Tag Archives: custom tote bags

Branded SWAG Ideas for Employee Appreciation Gifts

Attracting and retaining top talent is essential for the success of any organization. Employee appreciation is vital for fostering a positive and productive workplace. Recognizing and appreciating employees for their hard work and dedication is key to boosting morale. It increases productivity, and fosters a positive work culture. One of the best ways to show your gratitude is through thoughtful and creative gifts – something that feels personal but also practical. Branded SWAG (Stuff We All Get) gifts are a great way to combine branding with gratitude.

“Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” – Voltaire

Whether you’re gearing up for Employee Appreciation Day, celebrating a major company milestone, showing appreciation during the holidays, or simply wanting to show recognition, here are some unique and memorable custom SWAG ideas that your employees will love.

Branded Apparel

Employees love comfortable, stylish apparel they can wear both inside and outside the office. Instead of just standard t-shirts, consider the following:

Embroidered Jackets or Hoodies: These are perfect for cooler weather and have a more professional, polished look.
Athleisure Wear: Think branded leggings, joggers, or performance tees for employees who enjoy working out or lounging comfortably.
Eco-Friendly Apparel: Clothing made from sustainable materials like organic cotton or recycled polyester can appeal to the environmentally-conscious team members.

Personalized Office Supplies

Every employee uses office supplies, so why not make these items both functional and personalized? Alone or as part of a gift bag, these branded SWAG gifts are as useful as they are appreciated:

Engraved Pens: A sleek, high-quality pen with their name engraved is a timeless gift that adds a touch of professionalism. Or for bulk gift-giving or as part of a gift bag, custom pens imprinted with your company name give your brand exposure both in and out of the office.
Monogrammed Notebooks or Planners: Help your employees stay organized and jot down their thoughts with personalized notebooks and pens. Adding a thoughtful touch like their name or a motivational quote can make these items even more special.
Stylish Desk Accessories: Branded mousepads, pen holders, or even wireless charging stations can add a personal touch to an employee’s desk space.

Customized Tech Accessories

Tech gadgets are often highly appreciated, especially when they complement the devices employees use daily. Not only are these items practical for daily use, but they also serve as a constant reminder of your appreciation.

Branded Wireless Earbuds or Headphones: Perfect for virtual meetings, music lovers, or podcast fans.
Portable Power Banks: Keep employees’ devices charged while on the go – make it branded for extra visibility.
Laptop Sleeves or Bags: Functional and stylish, these can also double as branding opportunities with the company logo.

Self-Care and Wellness Kits

Encourage employees to take care of themselves with wellness-focused custom SWAG. This can show that you care about their well-being beyond the office.

Custom Aromatherapy Sets: Branded essential oils, diffusers or custom room sprays can help employees relax and unwind.
Relaxation Kits: Encourage your employees to unwind and de-stress with relaxation kits that include items like scented candles, bath salts, and stress-relief toys. This thoughtful gesture shows that you care about their well-being.
Personal Care Items: Help employees stay healthy with custom lip balm, hand sanitizer, tissue packs, and sunscreen. These items are portable daily essentials and always appreciated.
Mindfulness Journals: Pair a company-branded journal with a mindfulness app subscription for stress relief.
Fitness Gear: Promote a healthy lifestyle by gifting employees with fitness gear such as branded water bottles, workout bands, or yoga mats. Not only does this show that you value their well-being, but it also encourages them to stay active.

Eco-Friendly Products

Show your commitment to sustainability by offering eco-conscious SWAG items.

Custom Reusable Water Bottles or Coffee Tumblers: Look for branded stainless steel or BPA-free options that employees can use every day.
Branded Reusable Tote Bags: Practical and eco-friendly, custom bags are great for grocery shopping or carrying items to and from work.
Eco-Friendly Stationery: Pens, notebooks, or sticky notes made from recycled materials or bamboo can be a great way to promote sustainability.

Home Office Essentials

With more employees working remotely or in hybrid setups, home office essentials are more important than ever.

Branded Desk Lamps or Ring Lights: To help employees look their best on video calls.
Ergonomic Desk Accessories: Items like laptop stands, footrests, or wrist supports that help create a comfortable work environment.
Custom Blankets or Pillows: For employees to stay cozy while working from home.

