Why You Should Use Promotional Products in 2016

If you’re looking to get your brand noticed, promotional products offer a unique opportunity to place your company’s name right in front of your target market. They not only increase brand awareness, but they have the potential to increase your chances of making those all important sales and, far from being an unnecessary expense, you’ll find that they’re a cost effective way to promote your business.

Furthermore, your promotional products can be selected to represent your brand and company ethos, whether you choose traditional items such as ball point pens, coffee mugs, baseball caps and umbrellas or more unusual items such as blankets, first aid kits or USB drives.

If you’re in any doubt why you should use promotional products in 2016, here are ten good reasons to include them in your marketing strategy.

1. They keep your brand in the minds of your customers.

By ensuring that your promotional items include your company name, contact details and logo, your brand will remain foremost in the mind of both your existing and potential customers.

2. They convert more customers than any other media.

Promotional items work almost like a silent sales person. They remind your customers about your business even when your business is closed.

3. They can be used as an icebreaker for new clients, or clients you’d like to retain.

Whenever you get a new client, sending them some kind of promotional item shows that you value their business, meaning they will be more likely to use you again.

4. When combined with your marketing literature they offer a tangible reminder of your business.

If you want to get your business noticed, your sales literature is more likely to be read when it’s accompanied by a promotional item.

5. They’re a great way to launch a new product or a new marketing campaign.

Branded products not only create interest and curiosity, but customers are likely to hang onto them, meaning that they’ll remember your company the next time they’re looking for that particular product or service.

6. When used at tradeshows they’ve been shown to increase traffic to a stand.

People love to collect ‘freebies’ at trade shows, so make sure that your gifts stand out, and that your contact information is always included. Using unique promotional items rather than the usual pens and stickers will ensure that your product or service is remembered ahead of that of your competitors.

7. Consumers are often willing to switch brands so that they can receive a free promotional item.

Again, people love ‘freebies’. How many times have you bought a different brand of coffee from your usual because they offered a free coffee cup?

8. They can be used to mark a company anniversary or special occasion, or to acknowledge the work carried out by your staff.

Many businesses choose to use promotional products such as laptop cases and leather bound notebooks as performance incentives to motivate their staff.

9. They’re a great way to thank your customers for their support.

Everyone loves to feel appreciated.

10. The vast majority of people enjoy receiving promotional products and will keep and use them.

Meaning that your brand is constantly being seen.

When making a decision about which promotional products to use, you should always take account of your target market and your allocated budget. It’s also important to remain consistent with your branding, and the company image that you wish to portray. Remember that these items should enhance your business, so take time to ensure that you get the perfect products to represent your brand.

However advanced technology has become, direct mail campaigns are still one of the most popular ways for businesses to retain existing customers and to attract new customers. It’s very hard to beat that personal touch which can be achieved through a direct mail campaign and giving potential customers a tangible reminder of your business is a very powerful marketing tool. Here are some tips to ensure that you get the most from your direct mail campaign.

 

1. Contact theRight People

 

As there is a cost involved in running a direct mail campaign, you will need to make sure that you are contacting the right people. Ensure that you’re doing so by keeping a database of existing customers’ contact information and update it regularly so that you can reach them easily with your direct mail campaign. If your goal is to acquire new customers, it may be worthwhile purchasing a customer list from a reputable marketing company. In this way, you can receive a list of potential customers that have been identified as being most likely to benefit from your product or service.

 

2. Include Promotional items

 

In order to avoid your direct mail being thrown in the trashcan, you should include something for the prospective customer to remember you by or something that gives them greater reason to retain your direct mail. Giving coupons for a discount off the first order is often a very good tactic to achieve this. In addition, you can also use QR codes (mobile barcodes that allow the prospective customer to link with your business straightaway). You can also include menus or calendars if your marketing budget allows you to do so.

 

3. Includesomething for FREE

 

Another great way to get the most from your direct mail campaign is to offer the existing or prospective customer something for free. This could be a free consultation or a free quotation – whatever the free gift may be, the prospective customer can see the very obvious benefit of having nothing to lose by contacting your business.

 

4. Personalisethe Message

 

A personalised message presents a great opportunity to reach out to new and existing customers so make the most of that opportunity. Stand out from the crowd by using a brightly coloured envelope, which should also include your name and/or logo. You could also include a message on the envelope that will immediately grab the recipient’s attention and prompt them to open it.

 

5. Focus on the Benefits

 

A common mistake with a direct mail campaign is that businesses focus too much on listing the features of their products or services and fail to highlight the benefits. New customers are generally not interested in reading a list of features which may sound great – they will want to know how their everyday life will be improved if they purchase your product or service, so tell them!

 

A direct mail campaign is a fantastic and reliable way to reach out to existing and new customers. To be most effective, ensure that your business has a well thought out strategy using the tips that are outlined above – if you do this, the success of your direct mail campaign will be guaranteed.