Marketing
has become an incredibly clever form of publicity - after all, it seems that no
matter where we turn, there is advertising of some sort or another. Whether it
be television adverts, bus ads, magazine adverts, online banners, social media
and sponsored ad, it seems to be never ending.
And yet more
traditional forms of advertising, such as Promotional Products - are still
going strong. Whilst many people may have assumed that this form of advertising
and marketing was dead in the water - the opposite is, in fact, true as
promotional products are still an incredibly powerful marketing tool.
What is the
point of releasing Promotional Products?
Promotional
products allow people to see your brand, associate your brand and recognise
your brand. All these things are important as the more people who become aware
of your brand - the better results you will see in business and sales.
What items
should I use for Promotional Products?
Well, a lot
of the time it depends what your business actually is and what your budget is
too. Both these things are likely to influence the type of promotional product
you opt for. In general though, most companies tend to opt for things such as:
-
Stationary: notepads, pens, pencils, rulers, erasers
- Bags:
could include purses
- Business
items: business card holder, address book, laptop sleeve
- Desk
Accessories: Mugs, Glass, Calendars
- Clothing:
T-shirts, caps, hats, socks, gloves, sweat bands
Whilst these
are the most common items - you really can be inventive with this. In fact, it
is often the more inventive choices for promotional products that are the most
successful.
Remember
your niche
Keep in mind
the niche you're hoping to target though too. For example; t-shirts, caps and
sweatbands are often great if you're a fitness brand or a gym. Desk supplies
and stationary usually work better if you're targeting businesses or corporate
niches. Try not to make the item "over branded" too - a product that
is subtle and will actively be used will be much more effective.
When can I
distribute them?
This depends
on you. Perhaps you're looking to catch the eye of a potential client or
customer? In which case - sending them a free gift (in the form of a
promotional product) is a great idea, as they're more likely to pay attention
to your business and brand if you've made the effort to send them something.
Another occasion you could distribute them is during a trade show, an open day,
or just out in public? You'd be surprised at how much attention "free
stuff" will earn you and how people's curiosity will be roused. Have
people form a queue around your distributors and watch the curiosity build, and
your brand's reputation too with these tradeshow giveaways.
Is it easy
to implement?
There are
many outlets out there that stock and personalise cheap products that you can
then distribute as promotional products. A great idea for small businesses
(with small budgets) is to trial a few items first - this way you see which are
most successful and which get the best return on investment.
When
executed properly a promotional product marketing strategy can be hugely
successful and very rewarding, both for sales and revenue, and the brand's
awareness and reputation. So don't rush into it, consider your option and find
the perfect product.
*Source:
Elle-Rose Williams
