Branded products are everywhere: featured in movies, professional sports, and even on your favorite jacket or thumb drive.
These products bring pleasure and familiarity while sending a message of brand support to friends and casual observers. And these ideas carry substantial weight.
Another Washington First
The first known example of distributing promotional products was in 1789.
Commemorative buttons, created to celebrate George Washington's inauguration, featured a crisp, stamped profile of Washington and the Latin phrase "Pater Patriæ," meaning "Father of his Country."
Sported by patriotic Americans, the buttons celebrated American democracy and support for the first president. The passion behind this message continues to live on: in February of 2018, one of the inaugural buttons was auctioned for $225,000!
The Gift That Keeps On Giving
Washington's buttons fueled momentum, and your customers are wired to respond to promotional products too.
Eight out of 10 U.S. consumers own at least one giveaway item, and 60 percent of people who receive a promotional gift keep it for up to two years! If those stats don't speak for themselves, here are four reasons that branded merchandise will work for businesses of any size:
1. Free Stuff Grabs Attention.
Like candy at a parade, free stuff draws people.
Promotional gifts catch their eye and make them wonder what the hype is about. When you give gifts, people are attracted to you. Whether its curiosity, playful interest, or eye-catching designs, giveaways generate interest and ignite conversation.
2. Product Giveaways Pave Pathways for Loyalty.
Once you have their attention, you open the door for further interaction.
This happens, in part, as new customers warm in their perception of your brand. According to Tourism Consumer Insights, 52% of those who receive your product are more likely to think highly of both you and your business. As affinity increases, so does their interest in your business, because it's human nature to want to give back to someone who has given to us.
In a Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) study, 85% of consumers who received a promo product said they ultimately did business with the advertiser.
3. Brand Recognition Peaks Through Repeat Exposure.
What is the ultimate goal of branded products? To engage and influence buyers.
Tangible, useful products offer your business endless opportunities to distinguish itself and to do it repeatedly! According to PPAI, 73 percent of those who receive a promo product said they used it at least once a week.
Offering free items to consumers is an incredible marketing tactic that will keep your company on their minds anytime your product is in use.
4. Giveaways Extend the Life of your Message.
How long does it take you to forget a text message or delete an e-mail? Seconds.
But tangible products (especially stylish or fun items) are much harder to toss aside. As you weigh your best product option, consider the interests and needs of your target customers and create the kind of products they'll actually want. If 75% of your prospects use public transportation, tasteful branded umbrellas might become a constant companion during their morning commute.
People love stuff. It's just a fact. And while only 28 percent of people are able to recall a TV ad, 57 percent are typically able to recall an advertiser on a mug.
While promotional pieces bring upfront expense, the longevity and brand recognition they create is an investment that keeps on giving.
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