Summary:
You don't need to turn on the TV or the radio these days to know how important every
dollar is. More than ever, people are comparison shopping, using coupons, and checking out
online ads to determine the best deal.
You don't need to turn on the TV or the radio these days to know how important every
dollar is. More than ever, people are comparison shopping, using coupons, and checking out
online ads to determine the best deal. It doesn't matter if you are looking for a new pair
of shoes, a minivan, or a home. Everyone knows the value of the dollar and is careful to
spend only what they can afford due to the current economic conditions.
The story is the same in business.
So many companies have been forced to make cuts, to curb
spending, and to find the best value for bringing in new business opportunities.
Competition is still heavy. Companies still need to market themselves. But there's a
proverbial flip side to this. How does a company cut down on expenses yet still spend
money to find business? And what are the best ways to land new business and to get a
corporate name out to the public?
You might be thinking that advertising your product or
service on a TV or radio commercial is the way to go.
Surprise! Commercials are typically the most expensive
medium to promote a message. Sure, it's exciting to have your name broadcasted on TV
screens in every home during a primetime viewing hour, but your money especially during
these difficult economic times will be better spent on something that is simpler and less
expensive. That less expensive medium is promotional products.
A recent study conducted by the Promotional Products
Association International, entitled Effectiveness of Promotional Products as an
Advertising Medium, polled over 1,000 consumers regarding promotional items that they had
received within the past two years. Of those 1,000 people, 89 percent remembered the name
of the advertiser on those promotional items. More than 89 percent! That's incredible. And
83 percent of those individuals surveyed said they liked receiving promotional items.
Now, how many people do you know will actively admit to
liking TV or radio commercials?
Usually, people suffer through TV commercials until their
favorite show goes back on or else they use that time of endless ads for cars, insurance,
the latest burger fad, and chain store to go and grab a snack out of the fridge or take a
bathroom break. Ever hear of anyone say that they were thrilled to see billboards? Of
course you haven't. But to know that so many people like to receive promotional items and
remember which company gave them those products... well, that seems like a great place to
focus your advertising greenbacks.
The great thing about promotional items is that there is
such a wide array of products to choose from. From the simple like pens, travel mugs, and
umbrellas to the more sophisticated like clocks, gift baskets, and computer totes, the
possibilities really are endless. An organization can always find something that fits
within its budget that truly markets its corporate message. And promotional products
really allow you to get creative. With radio and TV mediums, your marketing dollars may
buy you one or maybe two commercials that periodically hit the airwaves.
Instead you can cater to various groups of people with
promotional products. Is there a big picnic or festival in your city where your company
will have a table? T-shirts are always a nice gift to hand out. Reusable water bottles are
another great idea especially with so many people interested in being environmentally
conscious.
The point is that promotional items are very effective in
reaching the masses. People like to receive promotional products. If they like the item
they are receiving, chances are they will remember the corporate name which usually
results in business opportunities. |
