I'm a day later than normal, but better late than never right? Today's blog is another one in this months branding series as we get closer to the launch of our new brand...and I cannot WAIT. There are so many exciting things going on behind the scenes that I can't wait to share with ya'll and I'm starting to get impatient.

But let's get to today's topic, shall we? Branding & Customer Gifts! Why are they important? How do they relate? How do you incorporate the brand? What should you include?

Why are they important? So let's talk. I am a big believer in client gifts; mostly because I love to give gifts in general. That feeling of brightening someones day with something from your heart just makes me giddy. While client gifts can be extra money spent and an extra effort, I believe that they are important. They can really increase that client experience from a designer who does what they're supposed to, to a designer who went above and beyond to put a smile on the clients face.

How do they relate? So imagine getting your wedding invitations in the mail and you are just in love; but on top of that, you get a gift that matches your wedding invitations as an added bonus. Something to help you remember this special time and a gift that no one else could give you yet because no one else but your designer has seen your invitation. Same goes for a new logo and brand. Imagine receiving your first branded item with your new logo after all the hard work you put into discovering yourself and your business. This is how branding relates. When creating a customer gift, you have two options: you can brand it to your own brand as the giver or brand it to your clients brand (logo or event). Either was right! Personally, I use both. I use my brand when I'm saying thank you or the project was about my business, and I use their brand when the project was about them.

How do you incorporate the brand? You can incorporate the brand in many ways: custom labels, ribbons, colors, and the items in the box. I put the logo on EVERYTHING. I do a sticker on the outside of the box, one on the inside, one on each item in the box, tie ribbons everywhere I can, choose specific box and crinkle paper colors, and make sure to put a little post card or note on branded paper on the inside. Each sticker I use also uses the brand fonts and colors so literally everything matches. It makes my brand stylist heart so happy.

And lastly, what should you include? What goes inside the box should come from your heart. Don't just throw something in there. A lot of my clientele is in Virginia, and local. I also know a lot of business owners in the area through that work. My gift boxes include all local items to Virginia: popcorn, Sprelly, candles, coffee, cookies, bath products, and more.

I love supporting other local businesses with my boxes, so I always keep an eye out for great products. If you have a cute downtown area locally with lots of local stores, go take a walk and check out what they have! You could also try Etsy. Take a look at different sellers and see what items could fit your brand and who you are! If you love baths, do bath products. If you love pretzels and snacks, send them a snack box. If you love candles and making your home smell good, send a custom labeled candle! Think about things that you love, and share that part of you with your client.

Last note, in my initial questionnaires to my clients, I subtly ask some small questions: red wine, white wine, or coffee? Salty or sweet? Allergies? Address? As I include some food in my boxes pending the client, they may get a little hint that something is coming, but usually they forget all about it by the time the box arrives. And this gives me little hints on things they might prefer in my box.

A Special Treat For You!

Before we get to the photos of some of the branded boxes, I wanted to share a little discount with you! This week I'm doing a 25% discount on all custom stickers ordered by COB (6:00 PM EST) on Monday, April 17. We have lots of sizes and shapes and can put your logo on any of them! Or text if you want it!

Use code 'STICKERS' in check out to receive your discount.

Shop Here

Are you local and want to pick up instead of ship? Email me at Johnna@TwilaCo.com and we'll work with you to save on shipping!