How do you choose the best promotional products to promote your business?

Be inspired by your core values

All promotional marketing items emphasize a company’s corporate identity and help to cultivate a visual image of a brand. The more the connection with the brand itself and its core values, the better the memorability. Creativity and originality are vital. A unique marketing item with a corporate identity makes the company memorable and can sometimes become an iconic figure in its own right. In 1993, a group of furry polar bears gathered together to gaze up at the northern lights. This was Ken Stewart’s “Always Coca-Cola” advertising campaign. “Coca-Cola is not just soda in a can,” said Stewart. “It has people’s emotions in it.” It was a huge success and since then Coca-Cola have capitalized on their polar bear mascot, which comes complete with a red branded scarf. Stewart knew that these bears would make people smile and feel good. This was exactly one of the main ideas and a core value of the brand. Since then, Coca-Cola have used their polar bear mascot every year, especially at Christmas time.

Select high-quality and wise products on which to place your company’s logo

Promotional items are a much more effective reminder of the company when selected wisely. A useful, pleasant gift presents an opportunity to maintain a sustainable connection with your target audience. For example, a nice, personalized business cardholder could prove to be a very tactical and functional choice as it will remind your client of your company every time they use it. When assessing the quality of a gift, there are three main criteria at play: sense of belonging, utility, and originality. Therefore, offering both an original and useful gift is an effective strategy. If the gift is also functional it can create a positive and memorable image of your business.

Make a positive impression to increase your brand awareness and sales

According to the PPAI (Promotional Product Association International), spend on business and promotional items ranks sixth in the marketing activities of successful businesses around the world. They act as effective, strong ambassadors of companies across all generations. Additionally, promotional products help you to increase brand awareness, which is strongly linked to success in sales. The McDonald’s marketing team struck gold with the introduction of the Happy Meal and indoor playgrounds in 1979. This was a unique strategy at the time and everyone wanted to collect their promotional items, with a new one brought out every month. These promotional toys were so powerful that they even drew attention away the food items. Up until as late as 2010 when Ronald McDonald was retired due to childhood obesity allegations, Happy Meals and the toys that accompanied them contributed to 20% of sales at McDonald’s!

Establish long-term business relationships and loyalty

Promotional marketing items are profitable investments intended to create a long-term business relationship. Pleased and loyal clients are the best means of advertising your business and are more likely to help you gain new clients by referral. Offering promotional products is one of the most common and effective techniques used in marketing. According to a study by the PPAI, 85% of people are willing to do business with companies that offer a promotional product.

Promotional products have been a significant tool of marketing for over 200 years. From pens to cups, promotional items have resulted in great brand exposure for companies of all sizes.

If you too want to develop the most effective promotional item for your own brand, get in touch with us today and let us bring your ideas to life at a competitive price!