Custom branded matches are a powerful marketing tool that can set your business apart. They offer a unique blend of practicality and promotional value, making them an excellent choice for companies looking to boost their brand visibility.

At Get Matches, we’ve seen firsthand how these small but mighty items can leave a lasting impression on customers. In this post, we’ll guide you through the process of creating custom branded matches for your business, from design to production.

Why Custom Branded Matches Pack a Punch

A Flame That Ignites Brand Recognition

Custom branded matches act as mini billboards for your business. Each use of your matches exposes customers to your brand. This repeated exposure cements your business in their memory. An amazing 66% of people remember the brand on items they got in the last year, highlighting the significant impact of promotional products on brand recognition.

Cost-Effective Marketing That Sparks Interest

Custom branded matches offer an incredibly cost-effective way to promote your business compared to traditional advertising methods. With prices starting as low as $0.07 per item for larger orders (a fraction of the cost of many other promotional items), you can reach a wide audience without breaking the bank. This low cost per impression makes matches an attractive option for businesses of all sizes.

A Practical Promotional Item That Leaves a Mark

Unlike many promotional items that end up forgotten in a drawer, matches serve a practical purpose. This utility ensures that your branded matches see regular use and visibility. You increase the chances of your brand being remembered by choosing a useful item like matches.

Versatility Across Industries

Custom branded matches adapt well to various industries. The hospitality sector (including bars and restaurants) can use them to enhance customer experiences. Entertainment venues can distribute them as memorable souvenirs. Even retail stores can offer them as a unique checkout addition. The Match Group’s Retro Feature Matchbook™ and Euro Style Esprit matchboxes exemplify how designs can align with diverse brand identities.

Igniting Conversations and Brand Awareness

Custom matches don’t just light fires; they spark conversations. When people see a uniquely designed matchbook or matchbox, it often becomes a talking point. This word-of-mouth marketing (one of the most powerful forms of promotion) can significantly boost your brand awareness. As your matches circulate, they create a ripple effect of brand exposure far beyond their initial distribution.

The next step in creating impactful custom branded matches involves the design process. Let’s explore how to choose the right match style and incorporate your brand elements effectively.

Crafting Your Match Design

Selecting Your Match Style

Your choice of match style sets the tone for your brand message. The Retro Feature Matchbook™ appeals to businesses seeking a classic, nostalgic feel with its special custom die-cut shapes and exclusive retro feature matches with printed stems. For a more modern touch, Euro Style Esprit matchboxes with wooden stems offer a sleek, sophisticated look, available in mini 1″ wide or baseball 3″ wide options.

Consider your audience and usage environment when selecting a style. A nightclub might prefer larger matchbooks that stand out in dim lighting, while a cafe could opt for smaller, more discreet options. Various sizes cater to different needs and preferences.

Maximizing Brand Impact

Your logo should take center stage in your match design. Place it prominently on the cover of matchbooks or the sliding portion of matchboxes. Make it large enough to be easily recognizable without overwhelming the design.

Color plays a vital role in brand recognition. Use your primary brand colors, but consider how they’ll appear on the match material. Dark colors on kraft paper create a rustic feel, while bright colors on white backgrounds pop. Custom color options allow for precise brand color matching, ensuring consistency across all your marketing materials.

Crafting Your Message

Matches have limited real estate, so make every word count. A catchy tagline or call-to-action can transform a simple match into a conversation starter. For example, a bar might use “Ignite Your Night” to encourage social interaction, while a candle shop could choose “Light Up Your Home.”

Include essential contact information like your website or social media handles. This turns your matches into lead generators, guiding users to engage with your brand beyond the initial interaction.

Simplicity is key. Avoid overloading your matches with information, as this can make them look cluttered and reduce their impact. Stick to one clear message that aligns with your brand identity and marketing goals.

The next step in creating your custom branded matches involves finding the right manufacturer and starting the production process. Let’s explore how to turn your design into reality.

Turning Your Design into Reality

Choosing the Right Manufacturer

Selecting a reliable match manufacturer forms the foundation of a successful custom match project. Look for companies with a proven track record in producing promotional matches. The Match Group, with over 35 years of expertise, stands out as a top choice in the industry. They offer a wide range of options, including the unique Retro Feature Matchbook™ and Euro Style Esprit matchboxes.

When you evaluate manufacturers, consider their production capabilities, customization options, and customer service. Ask for samples of their work to assess quality firsthand. Request references from past clients, especially those in your industry.

Submitting Your Design

After you choose a manufacturer, submit your design. Most reputable companies offer design assistance, but you should have a clear vision of what you want. Prepare your artwork in a high-resolution format (typically 300 DPI or higher). Vector files are ideal for logos and text to ensure crisp printing at any size.

Provide specific details about your project:

• Quantity needed
• Match style (e.g., matchbook, matchbox)
• Dimensions
• Color specifications (Pantone colors are often preferred)
• Special features (like foil stamping or embossing)

Many manufacturers use online portals for design submission, which streamlines the process and reduces errors.

Quality Control and Timeline

Quality control is essential in match production. Quality assurance and adherence to regulations are critical pillars that directly impact customer satisfaction, brand reputation, and long-term business growth. Reputable manufacturers have stringent processes to ensure safety and consistency. Ask about their quality control measures, including how they test for proper ignition and safety compliance.

Production timelines can vary significantly based on the complexity of your design and the quantity ordered. Standard production times range from 10 to 14 business days after proof approval. However, some manufacturers offer rush services for tight deadlines (The Match Group, for instance, often ships full-color custom printed matches in under 10 days after proof approval).

During production, maintain communication with your manufacturer. Many offer progress updates or even real-time tracking of your order. This transparency helps you plan your marketing efforts and ensures you stay informed every step of the way.

Finalizing Your Order

Before your order goes into full production, you’ll receive a proof for approval. This step is your last chance to make any necessary adjustments. Check all details carefully, including:

• Spelling and grammar
• Color accuracy
• Logo placement and size
• Overall design layout

Take your time with this review process. A thorough check at this stage can prevent costly mistakes and ensure your custom matches meet your expectations.

Delivery and Distribution

Once production is complete, plan for the delivery and distribution of your custom matches. Consider storage requirements (matches should be kept in a cool, dry place) and how you’ll distribute them to maximize their impact.

You might distribute your logo matches at:

• Point of sale in retail locations
• Reception areas in hotels or restaurants
• Special events or trade shows
• As part of a direct mail campaign

The way you distribute your matches can enhance their effectiveness as a marketing tool. Try to align distribution with your overall marketing strategy for the best results.

Final Thoughts

Custom branded matches offer a unique blend of practicality and promotional power that can significantly boost your business’s visibility. These small yet impactful items serve as constant reminders of your brand, igniting recognition with every use. Their cost-effectiveness, versatility across industries, and ability to spark conversations make them an invaluable addition to your marketing toolkit.

Thoughtful design is essential when you create your own custom branded matches. Choose a style that aligns with your brand identity, incorporate your logo and colors effectively, and craft a message that resonates with your audience. A reliable manufacturer ensures high-quality production and expert guidance throughout the process.

Custom branded matches continue to work for your brand long after distribution, creating lasting impressions and potentially generating word-of-mouth marketing. They extend your brand’s reach, potentially attract new customers, and reinforce loyalty among existing ones. Start your design process today and watch as these small flames ignite big opportunities for your business.