In the quest to get noticed by customers and keep up to date with current marketing trends many marketers are dumping old promotional methods in favour of the glossy new options. It may seem the easy option to jump on the bandwagon and follow suit.
However, why not integrate new methods of advertising your brand, with tried and tested traditional ones? Join social networks, have coverage on Youtube, and invest in the digital media era; but by all means: strategise and keep things simple as well. The odd promotional giveaway is going to increase your company relevance; customers love little gadgets to put on their desks. Be modern, but also be practical! The two strategies can work hand in hand.
So you want to make a stentorian noise about your brand? Here are ten reasons why you should use promotional products in your marketing campaigns:
1) Promotional products will help you acquire new customers. It's a well known fact that customers are open minded to new businesses when they visit exhibitions and trade shows. If you can impress them with your stall, and your knowledge, then give them a free gift with your essential information on it: chances are your details will be kept for retrieval when they next need a service similar to yours.
2) Promotional products will help keep your existing customers happy. Especially if there has been a period of low contact, this gift will help keep your brand fresh and relevant. A gentle reminder that you are still alive never hurt anyone.
3) Promotional gifts show that your company care. It should not just be a one way relationship; demonstrate that you are quite happy to give as well as receive. This attitude will be deemed honourable and thus raise the credibility of your company.
4) Promotional gifts ensure you are always at the forefront of your customers minds. Just subtle reiteration of your brand through submissive messages often works a treat. If your customers use your pen everyday or drink from your mug, they may not think about it; but you can be sure; the mind has taken in the subliminal messages and this increases brand awareness.
5) Promotional goods show that your company has initiative. Today's market has progressed so that you can often find innovative little gifts that will keep your customers entertained for hours. Intelligence is a good attribute to have. Promotional products allow the marketing to be in house and effective to boot.
6) Promotional goods allow for synergy in the marketing plan. I'm not suggesting you abandon the sexy, contemporary marketing campaigns, I'm saying you should use every tool you have!
7) Promotional items are economical and barely make a dent in your marketing budget. Not only that but they are effective. You get a lot of coverage, and the Opportunity to See (OTS) is phenomenal. Capitalise on the astounding value promotional goods will offer you!
8) Often company messages blur into one, but promotional merchandise allows for concise messages to be promoted. If anyone forgets your message they can just look at your product. The more they look, the more they will retain.
9) An effective promotional campaign can increase propensity to buy. If your brand gives away something for free and remains relevant in the commercial world, gratitude and recognition will preside; increasing ROI figures.
10) Most of all, promotional products show that you can be personable and have a fun side. Business should not all be about deals, contracts and money. A little bit of light hearted fun will win over the clients any day of the week.
So don't just rely on the big guys, help yourselves make a mark on brand perception. Watch your customers explode in a paroxysm of joy as you invest in the very best promotional products around.
Bec McAuliffe, Msc Marketing qualified works for the leading promotional products company, Argon Promotions. Living in London, she enjoys team sports, swimming and the odd cocktail after a hard days work!
