6 Tips to Choosing Promotional Products That Leave a Lasting Impression

We’ve all received promotional pens, t-shirts, and notepads, but can you say that any of those really helped cement a brand name in your mind?

The best strategy for getting your brand in front of your audience is to think beyond the parameters of the typical promotional product. Here are some tips to help.

  1. Make Your Customers the Stars of Your Products


Rather than focusing on images of your products on a wall calendar, why not use the smiling faces of your customers? Doing so takes the pushy sales focus away and shows that you’re a brand that cares about its customers.

  1. Think: Fun


Your promotional product doesn’t have to be something for the office. During sporting seasons, you could give away a heatable seat cushion. Or a barbecue set for those grillmasters out there. The items you give away should make customers smile, and make them eager to use them.

  1. Make it Valuable


After spending the time and money on your promotional products, the last thing you want is for recipients to say, “Neato!” then toss it in the trash. Focus on products that they will actually use. We all have dozens of pens, but how about a scarf or a water bottle? The more value you can provide with your product, the more likely it will be used. And if it’s used, you’ll be on the minds of recipients every time they see it.

  1. Show Off Your Work


If you’re in a field like architecture or design where you have a portfolio you can show off, consider printing small photo books and giving them to prospective clients. Include details on each project, as well as your contact information.

  1. Spend More, But Give Away Less


Often with promotional items, brands race to find the cheapest item they can get in bulk. Get away from the concept of giving everyone and their dog a product, and instead focus on giving them just to prospective clients. The higher your average sale, the more you should spend per item. It wouldn’t be absurd, for example, to give a prospective client who might spend $10,000 with you a luxury virtual reality headset. Certainly, it will cost more than a poster, but if it makes the kind of impact you hope for, you’ll more than cover the cost with your sale.

  1. Sweeten Up Their Lives


Who doesn’t love candy or coffee? Another way to get your audience’s attention is through a custom candy or snack box with your logo on it. This is a great way to show your appreciation, while delighting your customers.

When choosing promotional products, ask yourself what you would like to have. What will impress people and get the most use? Spending a little more time and money on the selection process can pay off hugely in the long run.

Get started with help from a Staples® Print & Marketing Associate at any one of our 300+ locations or visit staplesprint.ca.

By Michelle Janzso

October 11, 2017

Staples Canada