How do promotional products help businesses?

By Samantha O'Rourke

Offering unique promotional items at trade shows, conferences, open houses or similar events has become a regular tradition for many businesses—but it’s more than tradition that keeps the market for promotional products strong. Promotional products provide a highly cost-effective way to introduce your brand and make an impression on prospective customers.

Handing out business cards might be less expensive, but a plain business card doesn’t compare to more creative—and useful—alternatives, such as branded pens and pencils, stress relievers and apparel.

Before you print that next batch of business cards, you’ll want to understand the best promotional items to give away and why promotional products work. You’ll be in a better position to make the right decisions for your business, and experience all of the benefits of promotional products.

What are the benefits of promotional products?

Promotional products provide many benefits to your broader marketing strategy, especially if you’re planning to represent your company at an upcoming conference, trade show or similar event. But you might be wondering, why are promotional products effective? Consider the benefits of giving away promotional products:

• They generate attention and interest—and start valuable conversations. Especially at larger events, attendees will be collecting several business cards and promotional materials from a wide range of companies—including your competitors. A great way to stand out is to provide something more unique and useful than a simple business card.
• They enable you to showcase your brand. 4imprint can add your business logo to a huge selection of hot promotional products. To get the most from your branded promo items, we recommend you look to ones that are unique, useful and made of quality materials. Research shows a majority (70% opens in new window), “tend to equate the quality of the promo product they’ve received with the reputation of the company that gave it to them.”
• They can build stronger customer relationships. Companies often give away promotional products in order to collect contacts and make connections with prospective customers. And choosing products that prospects really want is a great way to show you understand and appreciate them. To maximize your promotional efforts, remember to follow up with prospects and keep the conversation going!
• They deliver exceptional ROI—and real results. Cost per impression is a great way to measure the effectiveness of various promotional products, especially as they compare to other forms of marketing, like paid advertising. According to a recent edition of the Advertising Specialty Institute’s Ad Impressions Study opens in new window:
  • Writing instruments generate more than 2,400 impressions, at less than 1/10 of a cent per impression.
  • Drinkware generates more than 3,000 impressions, at less than 1/3 of a cent per impression.
  • Power banks generate more than 850 impressions, at just under 1 cent per impression.

How do promotional products increase sales?

There is a positive correlation between promotional product giveaways and sales results, provided you choose the right products for your target audience and business objectives. To help move the needle, choose the right products to offer. Commit to finding the best promotional items company that meets your needs.

4imprint offers the best selection at the best price, guaranteed. “The whole purpose of these products,” Forbes opens in new window notes, “is to pique interest and generate buzz, thus serving as a fantastic promotional means.” They should also, “help people remember the brand” and, “inspire people to take action by selecting one particular business over all of its competitors.”

What promotional products are most effective?

There is no single best promotional product to offer—instead, you should prioritize products that are perceived as valuable and useful. Ignore the promotion angle for a moment, consider whether someone would find value in what you’re handing out—enough value to hold on to that item, and to think favorably about your company.

Ultimately, the best promotional items for small business giveaways are useful, unique and durable. So, what are examples of promotional products that meet these criteria? At 4imprint, you can browse dozens of categories right now, like apparel, bags, drinkware, stationery, tech accessories and more—meaning you’ll find something to fit any specific event or initiative.

Find your next promotional product at 4imprint.com

At 4imprint, we offer a wide range of products—all customizable with your branding and logo. We offer 24-hour rush service if you're in a hurry. And our in-house art team can even help with product ideas or customization—and whatever you choose, you can expect great products, delivered on time, for certain.