Who Should Consider Promotional Products?

Whether you’re the marketing manager of a large company or the director of a small charity, advertising and promotions are an important part of your business.  Promotional products are a cost effective way to get the best results for your dollar.  Here are a few key points to consider.

• People love presents.  If you choose a product that appeals to the people you are marketing to, you will already have their attention.  If you choose a quality product that will last and is useful, you’ll have their attention for a longer period of time. 
• Make sure it lasts.  Whether a promotional item, such as a pen or a quality piece of apparel, if it’s made well, it will be used and worn.  A pen that runs out of ink in a month will be in the garbage, and a shirt that is thin or tears easily will be headed there as well. 
• Whatever you choose, it doesn’t have to be expensive in order to serve your needs.  There are so many options available when it comes to promotional items, it’s fairly easy to find something to fit your budget.  If you’re not sure of the best way to go, contact someone who knows the industry and let them help you. Despite the ease of shopping on-line, it is often better to let someone who is in the business guide you.  You’ll get more value for your dollar and you’ll find an item that suits your needs.  Over 17 billion dollars (yes, that’s a ‘B’) will be spent on promotional items and apparel this year.  Don’t let your items get lost in the shuffle. 

Remember, three out of four people have some type of promotional item in their work space. (Look around, we bet you have some too!)   People will keep useful things, and use them again and again.  Every time a product you’ve supplied is used, it’s seen, a visual and useful reminder of you and your business.

Are business cards a thing of the past?

The business card.  There’s a lot of potential in that little piece of card stock.  Though technology has made communicating with others nearly instantaneous, there is still a place for the business card in everyday life.

Throughout history, calling cards (for the wealthy) and trade cards (for merchants and shops) have been a central part of people’s lives.  The wealthy would call on friends and acquaintances, presenting their card to the staff who admitted them.  Trade cards were colorful advertisements for shops and merchants, usually with a map, in order to direct customers to their place of business. Naturally, the more colorful and eye catching the card, the more likely it would be noticed, thereby increasing sales.

Times change, but the basic functionality of the business card remains the same.  A small thing, but providing someone with your contact information is the first step in creating a lasting business relationship.  Keep some things in mind when you’re designing your cards in the future.

• Sales increase 2.5% with every 2000 cards you hand out.  Make sure you keep track of your inventory.
• People will keep a color card 10 times longer than a plain card.
• Consider adding a QR Code to drive business to a special offer for your customers, or a specific page of your website.
• Make sure your business card looks professional.  Don’t overwhelm people with loud graphics or illegible print. No one can contact you if they can’t read the information you’ve given them.
• Provide some key points of interest about your business.  This will help people tie you to your business. 
• While non-standard cards are eye-catching, they make it difficult for people to store easily.  If you want a card that stands out from the rest, consider having two cards printed. 

In the end, no matter what technology brings us in the future, the business card will always have its place. Make sure yours represents you and your business in the best possible way.

-Kate