Selecting promotional products are a great way to advertise, but often, the difficulty is in selecting promotional products to use for the give-away. Whether or not your give-away will help your business depends solely on what you give away. There are a few things to consider when selecting promotional products, which will make your decision much easier.
The audience
It is important to think about who your target audience is. Different kinds of products work for different age groups, genders and ethnicities. While older audiences prefer to receive items such as pens and calendars, younger generations would lean towards safety products and interesting and unique items. There are certain items that all audiences enjoy the same amount such as mugs, T-shirts and key chains. When selecting promotional products, make sure your demographics at at top of mind.
Usefulness
This is probably the most important factor. If your freebie serves no purpose, it is likely to either be thrown away or tucked away in a drawer or a cupboard. When selecting promotional products such as bags, apparel, mugs, clocks, key chains, calendars, stationary and office items are all great gifts as most people get a lot of use out of them.
The event/theme/location
Besides just selecting promotional products, the where and when you give out this item also plays a huge part in its success. If this is a company beach trip, fun and useful beach items would work, such as visors, mini sunblock bottles, or beach slippers. However, at a convention it is good to give out a tote bag that will be circulated throughout the convention and bring attention to your booth.
Long lasting
The product you give out must be durable and long-lasting. T-shirts and bags can usually last for years depending on usage, while a calendar is only valid for a year. Others might last a few months of weeks, such as pens and notebooks. When you select promotional products, avoid giving out fragile and flimsy items as they usually perish, unless it is to promote a temporary event such as a sale.
Purpose of the promotion
The types of products you use will be very different depending on what kind of affect you’re looking for. If you want to create brand loyalty and gift it to your customers as a thank you for choosing you, and keep them reminded of you at the same time, then something they can keep on their desk or use at the office would work as it will be in their sight at all times. However, if you’re looking for maximum exposure for your brand, it’s best to go for an item like a bag or a T-shirt that will be out there for all to see.
Relevance
You can also select promotional products that are relevant to what your business sells, as this will better promote your company. For example, if you sell kitchen utensils, you would benefit from mini bottle openers that double as key chains, or corkscrews that are also fridge magnets.
Aesthetics
Last but certainly not the least, make sure the product you hand out is good quality and stylishly designed. Not only will this ensure the customer uses the product, but a shoddy, cheap-looking gift will reflect badly on your company name and destroy your brand image. Selecting promotional products must be done carefully, as this object will create an impression on your customer, and it is important to make it a good one. Choose something that gets the audience excited and creates a buzz, and that is not easily forgotten.