Giving out promotional items can be a good way to keep your name in front of existing and potential customers. Use this advice for your business to choose the best way to use promotional items for marketing.
Remember when companies would print their logo on everything, from pens to socks?
It’s not quite as over-the-top as some companies used to go anymore, but promotional products are still a key part of a company’s advertising strategy, and they should be when they’re done right. Here are some ways to choose and use promotional products with your business.
What To Give Away
Almost anything you can think of can be turned into a promotional item, from pens to towels as a business promo. Some of the most common and successful promotional items include:
- Pens and other writing instruments
- Apparel, such as t-shirts, hats, or outerwear
- Food
- Water bottles
- Reusable shopping bags
- Calendars
Logo Or Not?
You might assume that every promotional item should have your company logo on it. That’s the point of advertising, isn’t it? Not always.
Sometimes personalizing an item for the client will make more sense. Putting a customer’s name on a pen, water bottle, or reusable shopping bag means they will use it and tell other people where they got it.
A small company logo is okay. Just make sure the customer’s personal details are prominent.
Clothing Caution
The caution against logos in items is even more important for clothing. You love your company and the logo you designed for it. Unless you’re a really well-known brand, like Nike, it’s unlikely that your customers want to wear something with your logo on it.
One way around this is to pair your logo with a catchy, original slogan that people will want to wear.
Environmental Targeting
Environmental targeting means giving items that will be used in the environment where decisions that involve your product or service will be made.
For example, if you operate an online business, you can give out mouse pads or flash drives. These are items that will be used when decision-makers are at their computers thinking about placing orders.
Avoid Short Shelf Life
Try to choose items that will be around for a while. In other words, instead of a pad of sticky notes, opt for a holder that can be used repeatedly.
One exception to this short shelf life rule is food. At certain times of the year, such as major holidays, a promotional gift of food can be welcome and appreciated.
Logos Can Be Winners
Your employees who are working at trade shows or fairs should be kitted out in matching shirts, hats, or whatever else is appropriate for the setting. This is a smart use of your logo being emblazoned on clothing and serves the advertising purpose without looking forced.
Another place that you can use clothing with logos is for your best customers. They have that attachment to your brand and will appreciate the recognition that you give them by gifting them branded clothing.
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