Why Promotional Products?

So people often ask me---why should I spend my advertising dollars on some trinket that people are just going to shove in a drawer or throw away?  Such a fun can of worms to open.....


Let me share some research with you...borrowed from an ASI Research Study done in late 2010.  This study shows that using promotional products is still the most cost-effective way of marketing your business.


The study was conducted through in person interviews with business individuals in 8 different major cities across North American, Europe, and Australia.  Detailed questions were asked regarding various promotional products that they have received recently.


Here is a summary of the conclusions:


1) Cost Per Impression: The cost per impression for promotional items remained unchanged in 2010, compared to 2008 and when compared to other forms of media, promotional products were more affordable and more effective. 


2) Product Usage: Bags were revealed as the highest number of impressions per month, making it one of the most effective promotional products available.  Bags are everywhere--the grocery, the gym and schools---a good one will be used by the recipient for years to come.


3) Gender Usage: Males were more likely to keep shirts and caps, while females were more likely to keep bags, pens & pencils, calendars, and health and safety products.  Always know your audience and choose giveaways accordingly.


4) Ethnic Preferences: African Americans are more inclined to keep hats and other headwear and bags over any other ethnicity and keep a higher percentage of all other promotional products.  Again, it's important to know who your target audience will be for any given promotion.


5) Ability to Identify the Advertiser: 83% indicated they could identify the advertiser on a promotional product they owned.  I have a favorite insulated bag and call it by name--where's that XXX bag from the trade show?


6) Ability to Influence User Opinions: 41% of respondents indicated their opinion of the advertiser was more favorable after receiving the promotional product. Everyone loves freebies!

So when choosing whether to try out promotional products, keep in mind that promotional products are the only marketing medium that engages all five senses.  Clients can see, hear, touch, taste and even smell them. Not so for commercials on tv, radio or newspaper ads.