Top 5 Promotional Products for Your Business

Did you know that the Advertising Specialty Institute says that distributors receive a 35% profit margin on average when they utilize promotional products? Get the best “bang for your buck,” with five popular categories of effective promotional products.

Having loyal customers and a strong brand association can make or break a business. Using promotional materials not only helps create a clear idea of what the business is but also establishes what consumers think and know about the brand. Make the best impression with effective custom items and gifts that recipients will want to keep and use on a regular basis.

Check out some of our most effective products and learn strategies to utilize custom merchandise to impress your target audience.

1. Promotional Pens

Promotional pens have a bad reputation for being cheap, ineffective and uncreative promotional items. When you choose the right custom pens with logo for your branding needs, you can save money, stand out, gain new business and create lasting impressions. According to the Advertising Specialty Institute, promotional writing items like pens are kept for 9-months on average.

When conducting business, the need for pens is endless. Stocking your office, store, or desk ensures that every written note, deal, or signature is also a branded experience. If they take the pen when they are finished, your brand will continue to be seen everywhere, it’s a win-win!

2. Promotional Journals

Promotional journals can also serve as a powerful tool for organization, self-care and learning. Simply using a journal instead of a tablet or computer allows recipients to take a productive technology break to avoid feeling drained from constant screen time. No matter what option you choose, any journal is a wonderful way to encourage creativity, organization and self-care both during and after work hours. 

Providing custom journals at seminars, conferences, or even on their first day of work encourages recipients to actively participate and listen to your brand's message. Every time they reference or take additional notes, they will think about your brand’s generosity. Try going the extra mile by pairing each journal or notebook with a matching branded pen.

3. Promotional Tote Bags

Did you know, according to the Advertising Specialty Institute, 73% of consumers own promotional bags that each generate 3,300 impressions throughout their lifetime?

Custom tote bags are a great alternative to traditional paper, cardboard or plastic gift-wrapping solutions that can be wasteful. When your brand utilizes custom totes to pair with other branded promo products, recipients can enjoy an elevated unboxing experience that they will remember every time they reuse it. Recipients will appreciate your sustainability efforts and enjoy having a convenient way to carry everything they need anywhere they go.

4. Promotional T-Shirts

Promotional t-shirts are always a fan favorite when it comes to custom merchandise. According to ASI, T-shirts and other apparel items are one of the most popular and effective promotional items with an average of 3,400 impressions over their lifetime.

If you are debating when or how to give custom T-shirts, think about the message your brand is trying to express. For example, if your goal is to welcome new employees, clients or volunteers, sending a T-shirt beforehand shows them that you are looking forward to working with them. If your brand is hosting an event or launching a product, sending T-shirts beforehand can generate excitement.

Sometimes, it’s best to give the shirt later or after the event. If your brand is celebrating a milestone or hosting a corporate event, giving participants T-shirts at the event can be a great way to commemorate the experience. Giving shirts at the event ensures that only the people who attend get the gift and act as a reward for recipients who do attend.

5. Promotional Drinkware

Every meal, commute, errand, workout, event and more is an opportunity for your brand to gain exposure using promotional drinkware. ASI found that custom drinkware generates 1,400 impressions over a year on average. That means every time they grab a drink of water, coffee or any other beverage is an opportunity to interact with your brand. When compared to other popular promotional products, the ASI also found that custom drinkware items are 70% more likely to be kept.

Getting creative with drinkware is a wonderful way to show audiences your attention to detail. Items like reusable straws, koozies and more can be a small way to add an extra element to any campaign, event, or other branded experience.

Continue reading our blogs for up-to-date tips and tricks for selecting the most effective styles and trends for your branding needs.