Promotional products are a great way to help your business grow while building brand loyalty and showing employees that you appreciate their hard work. Gone are the days of handing out useless promo products that collect dust in a drawer.
Today, brands are getting smarter about the promotional materials they offer, and there are so many more options available. If you’re still on the fence about promotional products, here are five reasons to start using them.
1. They Build Brand Awareness
Promotional products are excellent for brand building. Each time a person uses your promotional product, they’re reminded of your brand and what you do.
A pair of swag socks, for example, can build brand recognition not only with the person who owns the socks, but with anyone who sees them. Let’s say that the person wears your branded socks to work, and their co-workers notice them. That starts a conversation that could lead to getting a new lead or customer.
Just getting your brand name in front of people’s eyes will build brand awareness, and that’s precisely what promotional products do.
2. They Show Your Appreciation
When you choose quality, useful brand promotional products, they generate goodwill. Using the swag socks example, the recipient will appreciate being able to wear their socks time and time again. And each time they wear their socks, they’re reminded of your brand.
Plus, everyone loves free products, and when they’re useful items, that’s even better.
The goodwill generated by your promotional items can turn leads into customers.
And when promotional items are given to employees, they also feel valued and appreciated. In turn, you can build employee loyalty while expressing your appreciation for their hard work.
Promotional materials make excellent employee and corporate gifts. However, it’s essential to choose your corporate promotional products carefully. They should be aligned with your company’s culture and values.
3. It’s Free Advertising That Keeps on Giving
Promotional items display your company name and/or logo. Depending on the product and your design, they may also include your slogan to tell people what your company does.
Each time your promotional items are used, they act as a free advertisement for your company. For example, let’s say that you gave 100 people promotional tote bags with your company name and slogan. When those 100 people use your tote bag while shopping or running errands, hundreds of other people will see your company name. One simple bag can significantly increase your reach and, hopefully, generate more sales.
Promotional products are like portable billboards. Best of all, there’s no expiration date on the advertisement. Someone may use your bag, pen, socks or other item for years. You won’t have to pay a cent for all of that brand promotion. It’s the marketing gift that keeps on giving.
4. They’re a Form of Low-Cost Marketing
In most cases, promotional items are bought in bulk. Wholesale promotional products come at a lower price because you’re buying so many. But even without a wholesale discount, promotional products are still a low-cost form of marketing.
Billboards, television ads and radio advertisements can quickly eat into your marketing budget.
- TV ads can cost anywhere from $200 to $2,000 or more to run.
- Radio ads can cost $200-$5,000 or more per week, depending on the size of the audience.
- Online advertising can cost hundreds of dollars per month.
The average cost of promotional products, on the other hand, is just $1 per item. Of course, some items cost more than others, but this is the industry average.
Promo products are far less costly than other forms of marketing, and you have plenty of options when choosing your products. There are many companies that offer promotional items, many of which are very high quality.
5. They Can Grow Your Business
Giving away online promotional products can increase your revenue and help you grow your business. Not only can they help you attract new customers, but they also build brand recognition that can expand your reach.
Promotional items can lead to direct purchases, but they can also increase referrals. If the person using the item is happy with your products or services, they may tell others. Word-of-mouth marketing can help your business grow and is often the result of promotional products.
The Takeaway
If you think you can’t benefit from promotional products for business, think again. Promotional products are essential for every business, no matter the size or industry. Not only can they help build brand awareness and employee loyalty, but they also provide free advertising and can ultimately help you generate more sales.
The key most important thing is to provide people with products that they want to use, that are aligned with your brand’s values and are made with high-quality materials. Sure, promotional products require an upfront investment, but they’re a cost-effective form of marketing that will continue promoting your brand for years to come (and for free).
