Promotional Products Work!

Survey Says: Consumers Crave Clever Promo Products

Dara Cormany — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 16:27:39 +0000

Survey Says: Consumers Crave Clever Promo Products

A recent consumer study reveals that Americans increasingly want, engage with and value promotional products.

Consumers believe in the value of branded merchandise. Nearly three quarters (74.6%) of those surveyed in 2023 agree that promotional products are a good way to learn about sales and events, and 72% agree that they’re helpful for learning about new businesses. Furthermore, 78% of consumers enjoy receiving free stuff from companies and brands they love, and nearly 73% want to receive promo products more often.

All these numbers add up to branded merchandise providing an advertising medium that has great reach and incredible impact.

The online survey, conducted by the Promotional Products Association International, captured insights from a nationally representative sample of more than 3,000 U.S. consumers between the ages of 18 and 78. The data collected highlights the power of promo, its ability to create emotional attachments to brands and how consumers prefer branded merch to other forms of advertising.

For example, three-quarters or more of survey respondents said they would rather receive a promotional product than a telemarketing or sales call, a promotional email or ads in the mail (flyers, letters, etc.). Further, 70% of consumers say they’re likely to switch brands if they’ve received a promotional product they really like from a company they haven’t done business with before.

The numbers point to the connection between consumers’ positive experiences with promo products and the high perceived value and quality that they associate with the brand providing them. Consumers want to engage more deeply with the company providing the product and are even willing to shift their spending to the company that gave them the promotional item.

More than half (52%) say their initial reaction upon receiving a promo product is to look up the company that gave it to them – and nearly half (47%) say they’ve posted on social media about a promo item they’ve received.

The data also spotlights how effective the marriage between high-quality promotional products and beloved brands can be. Case in point: 70% of consumers tend to equate the quality of the promo product they’ve received with the reputation of the company that gave it to them. Simply put, people like receiving nice things and often view the experience as a sign of how the giver feels about them.

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2023 Holiday Gifting Survey Reveals What Consumers Truly Want

Dara Cormany — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 20:09:32 +0000

2023 Holiday Gifting Survey Reveals What Consumers Truly Want

Just like friends and family, your employees, clients and customers value holiday gifts. In fact, 80% consider a present from their employer to be meaningful, according to PPAI’s 2023 Holiday Gifting Survey.

The online survey captured insights from a nationally representative sample of more than 500 U.S. consumers between the ages of 18 and 74. The data collected from the survey digs deep into what types of holiday gifts consumers prefer, the importance of personalization and how these presents can influence brand perception.

Favorite Holiday Gift Categories

Apparel and fashion accessories = 53.7%
Food and beverages = 49.9%
Wellness and self-care products = 44.2%
Tech gadgets = 41.4%
Home décor (including holiday ornaments) = 40.4%

Despite consumers’ fondness for physical gifts, only a little more than half (53.5%) expect to receive a company-logoed holiday present from their employer. Meanwhile, 58% anticipate receiving a gift card from the company they work for.

Gift cards are a missed opportunity when you could instead build a gift program with thoughtfully selected gifts so that recipients look forward to them each year – and keep them for years to come. Holiday gifting done right will make recipients feel valued, help build relationships and cultivate loyalty to your brand.

Personalize For Higher Perceived Value

However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to break the bank. Nearly half (46.7%) of consumers say the cost of a gift doesn’t affect their satisfaction, and 36% say they’re more likely to appreciate practical gifts rather than luxurious ones, according to the survey.

Instead of worrying about going over budget for these tokens of appreciation, focus on tailoring holiday gifts to your recipients’ interests and preferences. After all, more than three-quarters (77%) of consumers say it’s important that holiday gifts reflect their individual preferences.

Personalization makes a big impact, too. As many as 39% of consumers prefer personalized gifts, and more than half (51%) said they “highly appreciate” a personalized message with their gift. And 65% of consumers say packaging and presentation is also important. Custom packaging elevates the overall experience and the recipient’s perception of value, plus it gives your business more space for messaging.

The Gift That Keeps On Giving

Don’t fall into the trap of purchasing generic holiday gifts simply because it’s tradition. Most consumers (85%) say the thoughtfulness of a holiday gift influences their perception of a brand, and 70.7% say the gift’s perceived value or uniqueness increases their brand loyalty.

When receiving a thoughtful holiday gift from a company they’ve done business with, half of consumers are not only more likely to continue doing business with that company, but also recommend the company to others. Meanwhile, 41.6% say they’ll leave a positive review, 27.4% will follow the company on social media, 20% will visit the company’s website, and 17.7% will go so far as to subscribe to its e-newsletter.