Subscription Boxes

A subscription box tailored to your employees’ interests is a thoughtful and exciting gift. Treat your employees to food and drink packages that include gourmet chocolates, coffee blends, or personalized snacks. This indulgent gift is sure to put a smile on their faces.

Snack Boxes: Curate a selection of healthy snacks or gourmet treats. During the holidays, a custom tin of popcorn or cookies is something everyone appreciates and can be used during family dinners or parties.
Custom Coffee or Tea Subscriptions: Keep your caffeine lovers energized with a monthly delivery of their favorite blends.
Books or Learning Platforms: Encourage professional growth with book subscriptions or access to online learning platforms.

Experience-Based Gifts

While physical gifts are always nice, experiences can leave lasting memories. You can offer:

Online Classes: Subscription to platforms like MasterClass, Coursera, or Skillshare for personal development.
Event Tickets or Gift Cards: Whether it’s for a concert, movie, or sports game, experience-based gifts provide an exciting change of pace.
Wellness Subscriptions: Consider meditation, sleep, or yoga app subscriptions that employees can use in their personal time.

Seasonal or Holiday-Themed SWAG

Tie your gifts to seasons or holidays for a fun and festive touch.

Winter Holidays: Even if you are giving your employees a monetary bonus for the end-of-the-year holidays, consider pairing it with a thoughtful gift. Think cozy socks, scarves, or hot chocolate kits to keep employees comfortable during colder months.
Summer Kits: Branded sunglasses, sunscreen, and beach towels are perfect for warm weather.

Customizable Gift Boxes

Instead of a one-size-fits-all gift, why not let employees choose what they want? Create a customizable gift box where employees can select from a variety of branded SWAG items that suit their tastes and needs. This ensures they’re getting something they truly enjoy.

Conclusion

Employee appreciation gifts play a crucial role in boosting morale, fostering loyalty, and creating a positive work environment. By choosing thoughtful branded SWAG items, you can show your employees that their hard work and dedication are truly valued. High-quality items that employees can use daily or cherish long-term will make them feel valued and appreciated. Whether you go for tech gadgets, wellness kits, or stylish apparel, the goal is to show that you care and to reinforce the bond between your team and the company culture.

Thoughtful SWAG not only rewards your employees but also builds stronger connections and loyalty. Remember, it’s not about the cost of the gift, but the sentiment behind it that truly matters. So, consider implementing some of these SWAG ideas for employee appreciation gifts to make your team feel recognized and motivated.

Promotions & Branding

Branded Products for Holiday Promotions

Sherry Tisdale

As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to think about how you can capitalize on the excitement and joy of the season to boost your brand visibility. The holiday season is a prime time for businesses to connect with customers and increase sales through strategic marketing initiatives. One of the most effective ways to do this is through branded products. Offering holiday-themed, customized items not only spreads cheer but also keeps your brand at the top of your customer’s minds. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of using branded products for holiday promotions and provide insight into how you can make the most of this marketing strategy.

Let’s explore some of the best branded products for holiday promotions that can help your business stand out.

Why Branded Products Are Effective for Holiday Promotions

Branded products serve as tangible reminders of your brand, keeping your business at the top of customers’ minds for increased brand visibility. By offering branded products as part of your holiday promotions, you can strengthen customer loyalty and create a lasting connection with your target audience. Branded products offer long-term exposure at a relatively low cost compared to traditional advertising methods for cost-effective marketing.

“Branded products are a powerful marketing tool that can leave a lasting impression on customers during the holiday season.”

Types of Branded Products Perfect for Holiday Promotions

Customized Apparel

Holiday-branded clothing like t-shirts, hoodies, and winter accessories (such as scarves and beanies) make excellent gifts. They’re practical and fashionable, and allow your customers to promote your brand with pride. Consider incorporating holiday designs like snowflakes or festive colors to add a seasonal touch.

Branded Drinkware

Holiday Mugs are a classic choice. Imagine your customers sitting by the fire with a hot cocoa-filled mug `sporting your brand’s logo or a holiday greeting. You can offer limited-edition holiday mugs with unique designs like snowflakes, candy canes, or Christmas trees, making them collectible items.

Another idea is to include branded drinkware as part of a holiday gift set. Pair a festive mug or tumbler with packets of hot chocolate, tea, or coffee, wrapped in custom holiday packaging. This not only makes a thoughtful and practical gift but also leaves a lasting impression of your brand.

