Promotional merchandise has gained popularity over the last few decades. But this kind of marketing has a deep-rooted history across the world. In fact, the first known use of promotional merchandising was in 1789, when commemorative badges celebrated George Washington becoming the first president of the newly-formed US. Although, it wasn't until the 1880s that companies began to realise the full potential of branded products as a means to attract new customers and build recognition. If you're wondering how to promote your business, it's time to follow their lead. Read on to find out ten reasons why your business should invest in promotional merchandising.
1.Greater Brand Exposure
Whether they're on TV, online, or on billboards, advertisements pass-by us in a few seconds. In comparison, branded gifts are right there in front of your customers' eyes time and time again. In fact, 81 percent of people keep promotional products for well over a year. This leads to repeated brand exposure, consolidating your brand with your customers more and more every time. This is especially the case if you choose to put your business name on promotional products that customers actually use, such as smartphone accessories and office swag.
2. Cost-Effective Marketing
For small businesses and start-ups, one of the biggest advantages of promotional marketing is how cost-effective it is. Expensive media campaigns are often out of reach for small enterprises. But low-cost promotional products can help them achieve their marketing goals and, since promo items provide such great brand exposure, they offer great value and high impact for a small investment.
3. Instant Recognition
One of the key reasons to give out promotional items to customers is to help them remember and recognise your business. In fact, 89 percentof consumers can recall the advertiser of a promotional product they’d received in the last two years. This kind of instant brand recognition helps to build familiarity and trust in your company. And as a result, your customers will recognise your brand when it comes to choosing where to spend their money.
4. Customer Loyalty
By giving out well-chosen, high-quality branded merchandise, your customers will associate your company with value and quality. They'll also feel good about investing their trust and business in a company that they feel loyal to. So, whether you're looking to attract new customers or retain those you have, promotional products can help to build a loyal base of customers who keep returning to your brand in the long-term.
5.Cross-Generational Appeal
Another added bonus of promotional merchandising is that it is ranked as the most effective form of advertising across all generations. As such, it's most likely to prompt action among Millennials, Gen X, Baby Boomers, and the Silent Generation. This means you can be sure that whoever your target market is, promotional products are the best way to get their attention.
6. Wide Variety of Options
Of course, you'll need to tailor your choice of merchandise to suit your specific target market. But, since the possibilities are almost endless when it comes to products, it's easy to find merchandise that is relevant to your customers and representative of your brand.While mugs and pens are classic promo gifts, one of our top promotional tips is to choose products that tie into your brand and its message. For example, a travel company could give out promotional flip flopsor beach towels. And a pet food company could distribute brandedretractable dog leadsor dog bag dispensers.By giving your customers something unique yet useful, they're more likely to use it and remember your brand when they do.
7.Environmental Awareness
When producing any products in our current environment, it pays to consider how your promotional items will be re-used as a way to cut back on waste. As such, ensuring that your merchandise is useful and relevant to your customers is of vital importance as a way to show your commitment to reducing waste. You can encourage re-use and also benefit from greater brand exposure by giving out eco-friendly items. For example,reusable bottles, travel mugs, and cotton tote bags show that your company values your customers' desire to use these kinds of waste-reducing products instead of single-use plastics.
8.Better Than a Business Card
Business cards work as an introduction to your company for consumers. Branded promotional products work in the same way, providing company details and contact information, but have better results.Branded products serve as a more memorable introduction to your business and help your company stand out at trade shows and conferences. This is because a tangible branded product is something your potential customers can use daily, and not just another business card for them to throw away.
9. Fast Availability
Promotional products seem like they take a lot of time and effort to create. But the turnaround between ordering and receiving your products for giveaways and conferences can actually be as little as three days, as these rush products show. This means you can take advantage of the latest fad or news story when looking for items to put your name on. And, as a result, you'll help show your ability to act fast and maintain relevance in the current market.
10.Personality and Creativity
Promotional products also allow you to bring personality and creativity to your brand. From the use of colour, as explained in this promotional guide, to using catchphrases or slogans on your products, promo gifts offer a world of new ways to appeal to your customers and, with the winning combination of a useful product and added personality, your brand is sure to stand out among the rest.
Why You Should Invest in Promotional Merchandise
Promotional merchandising offers many advantages over other forms of marketing and advertising. As well as being more cost-effective, it also helps to drive customer loyalty and build brand recognition across all generations. By taking the time to learn what your customers need, your promotional merchandise will add value to their lives while also promoting your brand with every use. For more information, feel free to contact us today!