With emotions running high during the holiday season, you have a golden opportunity to leave a positive, lasting impression on your employees, customers and peers. By choosing a thoughtful, personalized gift that the recipient will love, your brand will become intertwined in cherished memories like tinsel on a Christmas tree.

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Enhancing The Employee Experience: The Power Of Promotional Products In HR

Dara Cormany — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 22:21:50 +0000

Enhancing The Employee Experience: The Power Of Promotional Products In HR

Human resources (HR) teams have a critical role to play in ensuring that employees have a positive and fulfilling experience at work. One way savvy HR teams are enhancing the employee experience is by strategically using promotional products to attract, engage, and retain employees.

Here are a few ways that HR can make an impact with promo:

Promotional products can be used to recognize and reward employees for their hard work and contributions. For example, if an employee reaches a milestone, such as completing a project or achieving a sales target, they could be recognized with a branded gift such as a plaque, trophy or personalized gift basket. This can make employees feel valued and appreciated and can boost morale and motivation, a recent survey found that 62% of employees agree that they feel appreciated by their employer when they are gifted with promotional products.

Promotional products can also be used to foster a sense of community and teamwork among employees. For example, branded T-shirts or hats can be given to employees who participate in team-building activities or attend company events. This can help to build camaraderie and a sense of belonging among employees, which can lead to increased engagement and productivity.

Another way HR teams can use promotional products is to promote health and wellness among employees. Branded water bottles, yoga mats or fitness trackers can encourage employees to prioritize their health and well-being and can also serve as a reminder of the company’s commitment to employee wellness.

In addition to these examples, there are many other ways HR teams can use promotional products to enhance the employee experience. However, it is important to note that the key to success is to be thoughtful and strategic in the use of these products. HR teams should take the time to understand the needs and interests of employees and use promotional products in a way that is aligned with the company’s culture and values.

Promotional products can be a powerful tool for HR teams looking to enhance the employee experience. Whether it is recognizing employee achievements, fostering teamwork and community, or promoting health and wellness, there are many ways that promotional products can be used to make employees feel valued and appreciated. By using these products thoughtfully and strategically, HR teams can help to create a positive and fulfilling workplace culture that benefits both employees and the company.

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How Creative HR Teams Are Leveraging Promotional Products To Engage Remote Workers

Dara Cormany — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 22:12:21 +0000

How Creative HR Teams Are Leveraging Promotional Products To Engage Remote Workers

As hybrid and remote work continue to become the norm for many organizations, HR professionals are discovering new ways to engage and motivate their remote workforce. The strategy that has been gaining in popularity is the use of promotional products to create a sense of connection and community among remote employees.

It makes sense that creative HR teams are looking to support their employees with thoughtful gifts. In a recent consumer study, 62% of people reported that they feel appreciated by their employer when they are given quality promotional products.

Promotional products, such as branded merchandise and corporate gifts, have long been used by companies to promote their brands and build customer loyalty. But in recent years, HR professionals have recognized the potential of promotional products to engage and motivate employees as well.

With remote work, the challenge is to create a sense of belonging and team spirit among employees who are working from different locations, but promotional products can help to bridge that gap. From that same recent consumer study, 52% of respondents agreed that they felt included as part of the team when they received promo products from their employer. Promotional products can help to bridge the gap by providing a tangible reminder of the company culture and values, and by creating a sense of community among remote workers.

Here are some ways that creative HR professionals are using promotional products to engage remote workers:

Welcome Kits: When new employees join a company, they often receive a welcome kit that includes promotional products such as branded pens, notebooks and water bottles. With remote workers, welcome kits can be mailed to their homes, providing a tangible reminder of their new job and the company culture. Creative HR teams are also sourcing promotional products with sustainability and give-backs that align with their organization’s values.

Virtual Events: Many companies are using virtual events to connect with remote workers and promote team building. Promotional products can be included as part of the event, such as sending participants a gift box that includes branded items like T-shirts, coffee mugs, and other quality products that their teams will want to keep and enjoy long after the virtual event has concluded.

Recognition and Rewards: Promotional products can also be used to recognize and reward remote workers for their hard work and contributions. For example, a company might send a gift box to a remote worker who has exceeded their sales targets, or a premium branded jacket to an employee who has been with the company for five years.

