Storytelling through merch means using your products to express who you are, what you stand for and why your brand matters. This world is saturated with products, and simply selling merch isn’t enough and won’t get you noticed.
You can express your brand and your message through colours, designs, themes and even specific messaging. Different brands express their identity differently, so it’s up to you to decide what message you want to send to your audience and how you’re going to do this.
What storytelling means in branding
Think of storytelling as designing with purpose. It’s what gives your brand depth, personality, and a reason for people to care. A good story makes your merch memorable and gives people a reason to buy beyond just liking how it looks.
With Merchr, you can tell your story through:
- The colours and style of your products
- Phrases and text that reflect your voice
- Product titles and descriptions that set the tone
- How you promote your merch. Sharing your process, design inspirations, and the “why” behind each item
How to tell a story through your Merch
Before you even start designing, think about what story you want your products to tell. What do you stand for? What message do you want your audience to walk away with?
Then use your design like a language:
- Pick a colour palette that sets the right mood
- Choose fonts that match your tone
- Use phrases that bring your brand’s personality to life
- Invite your customers into the storytelling process. Offer personalisation so they can make the piece their own
In the below example, the colour palette is green, navy and burnt orange, and the colours place the viewer in an outdoor/natural context. The design is also simple, and the background matches the simplicity of the design. Pairing this colour palette and design with messaging around “Sustainability” makes the product feel like more than just merch.
Brands that do well
A few big brands which excel in storytelling:
- Nike – Highlights personal journeys of determination, courage, and triumph. Featuring both athletes and everyday people.
- Coca-Cola – More than just a drink, Coca-Cola leans into happiness, nostalgia, and moments of connection we all relate to.
All you need is a clear message, a little creativity and a platform that can support you through everything and that’s what Merchr is here for!
