|
<
back to articles
|
|
What
client, customer or employee does not enjoy receiving a free gift?
Think about every conference, event, tradeshow, training seminar
that you have attended and there is a high probability that you
will have heard the words, "I can't wait to get some freebies".
You might find it difficult to believe but the majority of companies
live for this. It's a chance for them to give you, the consumer
some form of promotional product or gift in the hope that you
will use it or keep it with you and remember them next time you
need their services. Furthermore, they know that in the future
you will be promoting their company directly or indirectly by
using or showing their free promotional item to a friend, colleague,
or just about anyone. These forms of promotional products can
be just about anything: mugs, keyrings, mouse mats, umbrellas,
conference bags, folders, t-shirts. You name it, if it can be
printed on it can be a promotional product. Promotional products
are not only a superb way of getting your brand or message noticed
they are increasingly becoming a necessity.
Purchasing promotional products can go a very long way. Will results
be immediate you ask? In some cases the simple answer is yes.
However if you don't see the benefits instantly be assured that
they will come in time. Take for example a typical visit to a
conference or tradeshow. The first thing you are likely to pick
up is a plastic carrier bag. Why? because you're going to need
somewhere to put all those brochures, leaflets and freebies. In
more cases than not these promotional carrier bags will have been
imprinted with some form of corporate logo or brand message. This
means whilst ever you're wandering round the event you are inadvertantly
promoting someones brand - it cost the company next to nothing
but they achieved a great deal of brand awareness.
This might be highly compelling evidence that promotional products
play a major part in getting your company recognised and remembered,
but just picking the coolest or latest product on the market won't
necessarily get you very far. There's one major factor to bear
in mind when selecting promotional products: you need to understand
your target audience. For example it would be useless to give
a fruit related stress toy to someone who was attending a conference
on computer hardwear. Why? Simple, the product you have selected
would have no bearing whatsoever on the type of event of the people
that would be attending it. If you were to visit or exhibit at
such a conference it would be far better to give a computer stress
toy out? Your target audience is the key because they are the
ones you want at your trade stand and they are the ones you want
contacting your company next time they are in the market for any
type of item or services that you have to offer. By leaving a
lasting impression on your potential customers you will have ensured
that you have promoted your company and its message in the best
possible way. And if you do it by way of promotional products,
then you are sure to have left them with a physical product and
by definition a reminder to contact you in the future.
All this is great, but you're probably thinking what type of promotional
products would be most beneficial? Again simply look at your target
audience and then take a look at what type of industry sector
you're in. Ask yourself, what type of relationship do I want to
build and foster with my customers: Is it long term or short term?
If you're goal is to create a short term relationship, then probably
any industry related promotional product will suffice, however
if your aim is to build a lasting impression, then spend a bit
more time thinking about it and do a little bit of homework. Try
and put yourself in your customers shoes and think what I would
I want to receive and what would I value if I was a long time
customer from a particular company. Personally, I would love to
get a promotional bag for my laptop from the company who sells
me my computer equipment. I'd really appreciate a laptop bag with
the company logo of my IT suppliers imprinted on the side. I would
respect that and see that as loyalty to me, the customer. And
as the owner of a company if I saw one of my customers using a
promotional item that I had specifically selected, then that would
make me feel good bcause I'd know that I had successfully developed
a good relationship with that particular customer.
So how do you start successfully branding your business or organisation?
Firstly, work from the inside out by starting with your employees.
They are the people that on a day to day basis interact with customers.
So runn any ideas about promotional products past them because
they can give you great feedback into the mind of the customer.
Your employees can tell you an honest opinion about which products
would be most successful with your customers. This method will
save you time and money. Speaking of time, don't forget to factor
in that promotional products are manufactured to order. Customisation
takes time, usually 10 to 15 working days from placing your order
so make sure you, if you have a specific event date, you leave
yourself plenty of time. It saves time and money in the long run.
So what have we learned about promotional products? Firstly, promotional
products can help your company in ways you might never have dreamed
of when used correctly. Secondly, ensure know your target audience
and know your industry. Utilise the experience and knowledge your
employees' will have about your customers and take on board their
ideas and opinions about specific promotional items before giving
them out. Finally and most importantly, plan in well ahead and
allow the time needed for production. Following these simple steps
will result in, not only the correct use of promotional products,
but a successful promotion as well!
We at Ideasbynet are here to help you with
your promotional product requirements. Call us: 0870 787 5527
- Our Promotional Staff are highly experience and will provide
you with the dedicated professional service you would expect from
a major corporation.
Browse our massive online Promotional
Gift Catalogue for a diverse
selection of products all at great low prices.
|
