Business owners, especially those who are new, often struggle to find different ways of promoting their companies. Since advertising represents a significant investment for small companies, businesses want to get the most bang for their buck. So what advertising options are available for businesses on limited budgets? How can companies begin to promote themselves using strategies that work?
Giving away promotional items provides powerful ways for businesses to begin advertising. The Ad Specialty Institute named promotional products as one of the most cost-effective marketing strategies with the potential to make the highest impact. When businesses hand out free products, those who receive them are more likely to do business with that company. A study done by Baylor University found that companies who used promotional items did 22% more business than those who did not.
Most businesses start promoting themselves with company branded items along with business cards and flyers. These marketing materials are relatively inexpensive and are extremely portable. Owners are able to carry promotional items in their wallets, purses, and briefcases, ready to be handed out whenever and wherever they go.
Promotional items can help businesses accomplish several different purposes. First of all, they increase brand recognition. As items are passed around, the company’s name, logo, and slogan are seen hundreds, if not thousands, of times, which is very helpful since it usually takes repeated exposure for customers to remember a company.
Promotional items also help open the lines of communication with potential customers and help attract attention. Whereas conventional advertisements, like television and radio spots, only run for a limited amount of time, promotional items tend to stick around longer. A survey done by Promotional Products Association International found that over 90% of respondents had a promotional item in their kitchen.
When it comes to deciding what promotional items to hand out, it makes sense to invest in things that relate to the business. Dentists, for example, love to give away toothbrushes and floss. It is also helpful to give away products that people will actually use. Some of the most popular promotional items are cups and mugs, writing instruments, bags, caps, and shirts, things that people use every day. Branded t-shirts and other clothing items are living, movable advertisements for companies.
Marketing strategies that incorporate promotional items need to be carefully planned. Promotional products should be used with a specific purpose in mind. For businesses to increase the effectiveness of promotional items, it also helps to target a particular audience.
Promotional items should be neatly incorporated into all the other aspects of a company’s marketing program. When all the business marketing materials, including things like flyers and product packaging, are linked together by the same logos and color schemes, the company creates a powerful and instantly recognizable brand.
The design team at Infinity Signs is passionate about helping businesses develop their brand and promote themselves. We offer a variety of ways for companies to get started including promotional products that aid in getting companies noticed.
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