Simplicity and effectiveness in promoting the business
The world of marketing has always been varied and full of possibilities. Especially with the advent of digital, however, for every type of business, both products and services, a physical presence is increasingly necessary that is able to communicate with our customers. We are talking about promotional products.
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What are promotional products?
Promotional products are personalized items used for marketing purposes. In most cases, these items are personalized with a company logo, name and contact information. Most businesses choose to give these products away for free in order to encourage customers to take them home. It is an extremely simple practice that makes the gift a very important brand affirmation tool. Let’s see in a little more detail what we are talking about.
The first promotional products and their evolution
The first promotional products date back to 1789, the year in which commemorative buttons were used during a very famous election campaign: that of George Washington. In the 1800s, calendars and other simple promotional products were often used to promote businesses on an ongoing basis. Nowadays, promotion through retail products is big business because, given the recognized effectiveness of this marketing tool, more and more companies decide to use them.
What are promotional products for
The functions of promotional products are manifold. Let’s see together what they are.
They build brand recognition.
When your customers and prospects see the logo and business name on promotional business items like hats, shirts, pens and other products, they become familiar with the brand. Even customers who do not consciously remember the logo and brand name may feel more comfortable with the brand identity when they intend to purchase because the brand is familiar to them anyway. Promotional items generate the kind of brand awareness that is essential to the success of any business.
They create new customers.
Since they are free, promotional products tend to pass from hand to hand. A customer may lend the promotional pen to someone unfamiliar with your company, unknowingly relaying the marketing message to others.
They encourage repeat purchases.
If a customer needs help or your services and your name and contact information are on their refrigerator (in the form of a magnet for example) or their key fob, they are much more likely to call you than a competitor. Calling you is simply more convenient because they already have the contact information on your promotional item on hand, and they’ve probably reminded the customer that you’re available for what they need. Promotional products simply leave a strong impression on the psyche of your potential customers.
They expand the brand presence.
Giving away promotional items can be a way of staying with your customers multiple times a day, consistently delivering your marketing message. You can’t always be there to remind a customer of your services, but the promotional items that are used and seen every day are there when you’re not. And it does so directly in the customer’s personal spaces but without being considered invasive. The great thing about promotional products is that they are used and stored while flyers and print advertisements are usually thrown away as junk mail.
They help in developing the brand identity.
If you want to develop your image by attributing specific characteristics such as adventurous or sporty, you could choose to buy sports equipment to use as promotional products. Or if you want your company to appear high-tech, you can have your company logo and contact information printed on USB devices or other tech gadgets. There are many promotional products to choose from and you can select the products that promote the image of your company that you want to promote.
They arouse interest in potential candidates.
If the company is participating in an open day or career day and wishes to attract candidates to its stand, it can choose to offer something unique and memorable as a gift. The labour market, especially in the health sector, is very competitive. A memorable gift with undisputed utility will make your brand stand out.
Promotional items are a truly effective tool and your company should never underestimate their usefulness.
