In today’s digital world, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the future of all marketing was in digital channels such as social media or SEO. However, promotional products are still one of the most important categories in any marketing professional’s strategy and annual plan.
Customers love the immediacy of promo products. They offer utility, present the brand or remind the owner of the brand, and create a ‘feel good’ factor between the brand and the customer, encouraging them to find out more or to buy again. And everyone loves the ‘gift’ aspect of a freebie too.
But it’s important to understand that the demand for different promotional products is changing. Today’s customers want to see promo products which offer something of real use and value (the utility factor), which they can make use of rather than send to landfill. Other trends such as sustainability and recycling are key and products which support a digital lifestyle are growing fast as a category in their own right. Examples include USB accessories and mobile phone chargers.
Remember, the British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) has carried out extensive research which proves the link between promo items and customer brand recognition and sales. So if you want to see real ROI from your promotional marketing activities, it’s time to invest in the promotional product categories below.
USB accessories & mobile phone accessories
These are fast-growing promo categories and customers love them. Offer USB leads, portable charging units, personalized flash sticks and other digital accessories that customers will value. As these products are also light, they are great for a DM campaign and you can preload them with your marketing messages.
Promotional sweets
Branded sweets have stood the test of time for a reason; they are inexpensive, fun and everyone loves them! Give them away at events or with DM campaigns. There are plenty of varieties to choose from, with sweet bags and boxes in a wide range of styles. You could also choose sugar-free mints – if that falls in line with your brand’s image in a more natural way – and they are healthy too.
1. Promotional bags
Whenever you attend a trade event, show or product launch, promotional bags are an absolute no-brainer. They offer real value and long-term utility and carry evident and highly visible branding. They’re also highly affordable and can be prepacked with your own marketing materials. You can even add that extra special appeal by integrating technology with your promotional bags, such as speakers or phone chargers.
2. Promotional umbrellas
Perhaps inevitably top-sellers in the UK, given our variable weather, these are rather more high-end products which could be reserved for B2B businesses with higher-value customers. Go for a decent product which will stand the test of time, so that your customers recognize the value of the gift and associate your brand positively as a result.
3. Promotional pens
Another obvious and time-served promo which is still extremely popular, branded pens can be sent in DM campaigns or handed out face to face at events. Get your sales agents to leave them after meetings as well. Your customers and prospects will see your brand every time they write.
4. Branded reusable coffee mugs
Branded and reusable coffee mugs tick a lot of trend boxes. Firstly, they allow plenty of space for attractive branding, they enable the current coffee-loving lifestyle and they support sustainability by providing a reusable mug and diverting disposable cups from landfill.
5. Stress relief products
Corporate life can be stressful, so anti-stress products are a great way of recognizing the wellbeing and health of your customers and prospects and showing that you care. Again, these are great items to hand out after meetings, visits or at events.
Smarter businesses recognize the enduring power of a good promo. Keep this key brand building strategy in mind and see the benefits in terms of brand awareness, engagement, conversions and those all-important sales.
Just remember to work with your promo gift provider to find the best prices and options, and plan ahead so that you can buy in bulk for all occasions to minimize the unit cost. Customer and prospect profiling is also helpful so that you order the right mix of promotional items for your visits, trade events and direct mail campaigns.
Historical data can be used to help you to assimilate essential planning information. If you’re in any doubt, just speak to your provider who will have insights into the most popular categories for customers of your type and the newest releases that brands are loving.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
