Smartcat Marketing Solutions | Promotional Products and Apparel | Brand Marketing

Why Packaging Matters in Promotional Merchandise

Aug 12

Have you ever gotten a promotional item that seemed more valuable than it really was? Or maybe you received something useful, but it didn't stand out because the packaging was forgettable. Often...

Sustainability & Environmental Responsibility: Why it Matters

Jul 28

As the reality of our planet's changing climate is becoming more and more apparent, being committed to sustainability has become a business imperative in the eyes of consumers. According to a Niels...

From Zero to Wow: 6 Uniforms That Every Employee Will Love

Apr 16

Have you ever worked at a 9 to 5 job where there is a mandatory uniform? But... this required uniform is old, frumpy, and 100 percent unflattering? We've been there too! There are benefits of unif...

Craft the Perfect Trade Show Swag Bag

Mar 25

Virtual tradeshows are definitely here to stay, and that isn't a bad thing! Not only are virtual tradeshows a lot more cost-effective for the organization hosting them, but they're also cheaper for...

A Marketer's (Tiny) Guide to Promo at Trade Shows

Dec 11, 2025

Trade show season is quickly approaching, and standing out in the sea of booths can feel like a daunting task. The competition is fierce, and capturing attention amid the hustle and bustle of the e...

6 Hot Sauces Sure to Blow Your Socks Off

Aug 29, 2025

Finding a new, good hot sauce nowadays is almost like when Indiana Jones triumphantly grabs the idol at the beginning of Raiders of the Lost Ark. It may have taken you traversing through the aisles...

5 Black-Belt Worthy Karate Promo Products

Aug 7, 2025

Ready to chop and kick your way into a win? Well, look no further! Here are five top-notch karate items that are perfect for any karate school! Karate Medal Karate Stress Reliever K...

How Promo Products Can Tell Your Brand's Story

Jun 25, 2025

Stories are powerful. From sharing stories around the campfire to writing fictional novels, storytelling has connected people together for thousands of years. But, have you ever considered storyte...

6 Purr-fect Promo Products for Cat Lovers

Dec 7, 2024

Everyone knows that dogs are man's best friend, but did you know that cats have been living alongside humans as companions since at least 7500 BC? In 2017, cats were one of the most popular pets by...

12 Coolest Squeeze Products to Relieve Your Stress

Oct 18, 2024

Admit it, when you get a goodie bag full of promotional products, or you see a booth at a trade show - you immediately gravitate towards the stress relievers. Stress relievers have evolved well bey...

6 Products to Show Your Support for Breast Cancer Awareness

Oct 3, 2024

Suppose you're looking for a cause to support to make sure that your business is responsible and giving back to the community. In that case, breast cancer awareness is an excellent choice because i...

The Best Apps For Organization

Aug 28, 2024

For many of us, keeping organized and productive seems to be the goal that haunts us throughout the year - especially in an increasingly digital age where social media, a million calendar reminders...

12 Perfect Pediatric Products for Babies

Aug 21, 2024

Oh, babies! What a joy to welcome. Bringing a new baby into the world is so exciting (but also stressful and frequently sleepless). New parents know that there's a lot to procure and prepare before...

6 Reasons You Need a Company Store

Apr 27, 2024

As more and more companies turn towards e-commerce, shopping online has never been easier or more enjoyable. Ordering branded products is no exception! Company stores give you a convenient and comp...

Bamboo: It's Not Just for Pandas!

Mar 22, 2024

What first comes to mind when you think of the phrase "made from sustainable materials"? Bamboo, of course! Bamboo, which is a type of grass (who knew!), is an incredible renewable and sustainable ...

A Quick Guide to Promotional Bags

Dec 2, 2023

Whether you're at a tradeshow, school, office, or even the grocery store, chances are that you're going to see a promotional bag. Bags are one of the most ubiquitous promotional products - and for ...

It's Party Thyme: 7 Products for Plant Lovers

Nov 2, 2023

In recent years, home gardening has gone from a small hobby to a full-blown trend. Houseplants aren't just beautiful home décor- they're actually good for your health! Owning indoor plants c...

6 Products to Welcome Students Back to School

Sep 26, 2023

"Don't you just love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address." Tom Hanks said it bes...

Lead a Healthier Lifestyle With These 6 Promotional Products

Jun 23, 2023

Eating healthy. Weight management. Working out five times a week. There are many health-related resolutions we set at the beginning of a new year. But, do we follow through with them? Many times, t...

