Promotional Products Benefits

In the world of marketing, nothing beats promotional items and free giveaways! A 2006 survey of business travelers at DFW Airport found that 55% of people questioned said they keep their promotional products for more than 1 year. As far as brand recognition goes, 76.1% of respondents could recall the advertiser's name on promotional merchandise they had received within the past 12 months. Also noteworthy is that 75.4% of respondents said they kept their custom promotional products, because they were useful. So what can you brand to keep people remembering your business?

The Incentive Performance Central completed a 2006 study that found custom promotional products could be used as a stand-alone advertising medium, coming second in "information value" only to television advertising. They continued by stating that imprinted merchandise was a very effective supplementary advertising device, to reinforce positive brand image, alongside tv and print mediums.

The promo products helped to create at-home reminders, enhanced impressions of the brand/product and contributed to a consumer's intent to buy. Respondents to the survey stated that a custom promotional product was their second favorite source of information, after television. Promotional Products Association International said that they found businesses that had a corporate gift program were twice as likely to be contacted by customers, as compared to those who did not give gifts. So, the real question is not whether you'll use promo products, but rather which promotional merchandise you'll choose!

There are two types of marketing angles to take when choosing promotional products. One angle may be that you want something tested, tried and true. To play it safe, go with golf shirts, hats, jackets, t-shirts, pens, pencils, markers, highlighters, wall and wallet calendars, or stationary. However, you may feel that your product or service is something that's a little bit quirky and a little bit edgy. You will want something that is more than a reminder but will really "wow" your audience. Innovations are always changing, but finding promo products that tie into your company's theme can be effective.

For example, the movie "Gothika," starring Halle Berry as a mental patient, was promoted using pens shaped like syringes. Or the movie "Anchorman" used branded stress relievers shaped like little dumb bells that said "right gun" and "left gun" (which is really funny if you've seen the movie)! Carnival Cruises recently offered the public eco-friendly tote bags to promote port-side shopping and environmentalism. Nightclubs may choose water bottles to help their dehydrated clientele and Mike's Hard Lemonade may use branded beachballs to reinforce their "beach party" message.

Whether you choose imprinted pens, shirts, or some other quirky item, you will still need a good implementation strategy. Think about where your desired market hangs out; find brand ambassadors that fit your company's image and have a marketing manager train these people well. After all, they are the first impression your prospective clientele will be having with your company and your brand. There is no room for second chances in the marketing industry, so give it 110% the first time and don't expect a couple of 10-cent promotional products to do all the work for you! The more you give, the more you get, plain and simple.

Just enter your name and email to get your FREE Promitional Products gift immediately ! Name:                  Email Address: Your name and email address will not be sold, shared or disclosed to anyone. We promise to respect your privacy.

Technorati Tags: Promotional Products, Promotional Products Benefits