Branded Merchandise 101: Everything You Need To Know To Get Started

Table Of Contents

• Create A Unique Logo For Your Brand
• How to Use the Merchandise Editor on LOGO.com
• 7 Branded Merchandise Options for Your Business
• Best Practices for Designing Branded Merchandise
• Merchandise Ideas for Specific Industries
• Create Branded Merchandise for Your Business Today

Have you been daydreaming about creating branded merchandise for your business but not sure how easy it could be?

Well, it’s time to stop dreaming and start creating! With LOGO.com’s super simple merchandise editor, designing custom products has never been easier.

This guide will take you step by step through the entire process of creating and customizing branded merchandise. Whether you’re thinking about T-shirts, hats, or even mugs, you’ll be ready to design products your customers will love—all featuring your brand’s logo!

Let’s get started!

Create A Unique Logo For Your Brand

Before you can start designing branded merchandise for your business, you’ll need a unique logo. If you don’t already have one, don’t worry—LOGO.com makes creating one super simple.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Visit LOGO.com

Head over to our Logo Maker. Then type in your business name, and if you have a catchy slogan for your business, you can add that too.

Next, enter some basic details about your business, like the industry you’re in and keywords that describe your business. LOGO.com will use this info to generate logo designs that fit your brand.

3. Choose Your Style

You’ll be guided through several design styles. Choose a style that best represents your business. Are you looking for something bold, modern, or minimalist? Take your pick from the options provided.

4. Customize Your Logo

Once you’ve chosen a base design, you can start customizing it.

You can change the fonts, colors, icons, and layouts to fit your brand’s personality. Whether you want something fun or professional, the logo maker gives you the tools to create exactly what you need.

5. Save and Download

When you’re happy with your design, you can save and download your new logo. Your logo will also be added to your brand guidelines, where you can find your brand colors, fonts, and different variations of your logo.

Now, you’re ready to move on to creating your branded merchandise!

How to Use the Merchandise Editor on LOGO.com

Now that you’ve got your logo, it’s time to put it on some products. The LOGO.com merchandise editor makes it easy to design custom items for your business.

Let’s walk through the process:

Sign In and Head to the Merchandise Section

First things first, log into your LOGO.com account.

Once you’re in, click on the ‘Marketing’ tab at the top of the dashboard. This will give you some options for types of marketing materials you can create.

Click on the ‘Merchandise’ option, and you'll be taken to a webpage full of merchandise options for you to choose from.

Pick Your Product

Now comes the fun part—choosing what type of product you want to design for your business.

Let’s say you want to start with designing a hat.

Click on the hat you like, and you’ll get options to pick the color. Now, different products will give you more or less options of colors to choose from. Just be sure that the color of the merchandise will complement your business logo.

Start Designing Your Merchandise

Hit the ‘Start Designing’ button, and your logo will automatically appear on the product. If you want different variations of your logo, simply go to your dashboard, download your logo files, and upload them into the editor.

You can resize your logo, but keep in mind that you need to stay within the design area so the print or embroidery will look great. We made this easy for you to do by providing guidelines to help!

Want your logo on the back of the hat? No problem!

You can place it wherever you like as long as it stays within the printable area. You’ve got flexibility here, so get creative!

Want to design a T-shirt? It’s super easy to do!

Pick a T-shirt color, and your logo will appear on the front and center. Resize and adjust it within the printable area. If you want to add your logo to the back or the sleeves, you can do that, too! Our merchandise tool gives you a ton of design flexibility to make sure your merchandise is just as unique as your business is.

You can also choose sizes, ranging from extra-small to 5XL, and select as many as you need for your customers or team members.

Add Text or Clip Art

If you want to add extra elements to your design, you can throw in some text or clip art.

There are plenty of options to choose from. Just remember, certain products may limit how much you can tweak things like text font and which clip art is available.

Switch Product Colors (If Available)

Not sure if the color complements your logo? Some products let you change the color as you design.

For example, if you choose to design a stainless steel tumbler, you can change the fill color. A white tumbler can be changed to red, indigo, sage, or any other color you can think of! Just be sure that the color options you choose go with your brand to maintain your brand identity.

If you need help with making sure you have cohesive branding, you can go into your LOGO.com dashboard and view your brand guidelines.

This will show you the correct (and incorrect) way to use your logo.

Use Special Features

Some products, like tumblers, have extra design options. You can even create patterns with your logo!

Just use the pattern tool to change the spacing and style—whether it's block style, half-drop, or vertical, it’s all up to you.

Preview Your Design with Mockups

Curious to see what your design will look like? Click on the ‘Mockup’ button, and you’ll get a preview of your product.

Different merchandise will have different mockups available for you to view. These mockups are designed to look as real as possible, so you’ll have a great idea of how your merchandise will look in real life.

Marketing Tip: Build Excitement for Your Merchandise

Want to get people excited about your new branded merch?

