Successfully Using Promotional Products

You've found a great supplier for the promotional business card cases, water bottles, clocks and fountain pens you need, now the only thing left to do is make sure you use them to your advantage. As with any other marketing device, the success of promotional material depends entirely on what you do with it. Here are some of the top tips from around the web that will help you make a good impression with your promotional items.

Gifting Etiquette
You wouldn't give someone a card that read "Happy Anniversary" at their baby shower would you? Ensure that your promotional products fit the occasion. Of course, there's room for interpretation and personal preference must be duly considered, but promotional items that don't match the circumstances or the recipients are too-readily forgotten. Make your promotional products personally pertinent to the recipient if possible, and always take the time to select items that are appropriate for the business or casual setting you give them in.

Giveaways and General Advertising
Another extremely successful use of promotional items is as free giveaways. Trade shows, expositions and even regional business conferences all cater to hundreds of people who'd love some free swag. Inexpensive items like writing pens, money clips and barware provide ideal real estate for your logo or contact info, and the low cost of buying these gifts in large quantities will let you reach a wider cross-section of consumers.

One of the main problems with television and radio ads is that they are not guaranteed. While your marketing team may have come up with a great commercial gimmick or catchy slogan that generates proven conversions, these methods won't work if they never reach anyone. Unlike ads that depend on market saturation to promote a message, subtle brand placement on promotional products is a more certain route to establishing contact with new consumers without overloading them.

What to Avoid
Never hold onto the promotional items you buy unless you definitely plan to use them for an upcoming event. With free t-shirts, office supplies and sporting accessories, you can't really give enough away, so keep handing them out. While it may be nice to look at a whole horde of things with your company name on them, these items do no good if they don't reach your consumers- practicality and usability is the key. Spread your name and goodwill beyond those who know you with promotional supplies, gifts and sweets.