Promotional items have been one of the oldest methods of brand promotion, but not everyone is doing it right. Businesses, be it startups or established companies, can reap the benefits of employing promotional items in their marketing ventures. Here are ten ways to use promotional products to market your business.
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LOGOS
Sometimes personalizing the item for the client makes more sense. Putting a good customer’s name on a ballpoint pen, water bottle, or reusable shopping bag ensures they will use it – and tell others where they got it. A small company logo is OK; make sure the customer’s identification is prominent.
2. CLOTHING CAUTION AGAINST LOGOS
The caution against logos on items goes double for t-shirts, hats, and so forth. You love your company and the logo that goes with it. Unless you are a genuinely beloved brand, chances are your customers will not relish the thought of wearing a ball cap with your logo on it.
3. ENVIRONMENTAL TARGETING
Environmental targeting means to give 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, give out mouse pads or flash drives – items used when decision-makers are at their computers thinking about placing an order.
4. LONG-LASTING ITEMS
Try to select items that will be around for a long time. In other words, instead of an imprinted pad of sticky notes, go for a holder that can be used repeatedly. However, food will be an exception in this case as it cannot last longer than a certain time.
5. EMPLOYEES DRESS CODE OR LOGO
Your employees, unlike the product logos, working trade shows, or county fairs should be outfitted in matching shirts, hats, or whatever else is appropriate for the setting. That is an intelligent use of logo-emblazoned clothing and serves the advertising purpose without looking forced.
6. ALWAYS REWARD REFERRALS
Another area in which a logoed item works well is when someone has given you a referral. Reward the referral with the company brand, and they will feel as if they are unique. Again, the choice of more than one item would be best.
7. CUSTOMER’S CHOICE
If possible, let customers select a promotional item – assuming it is not personalized – from several you have available. Someone who wants and needs a pen will use it. The customer or prospect who could use an envelope opener will select that.
8. GIVE CUSTOMERS PROMOTIONAL ITEMS
When you give a promotional item to a customer or prospect, you set up an expectation that often makes them want to do business with you. You don’t have to say anything or make a big deal of it, but they will feel obligated.
9. BE NICE AND COMMUNICATIVE
Giving out promotional products is an excellent way to “break the ice” and start a conversation. Sometimes that’s all it takes and next thing you know, the two of you are communicating.
10. FREE GIFTS!
Nothing beats free stuff when it comes to getting attention. If what you are handing out is unique or novel, word-of-mouth spreads and you will be swamped.
