In today’s crowded marketplace it can be tough to achieve top of mind awareness with your clients and prospects. You are competing with competitors, bigger brands, friends, family and every cat video out there to gain the attention of your target audience. Well I am here to tell you that more effective marketing can come with the use of promotional products and branded apparel.
Before you start any kind of marketing plan or strategy, be it traditional marketing or the ever popular social media marketing, a few important questions need to be asked regarding promotional products. Lucky for you I have them right here. Grab your pen and paper or, more realistically, open your notes app on your phone, because these will questions will help you market more effectively using promotional products.
WHY PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS ARE EFFECTIVE MARKETING TOOLS
They provide extended brand exposure. Unlike a traditional advertisement, promotional products are difficult to miss. A tote bag with your logo will surely get more attention than a newspaper ad and your clients will be able to get repeated use out of it.
They’re valuable. Flyers have become less effective means of marketing because they are often ignored and thrown away. Promotional items like t-shirts or stress balls aren’t likely to get tossed because they are more like gifts than advertisements.
They present a creative marketing spin. Billboards, radio spots, newspaper advertisements, and television commercials are fine, but they’re not exactly original. Promotional products are not only more creative but also more tangible to customers.
They’re inexpensive. Any experienced marketer can tell you about the high costs of traditional marketing methods. Promotional items are available in such a wide variety of shapes and sizes that there is something for any budget (even if it’s just a key chain).
HOW PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS AND BRANDED APPAREL ARE USED FOR MARKETING
To generate brand awareness. Promo items quickly spread the word about your business. People love free gifts and samples, and clients are likely to tell their friends about the personalized merchandise you distributed with your friendly slogan!
To commend a job well done. Employees deserve rewards for their hard work and dedication, and high-ticket promotional products like desk awards can improve morale and reinforce loyalty.
To say “thank you”. Sending follow-up emails to clients is always smart, but giving a high-quality promotional item is even better. When you send a gift like a photo calendar after a big sale, you can bet that you’ll see some repeat business.
To use as coupons and special offers. Many businesses print coupons on promotional pens or offer t-shirts that entitle customers to discounts. There’s no limit to what you can do if you get creative with your promo items.
To organize a giveaway with prizes. By using your own custom merchandise as prizes, you’ll give winners what they want while exposing your brand at the same time!
To provide exclusive gifts to members. Membership fees are standard for numerous clubs and organizations, and many people are reluctant to pay them. Giving an exclusive promotional product as a member gift may encourage people to join.
To raise money for charity. Non-profit organizations and charities often hold fundraisers and auctions. Make yourself known by donating a high-end promotional item or a fancy gift basket; the cause will gain funds, you’ll gain exposure, and the customer will receive a memorable gift.
WHAT KINDS OF PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS SHOULD MY BUSINESS USE
It doesn’t matter what your business is, there are promotional products that will help you connect with your target audience. Many of the popular promo items crossover into other industries and channels.
Research has shown that over 92% of people will keep a promotional product if they find it useful and relevant to them. So if you’re at a football game marketing your products and brand, it’s not a good idea to hand out soccer promotional products.
Connecting with people is the number two reason to use promotional products right behind driving new sales. Strengthening your brands presence can be done with any type of promotional product. Create products with your consumers in mind. What are they using that can easily be created to re-emphasize your brand and market a product at the same time?
With these three questions in mind you will have much more success using promotional products. They are a tangible item that people will use time and time again. They have the power to advertise a message or brand that cannot be turned off like a T.V. or radio ad. Promotional products work. It’s that plain and that simple.