Marketing Your Business With Promotional Products
In today's information-intensive world, it's hard for any business to attract potential customers. But promotional products offer a unique opportunity to get your company's name out to its target market—and keep it there.
The promotional items that you choose are limited only by your own creativity. They can range from market-proven goods—such as calendars, coffee mugs, and baseball caps—to innovative items like candy and nuts, stadium blankets, toy cars and trucks, and first aid kits. Whatever items you pick, all should bear your logo and contact information. For information on how to order promotional products, see 8 Key Questions to Ask Before Ordering Promotional Products for Your Business.
No matter what route you take or which items you select, be sure you maximize your investment. Here are a few tips to make the most of this time-tested sales and marketing resource.
Marketing your business with promotional products
Set clear goals for your promotion
Think about what you want these products to do for your business. Should they build awareness of your company? Boost sales? Provide a way to thank your customers? Have clear goals in mind from the start in order to purchase items that make sense for your business.
Set a budget and stick to it
Putting your logo on a coffee mug or a mouse pad tells customers that you've arrived and you're in business for the long haul. Avoid overspending: Identify your costs up front, factor them into your overall marketing budget and pricing strategy, and keep careful track of all expenses—especially indirect costs like shipping and handling and storage.
Seek out partnership opportunities
If you'd like to offer gifts at one of your events, ask one of your suppliers to share the cost. In exchange, recognize them by placing their logo on the gift. Joint promotional efforts strengthen relationships with suppliers and make a statement about your commitment.
Recognize the limited shelf life of most promotional products
Don't buy more than you need. A lot of businesses have stockrooms full of outdated promotional items.
Promotional products are silent salespeople
Promotional items can be a silent salesperson for your products or services. Keeping these tips in mind will help you to make the most of your promotional items' potential.
More articles from AllBusiness.com:
- Creative and Low-Cost Ways to Promote Your Business
- Yes, Small Business Marketing Is a Thing—Here Are 6 Strategies for Success
- Should You Take on a Partner When Buying a Business?
- New Job Website Helps Veterans Transition to Civilian Life
- Branded Giveaways and Other Promotional Products: Do They Still Have an Impact?