Wellness Programs: With remote work (and even in-person work), employee wellness has become a top priority for many companies. Promotional products can be used to support wellness programs, such as sending a yoga mat or fitness tracker to remote workers as part of a wellness initiative. Some organizations may take it further by incentivizing employees that reach certain wellness targets with luxury products.

Holiday Gifts: Finally, promotional products can be used to celebrate holidays and special occasions, such as sending remote workers a branded gift basket around the holidays or a personalized card on their birthday.

The organizations that are succeeding at engaging and retaining remote workers have creative HR teams that are using promotional products to engage remote workers. By using promotional products strategically, companies can build employee loyalty, promote team building and support employee wellness in a remote work environment.

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How Experiential Marketers Are Leveraging Promotional Products

Dara Cormany — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 22:03:44 +0000

How Experiential Marketers Are Leveraging Promotional Products

Experiential marketing has become an increasingly popular way for brands to create memorable experiences for their customers. Promotional products are a key element of experiential marketing, with 83% of consumers reporting they would feel a strengthened loyalty to a brand they currently shop with that gave them a promotional product. Strategic experiential marketers are thoughtfully leveraging promo products to provide tangible reminders of those experiences to create a lasting impression of their brands.

What is experiential marketing?

Experiential marketing is a form of marketing that creates immersive and engaging experiences for customers. Rather than simply promoting a product or service, experiential marketing seeks to create a memorable experience that connects customers with the brand on a deeper level. This can take many forms, from pop-up events and interactive installations to product demonstrations and live performances.

What role do promotional products play in experiential marketing?

Promotional products are an important component of many experiential marketing campaigns. By providing customers with tangible items that they can take home, brands can extend the impact of their experiences beyond the event itself. Promotional products can help reinforce the brand message, create a lasting impression and even encourage social sharing.

For example, consider a brand that hosts a pop-up event where customers can try out their new line of fitness gear. By giving attendees a branded water bottle or gym towel to take home, the brand can extend the experience beyond the event and remind customers of the benefits of their products every time they use the item. Similarly, a brand that hosts a music festival can give attendees branded sunglasses or hats, creating a sense of community that ultimately influences attendees to share their experience on social media.

How do experiential marketers select the right promotional products?

When it comes to choosing promotional products for experiential marketing campaigns, it’s important to think carefully about what will resonate with customers and reinforce the brand message. Some key factors to consider include:

Relevance: The promotional product should be relevant to the experience and the brand message. For example, a brand that promotes sustainability might give out reusable tote bags or bamboo utensils.
Quality: The quality of the promotional product is important, as customers are more likely to use and remember high-quality items. Poorly constructed items can have the opposite effect, leaving a negative impression of the brand.
Utility: Promotional products that are useful in everyday life are more likely to be used and remembered. Items like water bottles, tote bags and phone chargers are practical and have a high perceived value.
Branding: Promotional product branding is an art and successful marketers will work closely with their promo distributor to design and select art that is both on brand and will resonate with their audience.

Here are a few examples of experiential marketing campaigns that have successfully leveraged promotional products:

Red Bull: The energy drink brand is known for its high-energy events, from extreme sports competitions to music festivals. At their events, Red Bull gives out branded hats, sunglasses and other items that reinforce their brand message of excitement and energy.

Nike: The sports apparel giant is no stranger to experiential marketing, having hosted countless pop-up events and activations around the world. At events like the Nike Women’s 10k race, the brand gives out branded t-shirts and water bottles that motivate and inspire runners.

Sephora: The beauty retailer has hosted pop-up beauty bars and other events that offer personalized makeup consultations and samples. At these events, Sephora gives out branded makeup bags and other beauty essentials that encourage attendees to try out their products at home.

Experiential marketing is a powerful way for brands to create memorable experiences for their customers, and promotional products are a key element of many successful campaigns. By choosing the right products, brands can extend the impact of their experiences beyond the event itself, reinforcing their brand message and creating a lasting impression.

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How HR Is Attracting Top Talent With Strategic Promotional Products

Dara Cormany — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 21:48:13 +0000

How HR Is Attracting Top Talent With Strategic Promotional Products

In today’s competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent is crucial for businesses looking to succeed and grow. One way that HR teams are standing out and attracting new talent is by leveraging promotional products.

Promotional products positively influence brand loyalty with a recent survey revealing that 83% of people would experience strengthened loyalty to a brand they currently engage with that gave them a promotional product. Promo products such as branded T-shirts, water bottles or tote bags, can be used to create a positive impression of the company among job seekers and new hires. By providing these items as part of the onboarding process or during recruitment events, HR teams can show that they value their employees and are committed to creating a positive and engaging workplace culture.

