Which promotional products should you choose to represent your brand? Some of the questions you should ask yourself are:
• Where will it be used?
• Will it be given away as a gift or offered to raise funds?
• Who’s receiving it?
When giving away merchandise, you may be tempted to focus on economy. But remember, cheap and unappealing products may reflect on your brand.
A product that falls apart quickly is likely NOT one you want to represent you.
The same applies if it’s unappealing, so ends up in the trash. If it isn’t or can’t be kept, and can’t hold up to months of use, it won’t be around to promote you.
Your best choices are durable, useful and appealing to your target customers.
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Keep in mind that the most effective promotional merchandise will be used often and will be seen by as many people as possible. So, your best choices are not only those of good quality but those that will be worn or carried, preferably often.
Choices that fit this scenario could be things like shirts, hats, water bottles and all types of bags.
Other merchandise like pens, mugs, flash drives and the like, tend to be seen by fewer people and really are best at reminding the receiver not to forget you.
Always keep your target receiver in mind. Who is that person and what are they into? Choose products that’ll appeal to them and are more likely to be kept and used frequently.
Promotional products to be given at events should complement and reflect the event and the people attending.
It’s also important to think of this when decorating your merchandise. Eye-catching and appealing graphics and logos will not only work to get your brand seen but are more likely to get the merchandise used a lot.
This is of course especially true if you’ll be offering your merchandise for sale to raise funds.
When considering whether to use promotional products as gifts, think about what you’re trying to accomplish and the message you want to send. Gifts to thank your special clients should be of quality and preferably reflect your brand’s ideals or compliment them in some way. They should reflect value and be useful and/or be customized to the individual.
Be thoughtful and creative. When considering adding your logo to these types of gifts, it’s best to be subtle or leave it off entirely. Consider including a thoughtful note instead.
Need help choosing those perfect promotional products? We’re here to help! Call or email us.
Author, Jeanne Scholz-Snyder, is the webmaster for Trophy Award Co. She’s created and managed websites and worked online since 1997.