One of the ways to remind your team and customers of the value of your brand is to use branded promotional products as “stunts” within your corporate and company events. Picking the right products and the way you package and integrate the delivery of these promotional items in your event makes all the difference. So how can you strategically use promotional products to put your brand in the spotlight in 2017?
Promotional products are being used strategically both to build brand awareness and penetration as well as to motivate teams internally. The Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) reports the following company motivations supporting buying trends for promotional products in 2015:
In addition, a BPMA survey of 15,000 consumers who received a free promotional product in 2012 which was reported in BrandWatch noted:
- 66% of participants claimed they could recall the brand on the promotional product they received.
- About half (56%) said their impression of the company improved after receiving the promotional gift.
- 79% would be likely to do business with the company again.
- Most participants (87%) kept a promotional item for longer than a year.
- The ROI on promotional products delivered a better return on investment than radio and outdoor advertising, and was equal to TV and print.
Here are our top 3 picks for promotional product trends to watch in 2017:
Trend #1: Technology-Infused
Technology products provide great utility value when everyone is connected, everywhere. Wearables, mobile phone accessories, power banks and rechargers. According to PPAI research, over 7% of promotional products sales were for computer products and electronic devices in 2015. And the Delta Marketing Group reports 87% of consumers state they would keep a promotional power bank because it’s useful, and 60% said they would do business with an advertiser who gave them a power bank.
Trend #2: Environmentally PC
Eco-friendly products enable teams and customers feel good about your brand. Functional products employing sustainably manufactured, recycled or bio-degradable materials including insulated tumblers and water bottles, tote bags, backpacks and other carry-alls are more popular if universal, affordable and utilitarian. Research shows that when a promotional product is received by someone and it is an environmentally-friendly product, then there is a more than 40% higher favorable opinion of that brand.
Trend #3: Higher Value
Nothing denigrates your brand more than a mass-produced, low-end item with your brand name attached to it. One high-value item however, speaks volumes about the investment you make in your own business and the importance of the customer or employee relationship you are celebrating with that promotional item. Choosing a promotional product which will stand the test of time, will be used regularly and frequently and represents a “wow!” for the recipient will deliver what it is intended to: increased brand visibility and positive brand associations as “highly valuable”.
Thanks to our promo guru, Dave Carney, for tips about what’s trending out in the promotional products landscape!
Are you using promotional products to increase customer and team loyalty with your constituencies? We’ve got some ideas there! Get in touch…