In addition to creating a positive impression, promotional products can also help to showcase the company’s brand and values. For example, if the company values sustainability, they could provide eco-friendly promotional products such as reusable straws or bamboo utensils. This can help to attract job seekers who are passionate about sustainability and align with the company’s values.

Promotional products can also be used to incentivize referrals and encourage employee engagement. HR teams could provide branded merchandise as a reward for employee referrals or use promotional products to promote employee wellness initiatives such as gym memberships or wellness programs.

Moreover, promotional products can help to create a sense of community and belonging among employees. A recent survey found that 62% of people agree that they feel appreciated by their employer when they are gifted promotional products. When employees wear or use branded merchandise, they feel like they are part of a team and have a sense of pride in working for the company. This can lead to increased engagement, productivity and retention.

Promotional products can be a powerful tool for HR teams looking to attract and retain top talent. By using these products strategically, HR teams can create a positive impression of the company, showcase the company’s brand and values, incentivize referrals, promote employee engagement, and foster a sense of community among employees. By investing in promotional products, HR teams can help to create a workplace culture that attracts and retains the best and brightest talent.

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Promotional Products: A Savvy HR Tool To Motivate Employee Wellness

Dara Cormany — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 21:41:38 +0000

Promotional Products: A Savvy HR Tool To Motivate Employee Wellness

Employee wellness programs have become increasingly important in today’s workplace, as companies recognize the benefits of promoting the health and well-being of their employees. Employee wellbeing can reduce insurance premiums, improve morale and ultimately leads to increased retention. One tool that HR teams are leveraging in their employee wellness programs is promotional products.

Promotional products, such as branded water bottles, fitness trackers or yoga mats, can be used to encourage employees to prioritize their health and well-being. By providing these items as part of a wellness program, HR teams can show that they are committed to supporting the health and happiness of their employees.

In addition to providing tangible benefits, such as hydration or exercise equipment, promotional products can also serve as a reminder of the company’s commitment to employee wellness. When employees use these products, they are reminded that the company values their health and well-being, which can lead to increased engagement and loyalty.

Not only do the products signal an importance of wellbeing, but savvy HR teams are also using more luxury promo products to incentivize employees to participate in wellness programs. For example, HR teams could provide branded merchandise as a reward for completing a certain number of steps or attending a certain number of fitness classes. Also, branded coolers or other higher-end products can be given to employees that reach harder to achieve milestones in their wellness journey. This can help to motivate employees to participate in the program and achieve their wellness goals.

Promotional products can also be used to create a sense of community and belonging among employees who are participating in a wellness program. When employees wear or use branded merchandise related to the program, they feel like they are part of a group and have a sense of pride in participating. This can lead to increased motivation and accountability, as employees support and encourage each other in their wellness journeys.

Promo products can be a valuable tool for HR teams looking to promote employee wellness. By providing branded merchandise as part of a wellness program, HR teams can encourage employees to prioritize their health and well-being, incentivize participation and foster a sense of community among participants. By investing in promotional products for employee wellness programs, HR teams can help to create a healthier, happier and more engaged workforce.

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How To Incorporate Promotional Products Into An Influencer Strategy

Dara Cormany — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 20:40:09 +0000

How To Incorporate Promotional Products Into An Influencer Strategy

Influencer marketing is a great way to reach a large audience and promote your brand. But how can you make sure your influencer marketing campaigns are successful? An effective way to do this is to incorporate promotional products into your influencer strategy.

Promotional products provided to savvy digital influencers are a great way to get your brand in front of a large audience. When influencers use your promotional products, they are essentially giving you free advertising. This can be a very effective way to increase brand awareness and generate leads with 8 out of 10 consumers making a purchase after seeing it recommended by an influencer.

Here are a few tips for incorporating promotional products into your influencer marketing strategy:

Choose the right influencers: When choosing influencers, it is important to choose those who have a following in your target audience. You also want to make sure that the influencers you choose are a good fit for your brand. Whether working with micro-influencers or celebrity influencers, send them a promotional gift that they will want to unbox for their audience.

Choose the right promotional products: The promotional products you choose should be relevant to your brand and your target audience. You also want to make sure that the products are high-quality and provide an experience worth sharing. This is paramount in any event you choose to use promo, 59% of consumers say that when it comes to promotional products they receive, quality is more important than quantity.