Nothing says holidays like cozying up with a hot beverage! Branded drinkware is a perfect holiday promotion item, offering functionality and festivity. Whether it’s mugs, tumblers, water bottles, or thermos bottles, custom drinkware is something people use every day—making it a high-visibility product. For the holiday season, you can get creative by offering drinkware with festive designs, holiday-themed colors, or special seasonal messages. Adding a holiday slogan or logo turns an everyday item into a special keepsake, making it perfect for corporate gifts or giveaways.

Custom Lip Balm

With the chilly winter weather, lip balm is an essential item for many during the holiday season. Offering branded, custom lip balms is a thoughtful and practical way to promote your business. Whether you create a holiday-themed design or incorporate festive flavors like peppermint or vanilla, custom lip balm is a small yet effective promotional product. Its compact size makes it easy to include in gift sets or as a giveaway at holiday events.

Custom lip balms are versatile, and they cater to almost everyone, making them a great addition to holiday promotions. You can also offer them in eco-friendly, biodegradable packaging or create special limited-edition flavors for an extra festive touch!

Promotional Tote Bags

Tote bags are a fantastic branded product for the holiday season, combining style and functionality. Custom tote bags offer ample space for your brand’s logo and holiday-themed artwork, making them the perfect eco-friendly gift or promotional item. Whether used for holiday shopping, gift wrapping, or everyday use, branded tote bags provide long-term visibility for your business.

To make your custom tote bags extra festive, consider holiday-specific designs—like winter colors, snowflakes, or cheerful holiday messages. You can even create special edition totes for limited-time holiday promotions. The versatility of tote bags means they appeal to a wide range of audiences, from eco-conscious customers to regular shoppers.

Branded Ornaments

Personalized ornaments are a festive and fun way to keep your brand present during the holidays. Whether hanging on a tree or displayed in an office, a branded ornament with your logo adds a touch of holiday spirit while reminding customers of your business.

Seasonal Edibles

Branded holiday treats such as chocolates, cookies, or candy tins are always a hit. Packaging these delicious delights in custom wrappers or boxes with your logo ensures that your brand is part of the celebration. You can even create themed baskets filled with a variety of treats, perfect for corporate gifting.

Calendars and Planners

As the new year approaches, branded calendars or planners make timely and useful gifts. A well-designed planner or calendar will keep your brand visible all year long. Consider adding fun, seasonal imagery or motivational quotes to add extra appeal.

Holiday Gift Sets

Take into consideration choosing several of the promotional gifts described above to create holiday-themed gift sets. Add a festive touch with custom holiday packaging, ribbons, and seasonal messaging. These sets are great for employees amd clients, or as giveaway prizes for holiday contests.

Promotional Tech Accessories

In today’s digital world, tech-related gifts like branded phone stands, chargers, or wireless earbuds are always appreciated. Add a holiday twist with festive packaging or special holiday deals to make these items even more appealing during promotions.

Eco-Friendly Products

As sustainability continues to be a priority for many consumers, consider eco-friendly branded products. Items like reusable shopping bags, bamboo utensils, or plantable seed cards are great for spreading holiday cheer without harming the environment, while promoting your business.

Why Branded Products Work During the Holidays

The holiday season is a time when people are more receptive to giving and receiving gifts. Offering branded products that fit the festive mood allows you to tap into the seasonal excitement while reinforcing your brand identity. By associating your brand with the positive emotions of the holidays, you can build lasting connections with your audience.

Branded products also serve as physical reminders of your business, increasing brand recognition every time they are used. Whether it’s a mug that someone drinks from every day or an ornament hanging on a holiday tree, these items offer consistent visibility.

How to Maximize the Impact of Branded Products

Offering personalized branded products can create a sense of exclusivity and make customers feel valued. Encourage customers to share photos of your branded products on social media using a unique hashtag to expand your reach. Use limited-time offers or exclusive deals to drive sales and generate excitement around your branded products.

Spread the Cheer, Share Your Brand

Incorporating branded products into your holiday promotions can significantly enhance your marketing efforts and help your business stand out during the busy holiday season. By choosing the right products, leveraging personalization, and creating a sense of exclusivity, you can make a lasting impression on customers and drive sales for your business. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to elevate your holiday promotions with the power of branded products.

