Promotional Products And Effective Business Marketing

The Incentive Performance Central completed a 2006 study that found custom promotional products could be used as a stand-alone advertising medium, coming second in "information value" only to television advertising. They continued by stating that imprinted merchandise was a very effective supplementary advertising device, to reinforce positive brand image, alongside tv and print mediums. The promo products helped to create at-home reminders, enhanced impressions of the brand/product and contributed to a consumer's intent to buy. Respondents to the survey stated that a custom promotional product was their second favorite source of information, after television. Promotional Products Association International said that they found businesses that had a corporate gift program were twice as likely to be contacted by customers, as compared to those who did not give gifts. So, the real question is not whether you'll use promo products, but rather which promotional merchandise you'll choose!

Nearly 31% of all promotional products orders are for corporate apparel, meaning t-shirts, hats, hoodies, vests, gloves, scarves, etc. In 2006, General Motors ran promotional advertising campaigns with local baseball teams, like the Rochester Redwings. On the front of the shirt was the baseball team's logo and the back of the shirt had the General Motors logo. People went wild and filled out surveys by the thousands for the shirts! Cross-promotional branding is an amazing way to create logo products that can be worn and appreciated for years, especially because these items can't be purchased in stores. You can use the popularity of another brand to boost your own popularity, in the same way a testimonial or referral would, and consumers are more willing to trust you with their business.

Whether you choose imprinted pens, shirts, or some other quirky item, you will still need a good implementation strategy. Think about where your desired market hangs out; find brand ambassadors that fit your company's image and have a marketing manager train these people well. After all, they are the first impression your prospective clientele will be having with your company and your brand. There is no room for second chances in the marketing industry, so give it 110% the first time and don't expect a couple of 10-cent promotional products to do all the work for you! The more you give, the more you get, plain and simple.