Why you SHOULD buy promotional products

Part 1: Myths DEBUNKED!

“Why waste the money if you’re just going to throw it away?” I’ve heard this question drumming in my ears since I was in a child and wanted the latest fad that all the other kids were playing with (I’m looking at you ‘Creepy Crawlers’). My parents were sticklers for not wasting their hard-earned money on toys that would be played with for a month or even less and then forgotten about. Which, I don’t blame them, who would want to waste money at all? Nonetheless, their preaching stuck for a while. The question stewed at the back of my mind through high school, college and into my late twenties with every purchase I made (ok, maybe not all of them,
but most).

In college, my professors in my Advertising courses must have had a conference with my parents to remind me of this question. We were taught that clients, big conglomerate ad agencies, small ad boutiques and in-house ad departments would be hesitant to invest in promotional products because it’s a waste of money. To this I say, “WHAT?!” I apologize, Professor O'Malley*, but this is
incorrect! Take a look at these infographics especially compiled for you nay-sayers!

These facts are hot off the silkscreened presses! World-wide research has been conducted on the effectiveness of promotional items, how they compare to traditional forms of advertising and what are the most well –liked products recipients have received. The infographic below explains what happens if your recipient doesn’t want the promotional product. Guess what? They hand it to someone else! Congratulations, you have just officially earned two impressions for the price of one!

Research provided by the Advertising Specialty Institute, ©2012, All Rights Reserved

If you read our previous blog you would know that, Ad impressions are directly correlated to top-of-mind awareness, which as we know, leads to sales. So after breaking out our old SAT study guides: Ad Impressions = Potential Sales! This is great news right? Right?! Next time we’ll compare the cost-effectiveness of Promotional Products to traditional Advertising! In the meantime, take a look at the infographic below and how the most popular promotional products fare around the world!

Research provided by the Advertising Specialty Institute, ©2012, All Rights Reserved

*Names have been changed to protect identity

 

How to WAKE UP your Brand’s Image….and increase sales!

When I think of “Brand Image” and “Brand Awareness”, I’m thinking Nike.  I’m thinking McDonald’s.  I’m thinking slogans, ad space, and commercials.  Did you know there are numerous facets of your company that represent your business’ image?  Even with small businesses and the self-employed, having a positive image is critical to be able to compete in your industry (but we all knew that…right...RIGHT?).

Here are a few suggestions for you to revamp YOUR corporate image:

• Promotional Items – Let’s talk products and how your business can gain top of mind awareness with your target consumer.  Have you thought of t-shirts or uniforms?  Probably.  Have you thought of pens? Definitely! What about a sleek manicure set keychain with your logo and website on it (great for spa giveaways)?  How about, SmarTouch gloves where you can have your logo embroidered in a non-intrusive location, still be able to use your smart phone and all of its functions without getting frost bite on those perfectly manicured fingers (ideal for employee incentives, colleges, field techs, outdoor sport enthusiasts, travel agencies, car dealerships, etc)? I’m going to take a leap and say that these kinds of products weren’t in that “swag bag” that you got at last year’s conference.  These products will allow your consumers to keep your company with them at all times.  If you ask someone what commercials they saw during last week’s episode of Glee, chances are they couldn’t tell you. Now, ask them where they got the pen they’re writing with, I would be willing to bet that they’re holding a promotional pen with the company’s logo, name and website on it.
• Apparel- Don’t think for one second that the shirt you wore to the gym with your company’s logo and catchy slogan went unnoticed.  For an entire hour (or fifteen minutes of working out if we want to get “real”) your company is being represented, your brand awareness is being boosted and you have turned from trying to sweat off your kids’ Halloween candy into a walking billboard for your (or any other) company you may be sporting.
• Outdoor Signs/Banners, Car Magnets, Vehicle Lettering – Is your sign cracked, faded, or simply outdated? Time to get it replaced! Consumers WILL associate these eye sores with how your business is operated and assume that you don’t care about your investments (no matter how mouth-watering your blueberry muffins are).
• Yard Signs – Yard signs are for short-term use! When they start to look bad, replace them or better yet, upgrade them (I’m betting you’ve seen the mass usage of those nifty QR codes, and who wouldn’t want their consumers and customers connected directly to your company’s website?)
• Social Media Pages – Monitor these sites as frequently as possible in case you have to remove any inappropriate posts, and update them often to keep your company at the top of mind for your fans, followers and friends. Let your customers see your personal side (after all, it is social media), but know where to draw the line (we’re looking at you Howard Stern!)

Obviously, there are more great things you can do easily to boost your brand image and thus company awareness, but this list will start you on the right path of thinking outside of the proverbial “box”.  Now is time to act!  What are you going to do to boost your company’s image, and your customer’s perception?  Let us know if you have had any success with any of these methods or what your favorite way to be "top of mind" with your consumers is!

Check out our website (www.garmentstogo.com) and take a look around or send me a message!  I’d be happy to make recommendations for you and your business or next event!