Holiday-branded products are an excellent way to spread festive cheer while promoting your business. They make for memorable gifts that leave a lasting impression on your customers. As you plan your holiday promotions, consider offering branded products that reflect your brand’s personality and align with the spirit of the season. It’s a fun and effective way to enhance your marketing efforts this holiday season.

Promotions & Branding

Get Noticed with Branded Items for Tradeshows and Events

Sherry Tisdale

Tradeshows and events are excellent opportunities for businesses to showcase their products and services. However, with so many companies vying for attention, it can be challenging to stand out from the crowd. One effective way to make a lasting impression is by using branded items to promote your brand. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of using promotional items for tradeshows and events, and how they can help you get noticed by potential customers.

In the competitive world of tradeshows and events, businesses are constantly vying for attention. To stand out, creating a memorable brand experience is essential—and what better way to do that than through custom branded items? Promotional giveaways not only promote brand recognition but also enhance customer engagement and drive traffic to your booth. Let’s dive into how branded items can help you make a lasting impression at your next event.

Why Branded Items Matter

First impressions count, and in the fast-paced environment of a tradeshow or event, you only have a few seconds to grab someone’s attention. Custom imprinted items serve as tangible reminders of your brand long after the event ends. They create a connection between your company and the attendees, which can help foster brand loyalty.

Benefits of Using Branded Items

There are many benefits of using branded items as giveaways during tradeshows and marketing events. People tend to keep useful promotional products, ensuring your brand stays visible for months or even years, giving you increased visibility and brand reinforcement. Branded items such as lip balm, hand sanitizer, pens, umbrellas, and tote bags are walking advertisements for your brand.

When attendees use these items during the event, they are essentially promoting your brand to everyone they come in contact with. Seeing your logo repeatedly helps reinforce your company’s message and keep your business top of mind. Additional benefits include:

Audience engagement: A well-thought-out branded giveaway can be a conversation starter, drawing people to your booth.
Memorable Impressions: Giving away branded items creates a lasting impression on potential customers. They are more likely to remember your brand long after the event is over, leading to increased brand recall and recognition.
Professionalism: Branded items convey a sense of professionalism and credibility. They show that your business is well-established and committed to quality, which can help build trust with potential customers.
Cost-Effective Marketing: Branded items are a cost-effective way to market your brand. Compared to traditional advertising methods, such as print or digital ads, branded items have a longer shelf life and can continue to promote your brand long after the event has ended.

“Branded items are more than just giveaways; they are powerful marketing tools to get your business noticed in a crowded marketplace.”

Choosing the Right Branded Items

To maximize the impact of your branded items, it’s crucial to choose products that align with your brand and resonate with your target audience. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind:

Relevance: Select items that reflect your industry and offer practical value to your audience. For example, tech companies may benefit from giving away branded USB drives or wireless chargers, while eco-friendly businesses could opt for reusable water bottles or tote bags.
Quality over quantity: High-quality items will leave a better impression and are more likely to be used, extending your brand’s visibility. Instead of opting for cheaper items in bulk, consider investing in products that showcase your company’s value.
Uniqueness: Stand out from the sea of pens and stress balls by offering something that’s not only useful but also distinctive. Unique, innovative items tend to create a lasting impression.

Popular Branded Items for Tradeshows and Events

Branded Apparel: T-shirts, hats, and lanyards with your company logo are great for increasing brand visibility and creating a sense of unity among your team members. They allow your brand to travel wherever attendees go, turning them into walking billboards.
Custom Office Supplies: Pens, notebooks, and folders are practical items that attendees can use during the event and take home with them, ensuring continued exposure to your brand. They serve as functional giveaways and keep your brand visible in professional settings.
Tech Accessories: USB drives, power banks, and phone stands are useful items that appeal to a tech-savvy audience and demonstrate your company’s commitment to innovation. Highly valued and frequently used, making tech accessories perfect for branding.
Drinkware: Water bottles, coffee mugs, and tumblers are popular items that can be used daily, keeping your brand top of mind with customers. Eco-conscious and practical, these items appeal to a wide range of attendees and offer excellent branding space.
Sustainable Swag: Eco-friendly items like bamboo utensils, plantable seed paper, or recyclable tote bags show your company’s commitment to sustainability, which resonates with modern consumers.

“Choose branded items that align with your brand identity and appeal to your target audience to maximize their impact.”

