Take:
"You can tell when a brand puts thought into their merch versus when they are just trying to check a box. The difference is whether people actually want to keep it."
Savannah has seen brands succeed when they treat merch like a premium experience, not a throwaway item. The best merch feels intentional, thoughtful, and aligned with the brand. Not just another piece of swag.
When people receive merch that feels high quality and well-designed, they are more likely to use it, wear it, and associate it with the brand in a positive way.
Takeaway:
Bad merch ends up in the trash. Great merch sticks around.
If you want people to keep and use your merch, it has to feel valuable, not just promotional. Instead of handing out the cheapest option, invest in something that actually reflects your brand.
5️⃣. Trendy is Temporary, Culture is Forever
Savannah’s Take:
"There’s a new merch trend every day. But the best brands don’t chase trends. They build culture."
Everyone wants to hop on the latest aesthetic—Y2K, vintage, quiet luxury. But if your merch is only trendy for a moment, it won’t have lasting impact.
Instead, Savannah encourages brands to think long-term. What inside jokes, values, or cultural markers make your brand special? That’s what should be reflected in your merch.
Takeaway:
Trends come and go. Culture sticks.
The best merch isn’t about what’s hot today. It’s about what represents your brand authentically. Find what makes your community tick and create around that, not just what’s trending on TikTok.
