There are a lot of misconceptions out there about promotional products, but they are an extremely effective marketing tool when used correctly.
Let’s take a look at five of the most common myths and misconceptions about promotional products.
Misconception 1: Promotional products aren’t as effective as other marketing mediums. Research has consistently shown that promotional items are extremely effective compared to other marketing mediums. For example, a study found that 88% of survey respondents could recall the name of the advertiser on a promotional product they had received, while only 53.5% could recall the name of an advertiser in a print publication they had read in the past week.
Misconception 2: Promotional products are too expensive. There are tens of thousands of promotional products available, in price points ranging from under a dollar to hundreds of dollars apiece. However, it’s important to think in terms of cost per impression, rather than cost per item. A promotional product that will be used for years will give you more exposure than a 50-cent item that is used once or twice.
It’s also important to compare the cost of promotional products to other advertising options. A study commissioned by the Advertising Specialty Institute found the following costs per impression in the U.S.:
- Promotional items: 0.6 cents
- Newspaper ads: 0.7 cents
- Ads in national magazines: 1.8 cents
- Prime-time television ads: 1.8 cents
Misconception 3: They just get tossed anyway. Promotional items aren’t “trash and trinkets” — recipients value them. In a study by the Promotional Products Association International, 90.4% of respondents said they currently own a promotional product received during the last 24 months. A good promotional products distributor can help you select a long-lasting, useful item that your target audience will value and keep. Long-lasting promotional items that you can use and display in your office, such as custom floor mats, are also a great, cost-effective way to build brand awareness.
Misconception 4: They take too long to order. If you have a last-minute marketing campaign, don’t rule out promotional products! Many items, even custom-printed ones, are available with fast turnarounds. Your distributor can advise you on your options.
Misconception 5: My business can’t use promotional products. There are many, many different uses for promotional products, including as customer thank-you gifts, business gifts, tradeshow and conference giveaways, employee incentives, sales meeting leave-behinds, dealer/distributor programs, marketing and cross-marketing campaigns, fundraisers, promoting new products, and building brand awareness, loyalty and goodwill. Whether your business is B2C or B2B, if you have customers, employees, or products, you can benefit from promotional products!
A promotional products distributor can help you select the best promotional items to fit your objectives and budget.
