Like fishing in a river where every fish seeks a different lure, finding the perfect freebie feels like an uphill battle. Taking a chance on something that catches your eye won’t get you very far. Companies frequently distribute pens as freely as confetti, naively believing that their brand will enchant recipients’ wallets and pockets. But hold for a second—would you take the free pen more seriously than a brand? Unless there is an obvious pen shortage in your household, I doubt it – get more info about this topics!
Consider who you are writing for. Do they spend all day at their desks or do they log kilometers between meetings? A tech event is the perfect place to hand out USB drives, but an accounting conference is not the place for a frisbee. Contrarily, a reusable shopping bag may be more practical than a high-tech item at a local fair.
Going against the grain might be fruitful at times. Mini desk vacuums were distributed by a startup that I once witnessed. How strange, huh? Still, everyone there took a picture with their phone. In an instant, that brand’s name was buzzing all over Instagram and Twitter. Decently sticky without being showy.
The budget always manages to sneak in. When you need a thousand, a $5 tumbler seems like a lot. On the other hand, that cup has a much longer shelf life than the sticky notes that were going in yesterday’s sandwich bags. Compare immediate costs with potential returns.
Even with swag, it’s important to have a consistent brand. Thousands of dollars in bright green travel mugs with your brand on them? Sounds like a bad idea to me. Out of nowhere, you’re sending the message to your audience that you value originality above acknowledgment. Stay true to your style—consistency attracts more attention.
Consider the real world as well. Promotional items that wind up in the “junk drawer” are never appreciated. With regular usage, items like water bottles, hand sanitizer, and phone chargers have a good chance of lasting. And what if your product is integral to your company? Even better. A sunblock company providing free little vials of SPF? A mastermind.
Also, let’s not forget about distribution plans. Those sad little money pits in your storage closet are boxes of abandoned giveaways. Be prepared. Place them in orders, use them at events, or hold social contests with them. Release those products into the world, where they can help spread the word about your business.
By the way, the most interesting stories are born from the most outlandish ideas. Business wild ride? Conversation starter. Steak utensils with lights? Why not give it a go? Take a shot, observe the response, then tweak your strategy. There will be zigzags and zags, but marketing is all about learning.
Choosing promotional items with care is an ongoing process, not a one-and-done task. The key is to not send them racing for the trash can, but to experiment, know your audience, and keep your brand prominent.
No Comments