Put a Logo On It
Branding and promotional items, which display a business logo, have been topics we have written often about. I was asked to discuss the many promotional items I have seen and used in my career by a client. Since I love discussing my brand, it seemed a great topic for this week’s Blog.
Promotional items come in many forms and colors. They should all share one detail in common, your business logo. Whether it is large, front and center, or small and in a corner, the Logo should be on it. You will likely need the help of your Brand Manager/Graphic Designer who can create the proper files and size and color that will work with the many online promotional websites. We have also needed to have our Brand Manager work with out local promotional item company with the correct files. So, just another plug for having a close working relationship with a Brand Manager. Sometimes, the files needed by designers are not even files a regular business person would recognize. If you cannot fit your logo on the chosen promotional item, consider using your URL. The name of your firm is not as easy to find online as your URL is. Of course, we assume you have a website in this reference.
The most used promotional item in our years of experience is the Pen. Everyone uses them. Everyone seems to enjoy the colors, the textures, the variety they come in. We have used them extensively as leave behinds at Illuminate and throughout my corporate career. Some can really make a statement. Often, as mentioned above, the name and URL is used. Sometimes, the Logos are just too complicated or intricate to properly be placed on a pen and read easily. Tag lines are often used as well. But, make no mistake, the Pen, is clearly a top choice of any industry as a giveaway and a form of making a lasting impression with your Name, URL, and/or Logo. Recipients usually love them, especially if they are in colors or textures not readily available at office supply stores. You can often order a large batch for a good price, well under $100. Bright, Bold, and Economical, you really cannot lose here!
Drinkware would be the second most common promotional item we have seen over the years. Mugs, tumblers, plastic cups, glasses – they come in the various textures, materials, and colors you will likely want. They will be more expensive and less quantity than pens but everyone drinks water and/or coffee and can always use another travel mug or tumbler. They are usually large enough to get a good sized logo on them as well. Branding with glassware makes an impression and can be seen from far away versus something like a pen. So, if your budget permits, any type of drinkware is usually a good item to effectively promote your brand.
T-shirts, we love t-shirts, or better yet, flannel jackets. These are often much more expensive as a promotional item. But,who doesn’t love a free t-shirt? Often, for pricing containment, your choice may just be one color. That is likely the biggest disadvantage we have experienced. Then, you need to address what sizes you need. Are they unisex or men and women sizes? Again, this makes ordering tricky and you want to order sizes that will fit your recipients. If they do not wear them, you do not receive any brand advertising at all. A t-shirt in a drawer is simply a waste of money. However, one that fits well and has fun colors may be worn often and that advertising more than makes up for the initial cost. This option takes much more diligence and research to be price effective but it may have the most impact in advertising your brand. Bigger logos, front and back, company name, tag line, and URL can all fit without looking too busy.
Key rings, mouse pads, small flashlights, small notepads, small towels, hats, baseball or golf caps, pins, picnic blankets, tote bags, and personal first aid kits are other examples of promotional items we have used or been given over the years. Picnic blankets are a fan favorite but one of the more expensive promotional items we have ever ordered. They have been given to repeat clients or centers of influence, not used at trade shows or conferences. The colorful cheap pens work better for those events. Magnets are also given out often but if you have a stainless steel refrigerator, magnets just do not work well. And, often, someone’s commercial office does not have highly visible locations or enough foot traffic to effectively reach a wider audience with this item.
Promotional items are used in some industries more than others. They can be effective with most products or services, just know your clients, prospects, and referral sources. A set of golf balls for your client who has never set foot on a golf course is likely more an insult than anything else. The best default is always a pen or drinkware. Or, in keeping with our dog metaphors, dog frisbees and fetch balls, are great logo items for the pet lovers in your business community. You have many choices, choose wisely and be informed.
Be well.
