Picture this: At a trade exhibition, you drop a stack of unique promotional items branded pens onto a desk. Two or three pills is the usual dosage. Before you can say “cheap plastic,” dust will have settled on the pens by next week. Do you ever wish you knew why your giveaways are so unsuccessful? We should reveal everything.
Not chaos, but connectedness. What your promotional materials are lacking in one crucial area? True significance. I know it seems grandiose, but bear with me. When you put some thought into something, people will remember you more than when you just slapped your logo on it. One company gives out keychains with QR codes that go to employee playlists; suddenly, that insignificant item has a backstory. At Earth Day celebrations, another distributes miniature seed kits. Ta-da! Strong brand recognition.
Although nobody has ever exclaimed, “Wow, this mousepad changed my life!” many have exclaimed, “I love this mug—it always reminds me of last year’s festival!” Both relevance and practicality are important. Picture this: during a health fair, you get a pair of fluffy socks imprinted with encouraging words. This is really sticky!
The truth is that money is a factor. However, saving money shouldn’t imply sacrificing quality. Consider a sustainable notepad linked to your company’s sustainability promise as an alternative to the standard stress ball. Consider an enamel pin that mimics the shape of your main product instead. Instead of merely passing things on, the goal should be to make someone laugh or smile.
Remember who you’re writing for. Are they IT nerds? Consider using screen-cleaning towels with humorous one-liners or small cable organizers. Exercise enthusiasts? In every gym bag, you’ll find a water bottle with an encouraging message. What about the parents? Kids will be eternally grateful to you if you include a message in their lunchbox.
Making a good impression is crucial. A simple tote bag can be made more special with a handwritten letter. A connection is established by enveloping the thing with a joke. It’s the little things like this that keep your promotional items from getting lost in a drawer.
Did you ever hear of Dorothy’s ruby slippers? The potential was there the whole time; all it needed was to be unleashed. You can help your business stand out from the crowd by adding some personality (and humor) to your products. Consider reevaluating your upcoming giveaways. Give them the gift of laughter, a tale, or a piece of reality. Then your promotional materials will no longer be a source of boredom but rather joy.