With so many businesses offering similar products, it can be a challenge to make yours stand out. One way to do so is through small business promotional items. From start-ups to multi-billion businesses, promotional products are one of the most effective marketing tools nowadays.
Why companies should invest in promotional products
Here are the reasons why businesses should include promotional products in their budget.
Cost-efficient and effective.
Small businesses cannot afford expensive advertising campaigns. This is how promotional products can help start-up companies achieve their business goals. Most of these products cost low yet practical and effective in brand awareness.
Aids in brand awareness and recognition.
Customers can identify your brand when they see your logo on a promotional product. For example, you know it’s McDonald’s when you see a yellow “M” even from afar.
A great way to get your brand to the masses.
Most people only get exposed to a billboard or a TV ad for only a couple of seconds. Meanwhile, brands get more exposure to customers through promotional products. Whether the promo item is a ballpen, a mug, or a t-shirt, the likelihood of brand exposure is always high.
Serves as your “business card”.
Promo items can also serve as your “business card”. It introduces your brand to your target consumers. Some promo items only contain the brand logo itself. But others also include other details like contact number and email address.
Encourages customer loyalty.
Companies have to invest in resources to ensure customer loyalty. One effective way is by using promotional products. But make sure that the items are of high quality as it can also be a reflection of what you are as a company and brand.
How promotional products can help with your marketing strategy
If you are planning to start a business, you might wonder how these items can help increase sales and brand awareness. The truth is that small business promotional items are more powerful than you think. How? Here are ways unique promotional items can help companies market their brand.
It is a proven way to ensure brand awareness. Companies that take advantage of promo items have a higher likelihood of customer recall. More than 70 percent of customers who received promo items two years ago remembered the brand, the item, and the message included in the said product.
Small business promotional items can help boost sales.
The higher the brand exposure, the more likely consumers will reach out and avail of your product or service. One survey revealed that more than 50 percent of the respondents connected with the advertiser for a business transaction.
Custom promotional items create a good impression on the company.
Who doesn’t like free items? More so, your customers will love receiving freebies that they can use in their daily lives. The more you use it, the broader its reach and exposure. You don’t have to pay for expensive media ads. Instead, you can use your customers to “advertise” your brand through promo items.
For those who doubt the effectiveness of promotional products for brand awareness, here are some stats that should convince you.
- 90% of people who receive a promotional product can recall the name of the brand.
- 80% of people have an immediate reaction when they receive a promo from companies they’ve never heard of. (Source: PPAI)
- 70% of brands consider promotional products mostly or always effective in achieving marketing goals. (Source: PPAI)
- Brand recall is highest for apparel items, with 85% of people remembering the advertiser. (Source: ASI Central)
- Bags and writing instruments tie for the lowest cost per impression at one-tenth of a cent. (Source: Sage Blog)
- Consumers are 2.5 times more likely to have a positive opinion of promotional products over Internet advertising. (Source: ASI Central)
What is a Promotional Product?
As the name suggests, a promotional product is used to promote or advertise a business. You may not realize it, but it is impossible not to have owned at least one promo item in your life. Look around your house, and you will find at least one item bearing a brand name or logo on it.
Through promotional products, people become accidental “endorsers” when they use the items. These items may seem ordinary, but it can go a long way.
Why Is Product Promotion Important?
If you are planning to start a business, you need to plan how you are going to introduce your brand. A good promotional strategy will also help distinguish you from your competitors.
A lot of companies use promotional items as a cost-efficient way to advertise their brand. Most of these items can be used in daily life, so it should not be a waste of money. Then again, companies should choose the promo item that resonates with their brand.
What to know before ordering small business promotional items?
Before spending money on promotional products, you need to consider the following first.
Your target audience
What kind of items do you think your target audience would like? Are these items something that they will keep and use for a long time? For a trade show giveaway, generic items like a ballpen or post-its can be enough. However, you need to look for more premium items if these are for employee gifts or tokens for special clients.
Your objectives
Aside from brand awareness, there are other reasons why companies include promo items on their marketing budget. As mentioned, it can be used as token of appreciation for clients and customers. Or perhaps use these items to encourage customers to buy products or avail services from your company.
Your budget
Before buying promotional products, make sure it fits your budget. That is why identifying the target audience and objectives are also crucial when choosing promotional products. You also need to consider the right number of items you should order. Otherwise, you will end up with high inventory and a wasted budget.
The brand image
Is your brand known for its modern and fun vibes? A more corporate and formal feel? Or is your company advocating sustainability or eco-awareness? You should choose a promotional item that suits your brand image. You should also think about the following:
- Item material quality and color
- Decoration/printing method (will it be engraved, embossed, or printed through a printer?)
- Brand/logo positioning (how big will the logo/brand name be on the item?)
What are the best promotional ideas?
According to research done by ASI Central in 2019, the following are the most owned product categories of promotional products owned by more than half of consumers! Below is a branded items list of some of the best and most effective promotional products, but there are many others, as well.
- 89% – Writing Instruments
- 88% – Drink ware
- 80% – T-shirts
- 73% – Bags
- 69% – Headwear
- 67% – Outerwear
- 65% – Polo Shirts
- 64% – Desk Accessories
- 62% – Calendars
- 58% – USB Drives
- 45% – Umbrellas
- 33% – Mobile Power Banks
How much do promotional products cost?
Most companies are pleasantly surprised when they inquire about custom promotional product pricing. The fact is there are hundreds upon hundreds of thousands of unique promotional products available. There is something for every budget. You can get a small business promotional item for as low as 10 cents and upwards of $1,000 or more. The average cost is around $1.25-$1.50
Are there minimum quantities required for promotional products?
The short answer is yes. Most promotional product manufacturers have minimum order quantities. However, some small business promotional products do not carry minimums. Your best bet is to contact us to discuss your situation, and we’ll point you in the right direction.
To learn more, contact us directly, or feel free to shop our promotional items website.
It’s good that you mentioned how investing in promotional products for our small business can help us advertise our brand in a cost-efficient and effective manner since it helps expose it to more potential customers. I manage a fairly new coffee shop, and I was thinking of having promotional tumblers for the store that customers can consider buying with their orders. I’ll keep this in mind while I look for a provider I can contact for our promotional products soon.
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