One of my favorite sayings about promotional items is that they are the only advertising for which people will thank you. Most of the time this is very true!
We like to say that your promo items speak for you or your business. What are yours saying?
To make sure you are getting the most out of your marketing that uses promotional items, here’s some questions you should ask:
These first two items I would say are equally important. First, does the promotional product carry your message well and enhance your other marketing programs? Though sometimes the messages applied to promotional items can seem corny or juvenile even, they do work. For instance, if you are promoting a survey you might use a USB drive and say “we’re trying to get more plugged into your needs”. You could also have the USB automatically link to the survey.
Second, be sure the item is useful. At Promo Hounds we always want to know to whom you are giving the items. What is their profession? Are they execs, laborers or what? Give them the wrong item and it ends up in the trash or with their children.
Are you going too cheap? Sometimes trying to save money gets to a point where it is detrimental. In such cases you should just not give out anything, or you can just purchase fewer of a little more expensive item. If what you are giving out comes across as trash it really tarnishes your image and likely ends up in the trash.
Are your items packaged well? Presentation can be very meaningful and give your items a higher perceived value!
Is your logo imprinted correctly? Most larger companies have some fairly strict logo guidelines now. Small businesses should do the same. If you can get your logo imprinted in your exact colors do that. In cases where other imprint methods like debossing or engraving are used, just make sure it is good quality.
Finally, how are you giving out your promotional items? This falls under “presentation” also I guess. It can be as simple as neatly folding or rolling up t-shirts you are giving away. You might order additional packaging for a better presentation. You may include a card or tag with it that contains more info. Whatever you do, try to be as professional (unless that’s not your businesses thing) as possible with the packaging.
These may seem like remedial suggestions, but you would be surprised how many times we see people not employing these tactics.
Sometimes it is just that little something extra or attention to detail that makes your promotions over the top!