Why Promotional Products Work

Saturday, December 04, 2010

Promotional products are a highly cost effective way for companies to engage existing and potential customers. If you've used promotional products before you know the incredible brand recognition and recall power they have.  If you're new to promotional products, you are making a solid decision to include them into your marketing strategy. Research has shown time and time again that promotional products are an effective tool in creating brand awareness and recollection of your business. Unlike traditional business marketing materials, such as brochures, postcards and other printed materials, promotional items are designed with the idea that the customer will retain the item and put the product to good use, while being continually reminded of the business branded on the product.

In late 2009, the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) designed a study intended to evaluate a cross-section of the American consumer population about the effectiveness of promotional products and how customers reacted to receiving them and what they did with them after wards. The study, fielded through independent research company MarketTools, Inc., surveyed more than 1,000 respondents who recalled receiving a promotional product in the past 24 months. The first part of the study focused on promotional products and evaluated the action, reaction, and relationship of products and their recipients.

The study concluded the following about the survey respondents:

    * 94 percent could successfully recall a promotional product they had received in the past two years

    * 89 percent could recall the advertiser of the promotional product.

    * 83 percent reported that they liked receiving promotional products

    * 48 percent would like to receive promotional products more often

    * 69 percent typically keep the promotional product

Besides the overall effectiveness of promotional products there are strategies that companies must considering when selecting the right kind of promotional product. Its important that the product is something that the customer/client will find a use for - something that will not be discarded upon receipt. Aligning the product with the customer's needs is important to the overall effectiveness of the product. Additionally the item must be suitably aligned with the business's products or services and positively reflect the company's image.brand in terms of quality - if a company wants its clients to associate its brand with quality products then should not always select the cheapest and lowest end promotional product.

These strategies are particularly important at trade shows, which are a great platform for companies to create brand recognition and recall. At tradeshows there are dozens of other companies vying for the same business so If a company does not stand out with their offerings (which includes selecting relevant, quality, memorable promotional products) then the likelihood of customer retention from a trade show is much lower.

Promotional products will continue to be one of the most effective, affordable, and creative ways for a company to both hold its ground in the competitive world we live in, as well as evolve as the world changes. As long as companies understand that there are strategies for choosing the right kind of promotional product in alignment with the company goals and branding initiatives, it is safe to assume that these companies will succeed in their endeavors to grow their business.

Promotional products range in price from less than a dollar to several hundreds of dollars each, and there is virtually no end to the kinds of promotional products available.You're already familiar with promotional items such as pens, calculators, and key rings, but did you know you can get TV remote controls, microwave popcorn, and even executive leather desk chairs with your logo and contact information printed on them?  Here is a short list of the many promotional products available.

    * Apparel, Caps, and Hats

    * Automotive Accessories

    * Awards and Recognition

    * Backpacks, Bags, Totes

    * Badges, Buttons, Magnets

    * Business, Desktop, Office Calendars

    * Clocks and Watches

    * Computer Accessories

    * Diaries, Journals, Notepads

    * Drinkware, mugs, travel mugs, ceramic mugs

    * Electronics, key chains, LED key chains

    * Fitness, Health, and Safety

    * Food and Edibles

    * Games and Novelties

    * Home and Housewares

    * Jewelry

    * Luggage and Travel

    * Outdoors, Sports, Leisure, jackets, sports shirts, compression shirts,

    * Pocket & Purse Accessories

    * Tools

    * Writing Instruments, Pens, pencils, markers

Given the variety of promotional products available, there's no reason you couldn't find a product to fit your particular marketing need and budget. If you let us spend little time searching, we'll be sure to find a great price on a great promotional product that will significantly increase the effectiveness of your marketing plan generating sales and leads for your business.

So, what are you waiting for? Let Potomac Printing Solutions of Northern Virginia find promotional product that is right for you! No matter what the occasion:

    * Promoting store or facility openings

    * Introducing new products

    * Motivating salespeople, employees, and customers

    * Opening new accounts

    * Team building

    * Marketing items for conferences, trade shows and sales meetings

    * Activating inactive accounts

    * Changing names of products, companies, and locations

    * Using sales aids as door openers

    * Improving customer relations

    * Introducing new salespeople

    * Building an image

    * Logo clothing for men and women

    * Employee recognition gifts

    * Sales incentives and reward programs

    * Executive gifts