Creating and promoting a brand should be at the top of the list for most owners and entrepreneurs. And with so many different options on the best ways to get your organization into the public eye, it can be hard to decide how to invest your time and marketing budget. One of the most popular ways is to host an event or even become a partner in a multi-sponsor event.
When taking this route, giving away free promotional items is a great way to introduce people to or re-familiarize them with your brand. From branded hand sanitizers to t-shirts to totes, you can get your name out to potential clients/customers and everyone else who sees those items. Here are 7 of the best products to distribute at public events:
1. Branded Hand Sanitizers
Company-branded hand sanitizers are a low-cost, highly-effective way to get your name and image out there in front of potential clients.
They are perfect for any event, but with the ever-present recommendations on handwashing and hygiene these days. Branded hand sanitizer is a product people will most likely use until finished.
2. Coffee Mugs & Cups
This promotional item is a classic for a reason. Most people enjoy a cup of Joe in the morning or as an afternoon pick-me-up. And those who do can never have too many cups.
3. Physical or E-Gift Cards
Hardly anyone gets rid of gift cards. However, this item is for companies looking to spend a little more on promotions than something like branded hand sanitizer. It’s not for the budget-conscious.
4. Reusable Water Bottles
This is an excellent option as it presents your company as green and conscious of the environment, on top of the fact that it’s a practical gift.
5. A Simple Umbrella
Nothing has replaced the utility and function of an umbrella of all the modern marvels and inventions we’ve had over the last several decades.
6. Calendars & Daily Planners
Even with all the apps and digital options designed to perform the functions of calendars and planners, there is something people just seem to like about having physical versions of them around.
7. VIP Product Samplers
If you don’t have much money to spend on your promotional ideas, you could give away special features or allow clients/consumers to sign up with your company as product samplers/testers.
The Importance of Promotional Items for Your Organization
From bumper stickers to branded hand sanitizers, promotional item giveaways can expand your marketing reach in so many ways, especially if you make it a regular part of your advertising strategy. And if you couple the giveaways with a method of gathering contact info, you are growing your pipeline during fun events. This feels less intrusive to the consumer.
It also gives you a better reference point when making contact for the first time (did you have fun at the ABC Festival last week?). Their first interaction with your company was at a fun get-together rather than a boring sales conference or seminar. It helps them associate your company with recreation before business, creating a personal connection.