One easy way to create buzz is by posting a mockup photo of your product before it’s available, and mockups are a great way to give your audience a sneak peek and build anticipation.

Here’s a simple strategy you can use: share one of your mockup images on social media with a fun caption like, “Something new is coming soon! Who’s excited for the new merch drop?”

You can make it even more engaging by adding a preorder link so your followers can be the first to grab your new merchandise.

Doing this can create excitement and help you gauge interest in the products you choose to use for your business’s merchandise. Plus, offering preorders gives you an early sales boost and makes your customers feel like they’re getting something exclusive.

Just remember to include a clear call-to-action like, “Preorder now to get yours first!” to encourage people to act fast.

Finish and Checkout

Once you’re happy with your design, click ‘Add to Cart’, and when you're ready, you can place your order by clicking on ‘Checkout’ and putting in your order information.

And that’s it! You’ve just created branded merchandise for your business. Whether you’re designing hats, T-shirts, or tumblers, LOGO.com makes it easy to create high-quality, custom products that reflect your brand perfectly.

If you want to add more items, you can simply go back and create more merchandise, then check out when you’re ready.

7 Branded Merchandise Options for Your Business

Simple (and Loved) Merchandise Ideas to Get You Started

If you’re just getting started with branded merchandise, it’s a good idea to focus on tried-and-true products that customers already know and love.

Here are four ideas to get you started:

1. Clothing (Men’s, Women’s, Kids)

Custom apparel (also known as clothing) is a classic choice for promoting your brand.

T-shirts, hoodies, and jackets are items people love to wear, making them perfect for giveaways or selling in your store. By offering a range of sizes for men, women, and kids, you’ll have something for everyone.

Pro Tip: Choose high-quality, comfortable fabrics so that customers will enjoy wearing your branded clothing. The better the quality, the more likely they are to wear it regularly, giving your brand more exposure.

2. Mugs and Tumblers

Who doesn’t love a good coffee mug or travel tumbler? These items are used daily by many people, whether for their morning coffee or staying hydrated on the go, making them perfect for branded merchandise.

Branded mugs and tumblers offer your business constant exposure as customers take them to work, school, or even on road trips.

3. Tote Bags

Tote bags are both practical and eco-friendly, which adds extra value for your customers. Whether used for shopping or everyday tasks, a branded tote bag gets your business name out there.

4. Business Cards

Branded business cards are a must for any business owner, and they’re a great way to keep your brand top of mind. A clean, professional business card with your logo leaves a lasting impression.

Popular Branded Merchandise Choices

When it comes to promoting your brand, choosing the right merchandise can make a big difference in how your business is seen.

The key is to pick items that are useful, fit your business, and resonate with your customers.

Here are three popular options you can customize with your logo:

1. Tech Accessories

With everyone constantly on their devices, branded tech accessories are a great way to keep your business front and center in your customers’ lives.

Here are a few you can choose from on LOGO.com:

Cellphone Cases: People carry their phones with them everywhere, so why not give your business a boost in visibility?

AirPod Cases: Custom AirPod cases offer another way to get your brand seen while providing a useful accessory for customers.

Mouse Pads (Gaming and Regular): If your customers are particularly tech-savvy or gamers, branded mouse pads are the way to go. They’re functional items that will definitely get daily use.

2. Hats

Custom hats are a popular and practical item that customers love because they’re not only stylish but also useful in everyday life.

Whether it’s a classic baseball cap, a cozy beanie, or a trendy snapback, hats are versatile accessories that suit a wide range of audiences. This makes them a great choice for branded merchandise. Plus, hats offer year-round appeal—they're great for sunny days or chilly weather, making them a product that stays in rotation.

3. Stickers

Stickers are a fun, low-cost way to spread your brand and engage your customers. Whether they’re stuck on laptops, water bottles, notebooks, or even cars, stickers offer excellent visibility for your business.

Pro Tip: You want your stickers to be eye-catching, so make sure that your design is bold and easy to read.

Best Practices for Designing Branded Merchandise

Keep it Simple

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Less is more.”

Well, this saying applies to designing merchandise for your brand. Your goal is to promote your business, which means you need to make sure that your merchandise “fits” into your customers' lives and style — whether they’re wearing it, carrying it, or using it.

For example, a clean, simple logo on a T-shirt or mug is much more likely to be used and appreciated than something overly flashy or cluttered. You want your designs to be tasteful and subtle, not tacky or overwhelming.

The more versatile and stylish your design, the more likely it will be something your customers will actually want to buy and use.

Think About Your Customers

As we mentioned in the section above, you want to choose merchandise that your customers will actually use. While a branded keychain might be nice, will it get as much attention as a T-shirt or a tote bag?

You know your customers best, so think about what types of branded merchandise they would genuinely love and use.

For example, if you’re a yoga coach, your customers might appreciate branded yoga mats or water bottles that they can bring to class. If you run a coffee shop, branded mugs or reusable tumblers could be a hit with your regulars.