Engaging Your Audience with Custom Giveaways

Promotional items can be more than just passive giveaways; they can be interactive tools for engagement. Consider incorporating these items into your event strategy:

Social Media Contests: Encourage attendees to snap a photo with your branded items. Post it on social media for a chance to win a larger prize. This boosts your online presence and drives traffic to your social media platforms.
Interactive Games: Use your branded items as prizes for games or raffles, adding an element of fun and competition to your booth. This can help create a buzz around your brand and attract a larger audience.
Personalized Giveaways: Take your branded items up a notch by offering personalized products. Attendees love custom items like engraved keychains or embroidered hats, as they feel more unique and memorable.

Maximizing ROI from Branded Items

To ensure a good return on investment (ROI), branded items should be integrated into your overall event strategy. Here are some tips to get the most out of your investment:

Promote Your Giveaways Pre-Event: Build anticipation by teasing your branded giveaways on social media or your website in the lead-up to the event. This can create excitement and draw more visitors to your booth.
Follow Up Post-Event: Use the contact information gathered during the event to follow up with attendees. Sending a thank-you note or an email offering further value can help turn that initial engagement into a lasting relationship.
Measure the Impact: Track the performance of your branded items through metrics such as booth traffic, social media engagement, or even post-event sales inquiries. This data can help you refine your strategy for future events.

Branded items are more than just promotional tools. They are a key part of creating a lasting brand impression at tradeshows and events. By selecting high-quality, relevant items and incorporating them into a broader engagement strategy, you can stand out in a crowded space and leave attendees with something they’ll remember long after the event.

Investing in well-thought-out branded items not only increases your visibility but also deepens your connection with potential customers. So, gear up for your next event with branded products that truly reflect your brand and make a lasting impact!

Promotions & Branding

Branded Promotional Products for Corporate Events

Sherry Tisdale

Branded Promotional Products for Corporate Events

Corporate events offer an excellent opportunity to connect with clients and foster relationships, build brand awareness, and showcase your company’s values and products. One effective way to make a lasting impression at these events is through branded promotional products. These items not only serve as practical giveaways, but also as powerful marketing tools that can help promote your brand long after the event is over.

Whether it’s a trade show, conference, seminar, or company celebration, customized promotional products can enhance your presence, leave a lasting impression, and generate buzz for your brand.

Why Branded Promotional Products Matter

Personalized promotional products create a lasting impression on event attendees, reminding them of your company long after the event. They can serve as conversation starters and help break the ice, allowing for natural interactions and networking opportunities. These items can also help differentiate your brand from competitors, leaving a positive and memorable impact on potential clients and partners.

But why are these giveaways so effective, and how can you strategically use them to make your corporate event a success? Let’s dive in.

Increased Brand Visibility: Branded items such as pens, bags, or water bottles keep your logo and message in front of attendees long after the event ends. These products become walking advertisements, boosting your brand’s exposure every time they’re used.
Memorable Connections: Corporate events can be overwhelming, with numerous companies vying for attention. Offering high-quality, useful customized promotional products helps your brand stand out in the crowd and be remembered. A thoughtful giveaway tied to your brand message can create a lasting connection.
Builds Brand Loyalty: Attendees appreciate receiving free, useful products, which fosters a sense of goodwill. When people associate your brand with value, practicality, and generosity, it deepens their loyalty and engagement with your business.
Encourages Word-of-Mouth Marketing: Unique or high-demand products often get talked about or shared. This creates buzz not only during the event but long after, helping your brand to be discussed and remembered by a wider audience.

Maximize Your Impact at Corporate Events

To fully leverage the power of branded promotional products, consider the following strategies:

Create Event-Specific Bundles: Instead of giving out individual items, package several promotional products in a branded bag or box. This increases perceived value and creates a more memorable experience for the recipient.
- Offer Limited-Edition Items: Create a sense of exclusivity by offering limited-edition products that are only available at the event. Attendees will be more excited to receive a giveaway they can’t get anywhere else.
- Engage Through Contests or Giveaways: Use your customized products as part of a contest or raffle. Not only does this create excitement, but it also encourages more interaction with your booth or company during the event.
- Personalize the Experience: Whenever possible, customize the product to the recipient. Adding their name or a custom message to the product can create a stronger connection and make them feel valued.

