We live in a world that is dominated by online activity. We shop online, order our meals, network, find friends, and some of us even find our partners in the online space. A recent survey indicates that Brits spend, on average, 3 hours 23 minutes a day on their phones. Therefore, it’s easy to overlook the power of promotional products. Custom pens, silicone wristbands, branded flags and other promo products are often an untapped method of increasing brand awareness, creating a lasting impression and retaining customers.
Here are our top ten reasons for including promotional products in your marketing plan.
1. Brand Awareness
Selecting the right promotional products will help to project a positive image of your organisation. You will further your reach and help to reinforce your business / cause in people’s minds. Products that can be worn allow your customers to do your marketing for you, helping you reach a wider audience. And functional everyday products such as travel card holders, pens, coasters and trolley coins, put your name in front of your customer on a regular basis.
2. Create a Lasting Impression
Promotional products last. They act as a continual reminder of your company. According to BPMA, 83% of people who receive promotional products can remember the brand advertised for an average of 12 months. 79% of recipients said they were more likely to do business with the company in the future.
3. People Love ‘Free Stuff’
It’s true. People love free stuff. When you go to a conference or event one of the perks is the goodie bag. Or, think how you feel if at the end of a sales meeting someone provides you with a free gift. It creates instant ‘feel good’ and these positive vibes will be associated with your business.
4. Low Cost
Promotional products are relatively inexpensive, particularly when compared to other forms of marketing. For example, our custom car air fresheners can be purchased from as little as 20p each. That’s a low outgoing when compared to the number of times the items are likely to be seen and the potential for sales conversions.
5. Tangible
In an increasingly digital or virtual world promotional products are tangible. You can touch them (and in some cases smell them), they’re visually appealing and they’re often functional and useful items. All of this adds to their appeal and ensures that they are not easily forgotten.
6. Encourage Repeat Business
People often associate promotional products with winning new business. However, they’re also a great way to say thank you to your current customers or supporters. They act as a great reminder of your services or products and help to encourage repeat business.
7. Supporting Other Forms of Marketing
We have established that promotional products are a great way to promote your business but they often work best when used to support other forms of marketing. For example, direct mail. Instead of sending just a letter or flyer, consider including a promotional gift. This will stand out from other mail and will leave a lasting impression.
8. Not Disposable
Unlike other promotional material such as brochures and flyers, promotional items are a lot less disposable. As people equate them with gifts, they are less likely to throw them away. In fact, studies have shown that recipients tend to keep promotional products for one year or longer.
9. Versatile
Promotional products are often extremely useful and functional. It’s not just about pens and cups, there’s a massive selection of items to choose from. Items can be carefully selected to fit in with your company ethos and businesses are coming up with creative and innovative ways to use them in their marketing.
10. Not Just About Selling
We shouldn’t just equate promotional items with selling. They can be used in several ways. For example, to create awareness of a charity or cause or to motivate staff or volunteers.
In summary promotional products increase brand awareness, create a lasting impression, provide a tactile, sensory experience, create leads, encourage repeat business and future sales, and support your other marketing activities The next time you review your marketing plan make sure promotional products feature prominently in the mix.
