As a youngster, way back in 2010, I remember watching a YouTube video that fascinated me.

Whether you’re delivering a huge presentation or hosting a webinar, a touch of humor works like a charm to delight your audience. Plus, a joke here and there can convey a fun and creative company culture.

Research shows that company swag can be a highly effective tool for boosting engagement. In fact, in one recent study, 61% of survey respondents agreed that promotional products help build brand awareness, and 58% reported that they loved getting swag.

As I‘ve moved up in my marketing career, I’ve realized how important it is to be on the same page as the CEO.

Graphic design has come a long way since I started in the arts nearly a decade and a half ago. Improvements in tools like Photoshop or my personal favorite, Procreate, from then to now have helped remove creative roadblocks and speed up the design process. Then, user-friendly design tools like Canva have made design more accessible to non-specialists.

Recently, I came across the LinkedIn page of an unfamiliar brand. And as usual, my eyes went straight to the banner section first. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Building brand awareness isn’t just about making noise today — it’s about laying the groundwork for generating consistent demand tomorrow.