How to Choose the Right Branded Promotional Products

Selecting the right personalized promotional products for a corporate event requires strategy. Here are some tips to ensure your giveaways make an impact:

Align with Your Brand: The product you choose should reflect your company’s values and industry. Consider the event theme and audience demographics to ensure the products are relevant and useful. For instance, eco-friendly items like reusable tote bags or stainless-steel water bottles show a commitment to sustainability, aligning well with environmentally-conscious brands.
Consider Usefulness: Choose high-quality items that reflect your brand’s image and values, as these will leave a lasting impression. Opt for products that are both practical and unique, such as tech gadgets, eco-friendly items, or personalized gifts. The more practical and useful the item, the longer it will stay in use, extending your brand exposure. Items like notebooks, phone chargers, or custom USB drives are functional and likely to be used repeatedly.
Create a Wow Factor: To stand out, think outside the box with creative or unique promotional items. Products like wireless earbuds, tech gadgets, or high-quality travel accessories can leave a lasting impression and add a touch of luxury to your brand.
Customize for the Event: Tailor your products to fit the theme or purpose of the event. For example, if it’s an outdoor corporate event, items like branded sunscreen, sunglasses, or foldable chairs make perfect sense. For a tech conference, offering branded stylus pens or laptop sleeves would resonate more with attendees.

Top personalized Promotional Products for Corporate Events

Tote Bags: Eco-friendly and practical, branded tote bags are a hit at trade shows and conferences. Attendees can use them to carry materials during the event, and the bags continue to promote your brand in their daily lives.
Drinkware: Branded drinkware, such as water bottles or reusable coffee cups, are practical items that can be used daily. Reusable water bottles, travel mugs, and tumblers are highly useful and appeal to a broad audience. With your logo printed on these items, they serve as constant reminders of your brand.
Tech Accessories: Tech gadgets like phone chargers, Bluetooth speakers, or power banks are valuable and have a high perceived value. These products also appeal to a tech-savvy audience and are likely to be used frequently. Customized USB drives with your company logo can serve as a useful tool for attendees to store event materials.
Apparel: Branded T-shirts, hats, or jackets make stylish giveaways that turn event attendees into brand ambassadors. Quality clothing can keep your brand visible in public long after the event.
Office Supplies: Branded pens, journals, or desk organizers are practical and often used daily in the workplace. These products ensure your brand stays top of mind with potential clients and business partners. Personalized notebooks or journals can showcase your company’s commitment to sustainability and creativity.
Health and Wellness Items: Hand sanitizers, lip balms, or stress balls are highly appreciated in today’s world. These items promote your brand while also showing you care about the well-being of event attendees.

Benefits of Using Branded Promotional Products at Corporate Events

Using custom promotional products increases brand visibility and awareness among event attendees and beyond. It enhances brand loyalty and customer engagement by providing tangible and memorable experiences. You will generate leads and potential business opportunities through strategic distribution of branded products.

The Long-Term Benefits of Branded Promotional Products

Corporate events offer a brief moment to engage your audience, but the right promotional product can extend that connection far beyond the event. Branded products continue to promote your business for months or even years, giving you long-term value and helping you remain top of mind. Every time the recipient uses or sees the item, they’ll be reminded of your brand and the positive experience they had at your event.

Conclusion

Branded promotional products are a key component in making corporate events more successful. They enhance your brand’s visibility, create memorable interactions, and provide long-lasting impressions that drive engagement and loyalty. By choosing the right items and strategically integrating them into your event, you can ensure that your brand stands out and leaves a lasting impact on attendees. Make every event an opportunity to promote, engage, and elevate your business.

Personalized promotional products play a crucial role in making a lasting impression at corporate events. By carefully selecting high-quality and relevant items that align with your brand values, you can create memorable experiences for attendees and leave a lasting impact on potential clients and partners. So, the next time you plan a corporate event, remember the power of branded promotional products in building and promoting your brand.

Promotions & Branding

Kicking off the New Year with Promotional Products

Sherry Tisdale

The new year is often a time for rebranding, changing directions, and looking to the future. It’s also a great time to refresh your promotional giveaways. You love giving customers little appreciation gifts, but reusing the same items year after year might not be the best way to entice customer loyalty. While they might already be a faithful customer, they might appreciate something new to remind them of your company. Consider changing your promotions or even your message to keep your company fresh in the minds of your customers.