If you’re unsure, just ask! Customers love sharing their opinions, and it’s easy to gather feedback. You can send out a quick survey via email, post a poll on social media, or simply ask for suggestions when they visit your business.

Offering options and asking for input helps you create merchandise people actually want and makes your customers feel involved and valued.

Plus, it’s a great way to build excitement and anticipation for your upcoming products!

Use High-Quality Graphics

You don’t want your logo to look blurry or pixelated, so make sure your logo is high resolution so it prints sharp and clear on your merchandise.

Our merchandise editor will show you if your logo design is high resolution, which means that your logo will look sharp on your branded merchandise.

Stick to Your Brand Colors

Consistency is key to building brand recognition, so make sure your logo’s colors are consistent across all your merchandise.

The more consistent your branding, the more recognizable your business becomes. Use your dashboard on your LOGO.com account to reference your brand guidelines when you're creating your branded merchandise.

You want to be sure that if someone passes your merchandise on the street — whether it’s a t-shirt, tumbler, or can cooler — they instantly recognize and associate the colors with your brand.

Choose the Right Placement

Where you place your logo matters.

The goal is to make sure your brand is visible and memorable, so here are some questions to ask yourself to ensure your logo placement is spot-on:

How will the product be used?

Think about how the product will be used. For example, when designing a T-shirt, people typically see the front first, so placing your logo front and center gives it maximum visibility. For mugs, people usually see the side while drinking, so that’s where the logo should be.

Is the logo at eye level?

On products like shirts, hoodies, or jackets, it’s best to place the logo at chest or shoulder level, where it’s more likely to be noticed when someone is wearing it. Logos placed too low or in obscure spots may get overlooked.

Is the size of the logo appropriate?

A small logo might look out of place on a large tote bag, while an oversized logo on a mug might look too crowded. LOGO.com’s merchandise editor provides design guidelines to help you stay within optimal sizing for printing.

Does the placement feel balanced?

Consider the overall design of the item. The logo should be placed in a way that feels balanced, not off-center or too close to the edges. Make sure it complements the product without overwhelming the design.

Have I used a mockup to preview the placement?

Always take advantage of mockup tools to see how your logo will look on the product. This can help you visualize the placement and make adjustments before printing. Mockups give you a realistic preview, ensuring your logo placement is spot-on.

Merchandise Ideas for Specific Industries

No matter what industry you’re in, there are plenty of opportunities to create branded merchandise that fits your business and appeals to your customers.

Service-Based Businesses

For service-based businesses such as tradespersons, cleaners, and real estate agents, creating merchandise that’s both practical and visible can help build brand recognition.

A couple of examples of items your customers may love are:

• Branded notepads or pens for clients to use while taking notes.
• Reusable tote bags for clients to carry paperwork, tools, or personal items after a service visit.

Merchandise that unifies your team:

• Branded T-shirts or hats can be used as uniforms for your staff, giving your business a cohesive, professional look while also promoting your brand when worn on-site.

Consultants

Consultants often work one-on-one with clients or in office settings, so professional merchandise can leave a lasting impression.

Here are a few branded merchandise ideas you can use:

• Branded notebooks or planners for your clients to use to remember meetings and take notes.
• Mugs or tumblers with your logo and customized quotes to keep them motivated.

Branded merchandise for your own use:

• Office supplies such as branded pens, notepads, and folders during client meetings reinforce your professionalism and keep your brand front and center.

Storefront Businesses

For businesses with physical locations, such as coffee shops, hair salons, or dentists, branded merchandise can double as promotional tools and items your customers can purchase.

Merchandise your customers will find useful:

• Branded coffee mugs or tumblers for cafes, perfect for resale or giveaways.
• Reusable shopping bags for hair salons or boutiques offer a stylish and eco-friendly touch.
• Custom calendars to keep track of appointments.

Merchandise that strengthens your brand’s identity:

• Custom aprons or uniforms for your staff to give your brand a unified and professional look.

Classes and Studios

For classes and fitness studios, merchandise that fits into your customers' active lifestyles is key.

Merchandise your customers will love:

• Branded water bottles for hydration on the go.
• Custom yoga mats for fitness or yoga studios are practical and stylish.
• T-shirts or sweatshirts with your logo that are perfect to wear while working out.

Merchandise for your staff:

• Branded activewear, like t-shirts, hoodies, or sweatshirts for your instructors and staff to wear, helps create a unified look and ensure that your brand is represented consistently during classes.

Create Branded Merchandise for Your Business Today

Now that you know how easy it is to create branded merchandise using LOGO.com, it’s time to get started. From T-shirts to mugs, LOGO.com’s merchandise tool makes it simple for any business owner—no matter what your tech skills are—to design high-quality products that showcase your brand.

Visit LOGO.com today and start creating your own custom merchandise that will take your brand to the next level!