Promotional Products and Advertising Specialties

I remember the very first time I became aware of promotional products, and I didn't know what they were called, but they were neat and they were free.

I was a kid in the third grade when my family moved from Atlanta to Vero Beach, Florida. We moved into a new housing development and a few days later a woman drove up and asked to speak to my Mom.

Mom invited her inside and the lady welcomed us to the community. She gave mom all sorts of things like calendars, fly swatters, can openers, a thermometer, and other things I don't remember. What I do remember was that every one of them had the name of a bank, insurance company, or other business on them, and even a phone number to call them.

I thought that was a good idea -- and I still do.

Promotional products, or advertising specialties, can be just about anything. Some of the favorites are pens, pencils, rulers, calendars, thermometers, key chains or fobs, umbrellas, t-shirts, and hats.

As we progress into the 21st century, we're seeing more high-tech products, such as CD case openers, keyboard brushes, USB devices, memory cards, and similar products.

The common issue is that they are all used more than once -- they have a long life. Everytime someone picks up a product with your name and contact information, you are reinforcing your brand, even if it is mostly subconsciously.

Promotional products are used in all industries and are frequently used to promote events, fundraisers, and the people who participate and volunteer.

You'll see t-shirts, hats, water bottles, and many other items being used to commemorate and promote races, concerts, festivals, and other community events.

Some people refer to these promotional gift items as swag or schwag and love getting them for free.

Promotional products are frequently given as free gifts, but there is no reason you can't sell them. It's done all the time.

In addition to being a good marketing device, your promotional products can also be a profit center, should you so desire.

Have you ever bought a shirt with a design of your favorite band or musical group?

Do you have Christmas ornaments, shirts, caps, and other items with company logos and names like Coca-Cola, Nike, Apple, and other national and international brands?

Were they free or were you happy to buy them?

What are you doing to promote your business or organization? Are promotional products included in your marketing plan?

Advertising specialty items are great at cross-promoting similar and non-competing businesses. For example, car dealerships can distribute promotional products from insurance companies at the time of purchase, and insurance companies can distribute freebies from car dealerships when their clients renew their insurance policies.

Builders can offer free products with the names of local banks, building supply businesses, restaurants, schools, and other companies that offer products and services to new homeowners and people who have just moved into the community.

Businesses with no prominent locations can co-promote with other businesses that have lots of foot traffic in their stores.

Think outside the box.

Promotional products can be used to interest new prospects and help move them through your marketing funnel until they convert into customers.

Items with your company logo can be used to thank new customers and remind customers who have bought from your company that you're still around.

You can build and reinforce your brand image with all kinds of products that feature your company logo.

There are many uses for promotional products. Put them to work for your company, today.