Case Study: Keep it Cooler

May 2, 2023

Description: Dual Compartment Cooler Bag Industry: Corporate / Fortune 500 What it was purchased for: An annual company picnic for employees and their families. Each year they give thei...

5 Products That will Send you Over the Moon and out of This World

Mar 20, 2023

For the first time since Neil and Buzz took those first steps on July 16th, 1969, there hasn't been a more exciting time for space exploration than right now. Just recently, we landed another rover...

Case Study: Hay, Where'd You Get That Tote?

Feb 26, 2023

Description: Large Boat Tote Industry: Sports / Fitness What it was purchased for: Horse show giveaways How it was distributed: A local horse show needed gifts for their major contributors. A ...

8 Graphic Design Mistakes to Avoid

Dec 16, 2022

From social media graphics and website layouts to creating a cohesive grouping of promotional products, there are plenty of opportunities to flex your creative muscles and grow your business at the...

6 Stuffed Animals to Cuddle Your Way to Happiness

Dec 1, 2022

Almost everyone had a favorite stuffed animal growing up. They were a friend that you confided your deepest secrets to, a friend that could keep you company when thunderstorms rolled through the ni...

How to Put Together an Onboarding Kit

Oct 17, 2022

Employee engagement starts the second a new employee walks in the door, so it's important for companies to make a good impression on their first day! The onboarding process shouldn't just be about ...

6 Benefits of Customer Loyalty Programs

Sep 17, 2022

Everybody loves getting new business - it's exciting! Because new customers are so crucial to growing a business, many companies pour the majority of their marketing time and energy into generating...

6 Products to Grow Your Business!

Aug 26, 2022

People love plants! They live in our offices and our homes and whether you have a large flourishing garden or fake plants because you can't even keep a cactus alive, there's a plant-themed promo fo...

Take a Hike! 6 Products to Help you in the Great Outdoors

Aug 3, 2022

Did you know that between the United States, Mexico, and Canada, there are 15 different ecological regions in North America? Right in our own back yard, you can go from the frosty tundra of far nor...

What’s Up With Unboxing Videos? The Trend You Must Try

Jul 27, 2022

We all enjoy that element of surprise (well, most of us!). User-generated unboxing videos have popped up more and more on YouTube and other social media platforms, adding a surprising value to prod...

Reusable vs. Disposable Items

May 29, 2022

Disposable products are a common part of everyday life for most folks - think single-use items like plastic cutlery, paper plates, shopping bags from the grocery store, napkins, the coffee cup from...

These Are the Tech-Savvy Promotional Products You Are Looking For

Apr 14, 2022

Technology advances exponentially. By the time you finish reading this article, you might be actually be reading it in some virtual reality café where Elvis is serving you a strawberry daiqu...

Yes, There's a Difference: Everything You Need to Know About Pens

Dec 10, 2021

Even as much of our world goes digital and paperless, the pen remains an essential tool in both office and home life. With so many different types of pens, choosing the "write" one can be a lot har...

6 Fun Products for Keeping Kids Occupied at Home

Aug 17, 2021

Since the coronavirus outbreak has forced many schools and daycares to close, millions of children are experiencing a major disruption in their daily lives. Parents working from home may be struggl...

What Makes Gen Z Tick?

Jul 4, 2021

It's 2020, and Generation Z is growing up. The generation includes people born between 1995 and the 2010s, putting the group's eldest squarely in their mid-twenties. Chances are that you may work a...

16 Ways Color Affects Your Branding and Marketing

May 29, 2021

Substantial research shows why color matters in branding and how it plays an important role in how we experience marketing. These 16 facts give you a glimpse into how you can use color to your adva...

Take it To-Go: 8 Restaurant Takeout Essentials

Apr 30, 2021

The way restaurant patrons experience dining out has changed immensely since coronavirus cases have begun popping up in the U.S. Restaurants that were once packed to the brim with happy diners are ...

Your Guide to Promo Hats

Feb 10, 2021

A hat is a hat, right? With so many different styles available, it's easy to get confused. With this quick guide to promotional headwear, you'll learn the differences between the various styles of ...

Why You Should Buy USA-Made

Jan 20, 2021

During times of growing uncertainty in the global markets, customers are becoming more and more interested in purchasing American-made items. Buying American-made is about more than just patriotism...

Take 5 of These Promotional Products for the Medical Field, and Call Me in the Morning

Jan 13, 2021

It can be tough for people in the medical field to get their names out to new patients. If you own a restaurant, you can have your cool mascot show up at a local sports game and toss out t-shirts. ...

