Have you been to a career fair or trade show and left without a goodie bag stuffed to the brim with stickers, little bottles of hand sanitizer, or reusable water bottles? If you’re like us, the answer is probably no. It’s even likely that you may have visited a certain booth just to get your hands on a free t-shirt. These fun, free items are commonly referred to as promotional products and are affordable and effective marketing tools for businesses of all sizes.

Promotional products might seem like a small ticket item, but don’t let the size of a letter opener, coaster, or travel mug fool you. Custom promotional products are key marketing materials that offer benefits far beyond keeping your beverage cold.

Brand Awareness

Promotional products are functional and frequently used items that leave a lasting impression and are reused time and again. Think of the items in your kitchen like the pen and notepad you use for grocery lists and quick reminders, the koozie you always use on hot summer days, the magnet you use to hang the report cards on the refrigerator, and the water bottle that has become your go-to for morning workouts. You may not think about these items much, but every time you use them, they’re generating brand awareness.

After using an unfamiliar pizza place’s branded pen one, one dozen, or one hundred times, a consumer will likely look down at that pen at some point and try ordering pizza from that business.

Did you know?

According to studies:

• Six out of 10 people hold on to promotional items for up to two years.
• 50% of people use promotional products every day
• 25% of people say they view a business more favorably after receiving a free promotional product
• Promotional products help consumers create closer relationships with brands