Retain and Gain Customers

Receiving promotional items is not only fun for the recipient, but it’s also a really smart marketing strategy. Everyone loves receiving promotional products, and it’s a wonderful way to connect with your customers and keep your brand fresh in their minds.

Using promotional products to advertise your business helps people remember your brand, which means they are more likely to choose your business over another when they are in need of your services. A good promotional product can help you engage and retain current customers, while also attracting new ones.

Choosing the Right Product

The key to a good promotional item is usability! You don’t want to waste money on a one-use item or gimmick; they will only end up in the trash, which does you no good. When choosing a product to represent your brand, you want to focus on items that can be used over and over again, so the customer is constantly reminded of your company and services, providing you with a solid return on your investment!

Here are a few practical and useful recommendations to help promote your brand in the new year.

Custom Drinkware

Growing more popular by the day, custom drinkware is one of the best ways to keep your name in front of customers. It’s something that everyone uses every day, making it one of the best ways to successfully market any brand. When selecting drinkware, you want to take into consideration the ways it can be used, of course, but you also want to be sure that it can be used by anyone at any age.

Make sure it’s BPA free, easy to use and clean, and something that will get a lot of use. Stainless steel drinkware checks off all these boxes! It’s the most versatile drinkware you can put your name on. You can use it for hot or cold beverages, and if you choose one that is insulated, it will keep them at their desired temperature for several hours (or longer!).

Stainless steel drinkware comes in a great selection of styles, so you can choose one that best works with your brand. You can opt for a travel mug, sports bottle, wine cup, tumbler, and more. Stainless steel drinkware is made from non-toxic metal without chemicals or carcinogens, and is better for you than plastic. It’s also the safest way to store water for drinking. You can keep water in a stainless steel bottle for up to a week at a time, which makes it ideal for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. They are also environmentally friendly and can be recycled.

Promotional Stylus Pens

Pens are another item that is used daily by just about everyone. And with today’s technology, having a built-in stylus allows you to take physical notes while using your tablet or phone. A good stylus pen is an economical way to keep your name in front of current customers, as well as prospective clients. They are easy to store and travel with, and they make great leave-behind reminders when visiting a client’s office. You can leave a few behind so everyone in the office has a pen with your name on it.

Tradeshows are another way to distribute logo pens. You can share them with anyone who visits your table so they have a reminder of meeting you and your team to prompt them to check out your services once the event is over.

And the chances of the pen being shared with others is almost guaranteed, thereby expanding your reach even further. Think about how many pens you have lost in your lifetime and how many you have found!

Personalized Bags

Putting your logo on a bag is a great way to advertise. Bags get used, at home, in the office, while traveling, and while running errands. One of the most commonly used bags today is a shopping tote. Many people like to take their own bags when grocery shopping so they aren’t bogged down with a ton of plastic bags. Not only can they be a nuisance, but they are not easily recyclable and just end up in a landfill somewhere.

Additionally, a good shopping tote is like giving people a small portable billboard featuring your logo! The more usable the bag is, the more it will be seen by others as the user totes it around town while shopping and running errands.

Just remember, whatever product you choose, be sure that it represents your brand in a positive way, provides repeat exposure, and has an attractive and interesting logo, label, or message to attract people to your brand!

Tradeshows and Events

Creating a Memorable Promotional Event

Sherry Tisdale

Many companies use marketing events to engage with their current and potential customers. Creating a fun and memorable event isn’t hard if you follow a few simple rules.

Start with a Budget

Before you can even begin to plan your event, the first thing you need is a budget. Not only do you need the total dollar amount that can be spent, but also have it broken down into categories and spend amounts so whoever is in charge of that portion of the event knows exactly how much they have to work with. It’s also a good idea to include some kind of contingency dollars in case a problem arises and you need to spend more than you have in your initial budget. You don’t want to be left scrambling for additional funds should something unexpected happen.

Choose a Date that gives Plenty of Notice

You first need to consider planning your event far enough in advance for proper promotion. You need to be able to have plenty of time for promotion and give people enough time to plan to be there. Everyone has a busy schedule, and people need to be able to put your event on their calendars. If you don’t give enough notice, they won’t be able to attend.

Select an Appropriate Venue

Choosing a venue is very important. You want to select somewhere that is suited to accommodate your anticipated turnout while leaving enough room for the various activities you intend to have.