Using Customer Profiles to Find the Perfect Promo Products

Jan 6, 2021

When business owners are asked about the customers they serve, many times, their response is: "Well, we serve everyone..." If a company served everyone, it would be impossible to build a successfu...

6 USA-Made Products Especially for Kids

Nov 23, 2020

Who didn't enjoy getting to dig through the prize basket after a trip to the dentist or the bank? It's a fact - children love giveaways. Get your brand, school, or organization in front of both chi...

Generation Z vs. Millennials: What’s the Difference?

Nov 9, 2020

We're all familiar with the stereotypes that characterize the millennial generation- avocado toast, "killing" chain restaurants, and being social media obsessed. But what actually defines a millenn...

6 Things You're Missing Out on by Not Using Promotional Products

Oct 25, 2020

Promotional products aren't just for niche industry operations. Whether you are a small organization looking to grow your business, or an established company wanting to reach a new market, a produc...

Branding 101: Let’s Talk Logos

Oct 11, 2020

A logo is often a company's first impression and it can impact a customer's perception, purchase decisions and overall attitude toward your company. A logo is a symbol or graphic element that repre...

Case Study: Thank You for Spooning

Aug 28, 2020

Description: 10 Oz. Aztec Spooner Mug Industry: Advertising / Marketing / Publishing What it was purchased for: A major coupon distributor was looking for a thank you to give out to advertisers...

6 Retro Products That Are a Blast From the Past

Jun 9, 2020

No matter what decade you think of when you think of "retro products", you can bet there's a customizable product perfect for your next event. Using nostalgia to promote your business can resonate ...

Relax and Unwind With These 10 Promo Products

Mar 22, 2020

Like that classic Beatles song, sometimes it can feel like your working eight days a week. Maybe you've had back to back meetings or you've had a stressful travel week. Whatever the case, nothing h...

4 Steps to #Winning Social Media

Jan 17, 2020

Social media is one of the fastest growing and ever-changing media platforms in existence. What began as an online community for the younger generations, now encompasses billions of people across t...

Swing, Batter! The Best MLB Promotions

Dec 12, 2019

Looking beyond the peanuts and Cracker Jacks, there are some creative new promotions heading to major league baseball stadiums this season! The tradition of these MLB giveaways dates all the way b...

Our Top 10 Favorite Eco-Friendly Products

Dec 4, 2019

Sometimes it's good to take a moment and get in touch with Mother Earth. Not only are these products great for printing your company logo or message, but they also serve dual purposes. The products...

Your Guide to Drinkware

Nov 13, 2019

Mugs, tumblers, and bottles...oh my! There is an abundance of variety available when it comes to promotional drinkware, which can make it difficult to decide what is the best choice for your brand....

Case Study: This Promotional Product is in the Bag

Mar 28, 2019

Description: Laundry Bag Industry: Financial What it was purchased for: A credit union wanted to target college students and offer them an incentive to open a new account. They chose a stock desi...

5 Fail-Proof Ideas for Your Business Instagram

Feb 13, 2019

What generates over 95 million photos and videos each day, 4.2 billion likes daily and has 700 million active users? You guessed it - Instagram. This photo and video sharing social platform have re...

10 Tweetable Quotes for Motivation

Nov 5, 2018

People love quotes. That's probably why 30% of retweets on Twitter are quote-related. You can tap into that trend by posting engaging and entertaining quotes on your company's account. However, quo...

Branding 101: What Makes a Brand Powerful

Oct 29, 2018

A powerful brand is more than just a great logo and a mission statement (although those certainly lay the groundwork for any brand.) We live in a time where competition rises up on every corner, an...

5 Invaluable Marketing Books to Help Grow Your Brand

Oct 22, 2018

In the world of business, marketing trends are always evolving and it's easy to be overwhelmed. Sometimes you take one step forward only to be knocked two steps back. Luckily, there are endless res...

Your Brand Is Your Business - Market It!

Aug 19, 2018

As a marketing professional, you understand better than anyone the importance of establishing a distinct brand presence for your company. People gravitate to those they identify with and can trust ...

Graphic Design Terms Everyone Should Know

Jun 30, 2018

It can be hard to communicate with a design team on a project when the designers speak their very own language. That's why we have a rundown of words you may come across frequently that can save yo...

6 Things You're Missing out on by Not Using Promotional Products

Jun 9, 2018

Promotional products aren't just for niche industry operations. Whether you are a small organization looking to grow your business, or an established company wanting to reach a new market, a produc...