Promotional clothing, is used by virtually any given organisation. So the fact that now Wikipedia has got into the act too, does not surprise me. If like me, you owe Wikipedia for the majority of your university degree, then this might be the clothing option for you. Wikipedia has collaborated with Advisory Board Crystals, a large LA-based Street-wear brand to launch a new clothing line.
- Use branded apparel to engage supporters.
- Branded apparel creates visibility and connection.
- Promotional clothing fundraises opportunities.
Ironic Clothing Taglines, Anyone?
Wikipedia made this collaboration in efforts to raise funding for Wikimedia Foundation. Starting at $85 per tee, 100% of the funding goes straight back to the foundation.
The star of this collection is the long-sleeved, is a white tee shirt with the words “Internet Master” and the Wikipedia logo printed in big red letters across the back. There is also a label along the right arm that has a section to add all your useful information such as your name, email address, phone number, and other information- in case you forget or part ways with your shirt.
Now, you might look at this and think that it is a bit ridiculous, but the key thing that this collaboration has shown is that irony sells. Yes, the sweatshirt is ugly as all sin, yes it is a bit much to ask $85, and yes I wouldn’t like to wear a shirt with “Internet Master” along the back; but, by simply having this exist, awareness has been raised on the importance of Wikipedia and what it can do. The ABC clothing line had this to say on the collaboration:
“Free information is a privilege. One of the ideals of the Advisory Board Crystals is that there are many ways to save the world. As a nonprofit, Wikipedia and the Wikimedia Foundation’s related free knowledge projects are powered primarily through donations. Help us keep knowledge free.”
I couldn’t agree more. The reason society even exists is due to the innately human behaviour of shared human knowledge driving us forward. We stand on the shoulders of giants, and what better example of this is Wikipedia. For better or for worse, spending an hour on Wikipedia on a rainy day can enlighten and frighten you to the incredible things this world is capable of creating.
Promote Cleverly with Branded Apparel
This Wikipedia effort is a terrific effort on using wit, a sense of humour and merchandise to create a memorable product for fundraising purposes. This range of clothing places its value and its credibility solely on its tongue-in-cheek texts, fonts and images. This is what makes it special. If you are running a promotional campaign and have thought about using apparel, consider your target audience and create motifs and visuals that market to them specifically.
The Impact of Branded Apparel
Branded apparel has the potential to create a lasting impact on fundraising campaigns. Consider the following points:
- Targeted Marketing: Branded apparel allows organisations to specifically target their audience. By creating motifs and visuals that resonate with supporters, promotional clothing becomes an effective tool for engaging and motivating them.
- Increased Visibility: When supporters wear promotional clothing featuring name and logo, it generates visibility for the organisation. Whether they are attending events, running errands, or sharing on social media, the branded apparel creates a visual reminder of the cause, attracting attention and potentially attracting new supporters.
- Emotional Connection: Branded apparel evokes a sense of belonging and fosters an emotional connection. When supporters wear clothing that displays their alignment with the organisation, they feel a deeper connection to the cause, leading to increased loyalty and long-term support.
- Fundraising Opportunities: Promotional clothing provides an opportunity for direct fundraising. By selling items that align with the organisation’s mission, supporters can contribute to the cause while proudly displaying their support.
Takeaway
In conclusion, Wikipedia’s collaboration with Advisory Board Crystals to launch a clothing line is a clever and effective fundraising tactic. By using ironic taglines and designs, they’ve raised awareness about the importance of Wikipedia and attracted supporters to contribute to the Wikimedia Foundation. Branded apparel has the power to target specific audiences, increase visibility, foster emotional connections, and provide fundraising opportunities. So, if you’re thinking about using apparel for your own promotional campaign, consider creating designs that resonate with your supporters and make a lasting impact.
