Promotional products are items that are used to promote a company, product or service. Chances are, you’ve already given out promotional items for your own company, but you can’t help but wonder if these products have a lasting impact. In an increasingly competitive market where every dollar counts, you want to know that your money is going to the right means of advertising. Fortunately, we have good news to share on the power of promotional products.
The promotional products industry in the US is worth nearly $20 billion and shows steady growth each year. Here are the most popular types of promotional items that companies use:
- Wearables
- Stickers and decals
- Bags
- Writing instruments
- Drinkware
- Calendars
- Sporting goods
- Magnets
- Housewares
- Food
- Buttons and badges
- Desk and office items
There are a variety of reasons why promotional products continue to be the benchmark for smart advertising. For example, giving away free items with your company name and logo provides tangible, long-lasting impact and targets a specific audience. Plus, these products are flexible and easy to measure in terms of success.
A 2003 study carried out by Georgia State University found that people who received promotional items had a more positive image of the company and were more likely to refer the company to a friend. Additionally, the study found that 76.1 percent of those who received a promotional item remembered the company name, and 52 percent did business with the company. Studies have also looked at the relationship between promotional items at trade shows and have reported that booths with these items have a 176 percent increase in traffic.
Of course, there are other factors that play into successful promotional products. Not just any old item will do; it helps to offer a product that is attractive, has value and is of high quality. Many companies will try to offer products that resemble their logo or mascot, while others want items that are unique and won’t be found anywhere else. In most cases however, the item still links back to the purpose of the company. For example, a travel company may hand out frisbees, beach balls or sunglasses, while a bank may give away small piggy banks, wallets or safes.
The bottom line is that promotional items have a huge impact on the image of your company, and can make or break the relationships you have with your customers. So, make the most of your advertising budget with high-quality, fun and unique promotional items from Great Atlantic Outfitters.