Why do businesses need promotional products in their marketing strategy?

If you’re sitting at your desk reading this, take a look around. Do you see any printed items from competitors lying around: flyers, branded books, printed pens or stress balls? Perhaps one of those cute fury bugs (who doesn’t love them!)

You’re not alone. A study by the Advertising Speciality Institute in America found that most people keep promotional products for at least eight months, so it can be considered to be an effective marketing strategy.

This isn’t just coincidence of course, it’s part of a clever marketing strategy adopted by companies that recognise the value of promotional products.

Why use promotional products?

If you ever thought that giving away an item for free was a luxury, then think again. Research has shown time and again there are benefits for offering trials and samples of your promotional products, as well as giving away branded goods. As such, it should form part of your marketing strategy.

Sure, in the short-term, it’s an expense. However, as part of a long-term strategy, it’s a smart way to create brand loyalty and drive sales. Here’s why…

Increase sales

Being present in someone’s office or house, makes your business ‘top of mind’ for consideration. You never know when they might need your services, so it’s important to ensure your business can be easily found with a website or contact details printed on promotional merchandise. There is also some proven psychology behind receiving gifts and our innate nature to ‘return the favour’, that giving away merchandise plays in to.

When you avail of promotional products Australia, or anywhere else in the world, and give these items to the public, it’ll be easy for anyone to stay in touch with your business as contact details are available in these promotional products. For instance, if you give out tumblers with your website or telephone number, it’s very easy for people to reach out to you and avail of your products and services. Over time, the use of these promotional products can become your ticket to increase your sales and gain more profit.

Increase brand recognition

In a busy marketplace, how can you stand out from the crowd? Using branded and corporate goods is one such way. Exposing potential customers to your brand, will always gain you greater recognition, especially since promotional merchandise is kept for so long.

Branding your business should be on top of your to-do list if you want to succeed in the business arena. With the number of companies offering different products and services today, it’s important for your business to have a brand in order to stand out. The more unique your brand is, the easier it’ll be for you to haul in customers.

Loyalty and retention

It’s getting harder to recruit and keep clients with growing competition. However, promotional merchandise helps to reinforce your business as a credible supplier. This may, in turn, lead to great loyalty and retention of customers. As Brandable Magazine also adds, it’s a “proven way to develop a relationship and establish yourself in the eyes of the consumer.”

The business arena is very competitive and enticing clients to buy from you once isn’t enough. For your business to continue operating in the long run, you need to regularly excite your clients and give them reasons to keep coming back to your business—and this is something that promotional products can help you with.

When you regularly give your clients promotional products such as shirts and tumblers, they will feel appreciated and this can become the reason why they will remain loyal to your brand. Once you’ve gained their loyalty, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that these clients will continue to patronize your offerings, regardless of how many businesses sprout in the market.

Enhances brand image

It’s logical when you think about it; giving a gift to someone instantly increases your preference towards them. This is also backed up by research – a study found that at least half (56%) of people who received branded promotional merchandise said their impression of a company improved after receiving it.

Sharing and social

Certain items have more traction than others. Sweets, bugs, stress toys and novelty items in general have great potential for ‘share-ability’ on social media. If you’re ambition is to grow your audience, particularly to younger customers, this is worth considering. This works because when one client is happy with their experience with your promotional products, they will likely tell their friends and family about it on social media. This will encourage more people to buy from your business as they already know that this will enable them to get a hold of your promotional products.

Demonstrates brand values

When executed successfully, certain printed items can also help demonstrate your brand values. For instance, if you’re a company projecting an eco-message, then using recycled notepads, or non-plastic goods such as a woven tote bag is a smart way to truly demonstrate your brand values.

Jump on board the promotional train!

Promotional merchandise is a tried and tested way of reaching new and existing customers and putting your brand top of mind. There’s no end of uses for promotional products in your marketing strategy; be it competitions, trade fairs or corporate events.

Ensure your business is well promoted and visit www.gopromotional.co.uk  to reap the benefits today!