Promotional marketing can be just as stale as any other facet of business – just think of how many pens you have at your desk right now that promote some prescription medication you’ve never even heard of! There are dozens of ways to liven up your next promotional marketing campaign, however, and some of these ideas are far simpler and far more affordable than you think.
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to effective marketing material. Thinking outside the box will go a long way…
INSTEAD OF: Stress Ball
MARKET WITH: Hand-held 2 lb. weights
With more attention each year paid to how sedentary office culture has made us, why not consider something useful for your clients? Invest in branded, colorful hand weights that you can give out at trade shows or with a purchase. You can bet they won’t get thrown away (and they double as paper weights!)
INSTEAD OF: Eco-friendly tote bags
MARKET WITH: Thermal Cooler Totes
People love bags, and they’re inherently useful. Custom branded promotional bags are sure to stay around at any office or household for months to come, particularly when they can be as useful as a cooler. Thermal cooler bags work for the beach, an office picnic, or a lunch-run by the intern. They’re more affordable than you think, too!
INSTEAD OF: Lanyards
MARKET WITH: Branded flip flops
All over the US, companies are catching on to this trend, particularly when located (or just visiting) a beachy location. Promo flip flops can now be reverse-embossed with your company logo or brand name meaning every time the wearer takes a step in the sand, your business gets imprinted. How cool is that?
INSTEAD OF: Wall Calendar
MARKET WITH: Sticky laptop calendar
It’s easy to have hundreds of small, adhesive year calendars printed on the cheap and people find them incredibly useful. There are few other products your customers will willingly stick to an item as frequently used as a laptop – and with your brand name right on top, they’re sure to remember you.
INSTEAD OF: Endless brochures
MARKET WITH: More eco-friendly products
Your customers don’t need more paper cluttering up their desks. Instead, consider something green and useful like a recycled cotton tote bag or even a portable water bottle made from recycled plastic. Your company will forever be linked with “eco-friendly” in your customers’ minds when you go this route.
INSTEAD OF: Mouse pad
MARKET WITH: A Portable Flash Drive
Really, who uses mouse pads anymore? Flash drives are surprisingly inexpensive and they’re easy to transport. They can be used for years on end and you can bet no one will ever throw a free USB away. Technology meets utility: what a great marketing plan!