Be sure there is plenty of seating available, especially if it is to be an all-day event. People will get tired of standing, and if you want them to stay to enjoy the entire event you will need places for guests to rest.

Create a Unique and Clever Theme

You want people to be interested in your event, so be sure and strategize to come up with a great theme. Pick something that will peak the interests of both current and potential customers. You don’t want anything too ostentatious or outlandish that might put people off. Choose something fun and interesting, without being annoying. Use banners, tents, etc. with your personalized branding to stand out from the crowd to be sure there is no mistake about who you are and what you have to offer.

Know Your Target Audience

While you want a lot of people at your event, you don’t want to mislead anyone into thinking that it is something it is not. If you are a technology business or company that is targeting a specific sector, stick to contacting current customers and others within your industry. If you are aiming for the general public, ensure that it is clear that everyone is welcome. And if it is an adult-only event, make sure that is stated in your event marketing materials.

Advertise, Advertise, Advertise!

One of the best ways to entice customers to come to your event is by creating marketing emails and/or mail flyers. At a minimum, your flyers should contain the information needed for people to decide if your event is worth attending. Provide the date, time, location, and details about the event. Be creative! If your flyer or mailout looks lackluster and boring, people will not be interested and your turnout will be minimal.

Use your social media accounts to promote your event. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are always good ways to let people know that you are holding an event. Be sure to include the date, time, and location, as well as a link for registration if needed. You can also include a link to an online page that provides detailed information about the event and what to expect.

You can even create a Facebook page strictly for your event, offering all the information people need to decide if they are interested in attending, including links to your registration site, if applicable.

Make it Easy to Register

Unless you are doing a walk-in event, you will want to make sure that it is easy to register. The simplest way to do that is by having an informational website where people can quickly register to attend. Don’t ask for too much information – just the basics like their name, company name if applicable, email, and phone number. If there is an entry fee, make sure that you have a good system set up to accept payment. Nothing is more frustrating than fighting with a site that won’t accept your credit card information.

One way to entice people to register early is by offering “early bird” discounts. Create a discount code with a dollar or percentage off that can be used up until a certain point – maybe a week or two before the event.

Keep It Interesting

Do something to stand out from the competition! Plan fun activities like games, treasure hunts, and other interesting things for guests to participate in. Make them specific to your business if possible. For technology-based events – place QR codes around the events for people to obtain more information or win prizes on their own time. Hold drawings for company swag or other items as it pertains to your business. Events are better when there are interesting booths or activities that guests can participate in.

Serve Food and Drinks

Set up an area with food and drinks so guests will stick around longer. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate catered event, but be sure and offer something so people don’t get hungry and thirsty and leave the event to get a bite to eat. Something as simple as grilling hot dogs and hamburgers if you are outdoors, or a nice spread of sandwiches and fruit. For evening adult-oriented events, set up a bar and offer beer, and wine, and even create a specialty drink that ties in with your theme.

Entertainment

Depending on the size and length of your event, consider hiring a DJ or local band to play throughout the day or night. Create a small dance area so guests can show off their moves! The more enjoyable your event is, the more people will remember your brand and think of your services or products long after it’s over.

Create Swag Bags

Everyone loves free swag! The easiest way to hand out promotional gifts is by creating a “Swag Bag” for each guest. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on each bag and its contents, but include custom promotional items people can actually use, that showcase your company logo or event graphics. Don’t opt for gimmicky or one-use items that won’t hold people’s attention.

Marketing Materials

Include booklets, flyers, and business cards in your swag bags for people to take home with them to review after the event. It’s hard to remember everything you need to know after an event is over, so be sure guests have materials to take home to remind them of your services and/or products. Be sure to include business cards and contact information so they can easily get a hold of someone if they need more information or want to purchase your services or products.

If you decide to use “buzz words” in your marketing materials, don’t use anything that has become a cliché, or overused. Don’t use words like “synergy”, “new normal”, and other words that make people cringe. Come up with unique and interesting phrases to use during your event and marketing. You don’t want to drive people away by using buzzwords that should have been put to bed long ago! You may even want to avoid them altogether, and simply provide the information needed to entice new customers or clients.

The more you can do to make your event interesting and memorable, the longer people will think of your services when they are needed. It’s not just about attracting new customers and clients, but also about retaining your existing ones. The more fun and memorable your event is, the more people will remember your brand!