Track your results: It is important to track the results of your influencer marketing campaigns so that you can see how effective they are. You can do this by tracking source traffic coming to your website, social media engagement, and/or by using social listening tools to get an in-depth look at what people are saying about your brand across the web.

By incorporating promotional products into your influencer marketing strategy, you can reach a large audience, increase brand awareness and amplify your marketing.

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Top Five Things Not To Do When Ordering Promotional Products

Dara Cormany — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 17:38:43 +0000

The Top Five Things Not To Do When Ordering Promotional Products

Promotional products are the only form of advertising that people thank you for, but there are a few things to be mindful of when ordering promo to ensure you are making the right choice for your business. Here are the top five things not to do when ordering promotional products:

Don’t order without a clear goal. What do you hope to achieve by giving away promotional products? Do you want to increase brand awareness, generate leads, show your appreciation or drive sales? Have you considered the types of products that your target audience would be interested in based on the overall goal? Once you know your goal and understand your audience, you can choose the right promotional products and supporting strategy.
Don’t order products that your audience won’t want to keep. A few questions to ask yourself: Where will I be sharing these products? When do I expect people to use the products? Would I want to use this product? Being mindful of your audience and strategic about your promo proactively garners positivity towards your brand.
Don’t order products that your target audience won’t use. As stated above, think about what your target audience would actually want to use and appreciate so that they will want to keep the item.
Don’t over-order on any singular product. It’s tempting to order a large quantity of a product for a more favorably discounted rate. However, if you don’t have a plan to distribute them, you could end up with a lot of leftover inventory. Brands evolve and so should your promo products.
Don’t forget to track your results. Once you’ve distributed your promotional products, be sure to track the results. This will help you determine which campaigns were successful and which ones need improvement. For example, if lead generation was your goal: How many people completed a form after visiting your website using the unique QR code that was placed on the product?

By following these five simple tips, you can be more strategic with your promotional products orders and maximize the ROI.

Here are some additional tips for ordering promotional products:

Find a promotional products distributor that asks good questions. A distributor that asks good questions will be better equipped to support your promo goals and will be able to recommend products that your audience will value.
Read reviews to help make sure the distributor you choose has a good reputation and a track record of delivering quality products on time.
Be clear about your expectations and requirements when you place your order.

Applying these recommendations to your next promotional products order will have you wondering what else could you achieve with the support of strategic promo?

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Why Promotional Products Remain An Effective Form Of Marketing

Dara Cormany — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 17:36:24 +0000

Why Promotional Products Remain An Effective Form Of Marketing

Promotional products – the fun branded merch and freebies that brands give away – can be an overlooked secret weapon in your marketing strategy. From classic pens and T-shirts to coffee mugs and even folding chairs, creative promotional product strategies deliver results.

In today’s digital world, promotional products stand out. Here are a few reasons to give your promotional products strategy a fresh take:

Influential: In a recent consumer study, 75% of people said they were more likely to buy from a company that gave them a promotional product than from another company they know equally well but did not give them promo.

Increased brand awareness: When people use your promotional products, they are constantly seeing your brand. This can help to increase brand awareness and make your company more memorable.

Improved customer loyalty: When people receive a promotional product from your company, they are 83% more likely to do business with you in the future. This is because they feel appreciated, valued and have a strengthened loyalty to the brand.

Generate leads: Promotional products can also be used to generate leads with 73% of consumers saying they are more likely to consider purchasing from a business that gave them a promotional product they kept.

Retain customers: Another study found that 54% of consumers say they would stop using a brand after just one bad experience. Promotional products in this case can dramatically change this outcome, 81% of consumers say they would do business again with a company that gifted them a useful promotional product.

Promotional products work in any economy. In times of recession or economic hardship, surveyed consumers say promo gifts stand out as a sign of brand value and show that employers care about them.

Here are some tips for choosing the right promotional products for your business:

Consider your target audience: When choosing promotional products, it is important to consider your target audience. What are their interests? What would they find useful?

Choose high-quality products: You want your promotional products to be high-quality so that people will use them and keep them.

Personalize your products: When possible, personalize your promotional products with your company logo or branding. This will help to make them more memorable.

Track your results: It is important to track the results of your promotional product campaign so that you can see how effective it is. You can do this by tracking website traffic, social media engagement, and leveraging QR codes or NFC technology to drive traffic straight from your product to your digital assets.

By following these tips, you can choose the right promotional products for your business and use them to effectively market your brand.

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