The Power of Promotional Products: Why They Work for Your Business

For any business that wants to succeed in today’s competitive world, a marketing program is a must. You can’t just expect customers to find your brand among the competitors in both brick-and-mortar and online establishments worldwide. You have to expose customers to your brand in a way that’s memorable.

There are, of course, many ways to do that. Digital marketing tools such as websites, social media profiles and the like are ubiquitous in just about every industry. And those are indeed a powerful, essential marketing method.

It’s not enough, however, to just put all your eggs in a digital basket. You need a slate of products that put your name directly in front of prospective customers in a tangible way. That’s where custom promotional products come in.

Custom promos are a time-tested way to reach your target market. They are one of the most effective ways of boosting brand awareness for virtually any business, product or service. Let’s explore some of the reasons why they work so well.

Why Promotional Products Work

They’re Tangible

One of the biggest reasons promotional products work is the fact that they’re an actual physical product. Digital, television and radio ads all have their place. But they’re ephemeral, disappearing from sight as soon as the viewer clicks off the page or turns the channel. A custom promotional item gives potential customers a physical reminder of your brand, something they can see and touch at any time.

That connection makes your brand memorable – really memorable. An Advertising Specialty Institute study showed 85% of customers remembered the advertiser who gave them a promotional product. That keeps your brand in customers’ consciousness.

Their Visibility Promotes Brand Recognition

Whether you’re competing with a local store down the street or an internet giant, brand awareness is critical to your success.  Promotional products are one of the most effective ways to do that, because they’re so visible. 

It works like this: You give away a branded tote bag, t-shirt or tumbler. Obviously, the recipient sees your brand every time they use the item. But here’s the kicker – so does everyone else who encounters them. That tote bag becomes a walking ad. Other people see your brand or logo. They become curious enough to check it out, and there you have a potential new customer.

They Creates Positive Impressions 

Promotional products are a powerful way to create positive associations you’re your brand. Let’s face it, just about everyone loves free stuff. When you offer your prospective customer a promotional product, it gives them a sense that they’ve received something of value from your brand. 

The customer associates that positive feeling with your brand. That can carry over to increase engagement with your brand and higher customer loyalty. 

You also can choose the products to align with the values of your company and brand. If your brand promotes sustainability, for example, giving away reusable bamboo straws and recycled products shows your commitment. That can strengthen the connection with customers who share similar values.

They’re Cost-Effective

Dollar for dollar, custom promotional products are one of the most cost-effective ways to increase brand awareness. For a one-time investment to create and distribute the products, you get an ongoing return. Custom promos continue to boost your brand every time they’re used.

In addition, promotional products are less expensive than other traditional methods such as radio and TV ads or billboards. They even stack up well against digital advertising such as pay-per-click. 

And promotional products stick. They don’t disappear as soon as the customer clicks to another site or changes the radio station. Studies have shown that most people keep promotional products – even including things as simple as custom pens – for several months. Other products, such as mugs and t-shirts are kept for years. 

You can find custom products to fit virtually any budget. There’s a huge range of products available, from keychains and pens to golf umbrellas, desk sets and more. That makes it easy to expand your product lineup as your business grows.

Start with pens and tote bags. As your business grows, you can add higher-end promos such as wireless earbuds, tumblers and even Bluetooth speakers for especially valued customers. 

They Inspire Customer Retention and Loyalty

Promotional products aren’t just for attracting new customers. They’re an excellent means to retain and reward existing customers as well. You can use them to make your customers feel appreciated, increasing their loyalty to your brand.

For example, offering a branded travel mug or tumbler to a customer after three purchases as a thank-you gift can show the customer you appreciate their business. That gives them a sense of connection that’s likely to lead to continued business.

Keeping your customers engaged with your brand pays dividends in long-term return. It also encourages them to refer your business to others. Promotional products can serve as a conversation starter. Word-of-mouth marketing as customers discuss your promo products with friends and on social media can lead to increased brand awareness and sales.

They Enable Targeted Marketing

Custom promotional products give you the ability to attract customers who are specifically interested in your products or services. You control distribution of your promos, so you can precisely target the audience you want to reach. 

For example, if you’re promoting a sports brand, you can direct promotional products to a local race, CrossFit® competition or similar event. Custom water bottles, t-shirts, socks and other items can get your brand directly to the competitors you want to sell to. It’s an advantage digital marketing can’t match.

They Make It Easy to Track and Measure ROI

It can be challenging to measure the return on investment of your marketing efforts. With promotional products, it’s easy to track how well they’re doing their job for your brand. You can quantify multiple factors such as sales, website traffic, social media engagement and customer feedback. That data enables you to adjust your marketing efforts quickly, shifting products and strategies as need to respond to customers in real time.

Promo Products Are Unsung Marketing Superstars

Those reasons and more are why custom promotional products work. They’ve been proven over more than a century as a tested way to increase brand awareness and sales. Their low cost compared to other marketing measures make them hard to beat in an environment where every dollar counts.

When used strategically, promotional products can be a driving force in building brand awareness, maintaining customer loyalty, and ultimately boosting your bottom line. Custom promotional products provide a tangible and lasting connection between your brand and your customers, making them a timeless and essential component of your marketing toolkit.

At TJM Promos, we’ve offered custom crafted promotional products for 20 years. We’re experts in helping businesses, schools, trade groups and other organizations select the perfect products for their specific needs. Get in touch with us. Let us show you how effective promotional products can be for you.