This week Lauren and Aurrie dive deep into the world of branded merchandise strategy with guest expert Amanda Hoffman from Go to Market Studio. This episode breaks down why traditional merch tactics are failing and how to create a strategic approach that actually builds your brand instead of ending up in landfills.

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Episode Highlights

• [00:02:19] Why 73% of promotional products end up in landfills within one year
• [00:04:36] The trap of "logo drops" and why bulk ordering is so 1990s
• [00:08:15] How merch strategy should mirror your brand strategy and values
• [00:14:23] Choice vs. bulk: Why offering options dramatically reduces waste
• [00:15:23] The psychology behind making merch that doesn't end up in the trash
• [00:18:33] How to figure out what merch will actually make an impact for your brand
• [00:26:31] The choice principle: Why personalization beats bulk every time
• [00:33:51] Print-on-demand vs. bulk ordering ROI considerations
• [00:36:19] Sustainability metrics as brand reputation protection
• [00:46:17] The mapped out moment: Three action steps for strategic merch

What You'll Learn

• Why most companies treat merch as an afterthought and how to flip that mindset
• The four pillars of strategic merch: choice, brand differentiation, values alignment, and strategic purpose
• How to move from "logo drops" to lifestyle-based merchandise that people actually want
• The difference between disposable vs. sustainable merch strategies
• Real examples of brands doing merch strategy brilliantly (and why it works)
• How to measure merch success beyond "how many did we give away"
• The adjustment protocol for when your merch strategy isn't working
• Creative ways to incorporate your brand messaging into physical products

Meet Your Hosts

Lauren Loreto

• Founder of Brand Good Time
• Expert in content marketing and web design
• Website: brandgoodtime.com
• Instagram: @brandgoodtime

Aurrie Hicks

• Founder of Hopson Rae
• Expert in digital content and brand strategy
• Website: hopsonrae.com
• Instagram: @hopsonrae

Meet The Guest
Amanda Hofman - Go to Market Studio

• Co-Founder & CEO of Go to Market Studio
• Expert in sustainable, strategic branded merchandise
• Website: gotomarket.studio
• LinkedIn: Amanda Hofman (with one F)

Brands & Examples Mentioned

• Bucc-ee’s (nostalgia-driven merch mastery)
• Chuy’s restaurant (creative taco cat t-shirts)
• Book of the Month (strategic bookmark messaging)
• Calendly (functional ring light swag)
• SeaKeeper (clever maritime-themed messaging)
• Seaside (exclusivity and lifestyle branding)
• Goody (choice-based gifting platform)
• Salty Dog Cafe (location-based nostalgia)

Connect With Us

Have questions about merch strategy? Our DMs are open! Visit mappedoutpod.com/newsletter to join our email list and get our weekly Flight Deck newsletter every Friday with deeper insights on each episode's topic.

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#MappedOutPodcast #MerchStrategy #BrandedMerchandise #PrintOnDemand #SustainableMerch #BrandStrategy #MarketingPodcast #BusinessGrowth #BrandConsistency