Promotional Products Have to be Part of your Marketing Plans

The age-old problem of how to ensure your brand stands out and remains at the forefront of a clients mind is a tricky one to solve but having some branded promotional products is an essential first step in a cohesive marketing strategy to secure this.

Out of sight, out of mind is a cliché but it can prove very true with respect to client relations. Trying to combat lethargy in brand awareness is never-ending but having some carefully chose giveaways that stand the test of time will go a long way to solving this issue. To back this up, here are some reasons why every marketing campaign can benefit from branded promotional items in their campaign.

1. Lasting Awareness – Longevity For Your Brand

A well-chosen promotional giveaway should be an ongoing reminder of your company brand every day that it is used. The positive links created by gifting a promotional giveaway can boost client loyalty and relations. Include your contact details on the giveaway and you'll increase the likelihood of new/repeat custom too.

2. Your Brand, Front And Centre – Advertising Space

That well-chosen giveaway can also become a permanent, daily advert for your company's services within a workplace. Think that the majority of people are working for around 8hrs a day with a lot of them situated in one place – be it at a desk, countertop, work vehicle etc. If your giveaway is chosen with that in mind, you will secure advertising for your company day in day out.

3. That Must Have Cost A Lot – Perceived Monetary Cost Of A Giveaway

People are more likely to base their idea of costs on a single item but as you'll order in bulk you can use this to your advantage. The emotional response to a perceived valuable gift is very beneficial when aiming to illustrate just what the receiver means to your company and how you would like to be thought of with regards to valuing clients.

4. Make It Personal – Connect To Your Clientele

Be clever when choosing your giveaway and be mindful of the customer's perception of the item. Creating desirability for an item because it is – collectable, cool, new, interesting, techie, valuable – all of this lifts your branded giveaway above others by inciting a positive emotional response. Make sure your giveaway is their new favourite thing and they'll use and speak of it often.

5. Social Mindfulness – Be Seen Out With Your Sector In A Positive Way

Obviously, there are benefits to this for business but that aside, ethically and morally the value of getting involved locally is good for the community, your employees and the larger area as a whole. Consider a sponsorship or host your own charity events for causes dear to your company's heart and or your communities – just because you can.

6. You're Only As Good As Your People – Employee Incentive

It's a cliché because it's true. Don't forget to reward your staff with promotional giveaways, without them where you be? A genuine appreciation of your staff can motivate and that's good all-round – better for business and better for staff well-being. Also, it's just the right thing to do.

7. Give A Little Bit Extra – A Different Way To Give And Promote

Adding in a free gift is an alternative way to just handing out giveaways. Keep the perceived value high but obviously no more than the product or service you're bundling it in with. Instead of actual monetary discounts, the giveaway could be perceived to be worth the amount when in fact it will be less due to bulk-buying. This, in turn, means higher sales margins for the business coupled with the thrill of a free gift for the client – a double win.

8. Every Penny Counts – Target Your Giveaways, Save Money

Your giveaway will save you money if it's done correctly. The longevity of the item will mean that your business details and/or service will stay in a customers' mind for a good amount of time. This versus the cost of more 'traditional' advertising will soon pay for itself and assist in keeping a lid on marketing budgets.

9. Word Of Mouth – Client Recommendations Are Invaluable

Let your chosen giveaway, worn or used by your client, be their recommendation of your company. Make sure the item is quality, useful and interesting enough to be used often and your client will be your brand ambassador providing mobile advertising wherever they go.

10. Touchy, Feely - Tangible Products For Promoting

With so much being digital or paper, vouchers or coupons, having something your customer can physically touch, feel, taste, smell etc. very much appeals to the human element. You only have to look at Amazon – the website that would kill printed books, who's biggest sellers are... printed books. Or the resurgence in vinyl records against all the odds of a digital music industry. There is no getting away from the fact that people like physical things and there is room in this world for both.

So there we have it, 10 sound reasons to make branded promotional products a really integral part of your marketing budget. When used in conjunction with a properly thought out strategy the benefits are self-evident.