Promotional products can be anything from a business card to event swag such as water bottles, bags, and branded tech items specific to your business. Once you’ve invested in promotional products, follow these tips to get the most out of using them.

Do:

Think outside the box.

There are options beyond trade shows or conferences for handing out your promotional products, although you shouldn’t ignore these standbys. Get creative by offering gifts at charity events, local sporting events, or at businesses with complementary services to your own—such as a hospital, senior center, or gym. Offer up promo merchandise as prizes for a scavenger hunt or package items, such as a bottle, bag, and cap, for a small auction item.

Do a giveaway.

Set up a table for a giveaway station outside your business or another public area that makes sense and where you have permission. Alternatively, you could advertise a giveaway on social media, instructing patrons how to get the items. Use more substantial branded merchandise as a “gift with purchase” when customers buy a certain dollar amount of goods.

Don't:

Distribute low-quality products.

If you are taking the time to buy and create opportunities to distribute promotional products, make sure the quality reflects the statement you want to make about your brand. It may be better to invest in fewer, higher quality items than thousands of throw-away objects. In a world of increasing awareness around waste, providing cheap plastic items will put consumers off. If using drinkware, such as water bottles, invest in those that are BPA-free and a versatile size. 

Force products on people.

While you can get creative with street marketing or giveaways, it’s best not to be aggressive about handing out merchandise. Be friendly, but let customers choose whether or not they want the item. If it is unique or high quality, merchandise is more attractive and likely to be used. Likewise, don’t drop off a box of 1,000 key fobs at a local charity unless they’ve asked for it. Make sure to have permission to display or distribute in any location or business where your products are available.

 

Promotional products are a useful marketing strategy when used with thought. Marles Printing, in Strongsville, OH, offers a full collection of branded products including drinkware, tech gear, wearable items, health and fitness merchandise, and event or trade show bags and giveaways. They have a vast selection of unique and useful items to match your brand. Call (440) 973-4747 to inquire about ordering or visit the website to shop thousands of products.