People are more likely to care about promo items if they received them at an exciting event, or won them as a prize in a cool contest. Before you try a new campaign, sit down and brainstorm how swag can make it more exciting.
Promotional items are used by brands to build their impressions, which really matters when it comes to advertising. In fact, customers need to see a logo 5 to 7 times before they’ll remember the company.
Now that you have promotional items printed with your logo, it’s time to start using them! Here are some ideas!
Trade Show Swag
Studies show that trade show visitors are 52% more likely to visit a display if they see a promotional giveaway or freebie being offered. Plan to bring plenty of swag next time your company is setting up a trade show booth.
Social Media Contests
Increase engagement on your social media channels by hosting a fun contest. 94% of users will share the contest with their friends and family right after entering. Just imagine how many eyes will be on your brand if you’re offering cool promotional swag as a prize to the winners!
Gift Shops
It isn’t only museums and theme parks that have gift shops. McDonald’s, St. Jude’s, and Dunkin’ are just a few popular brands with their own online stores, filled to the brim with branded swag. Try to open your store if you want to raise funds and create a bigger fan base.
Swag Bags
Are you hosting an event like a banquet, awards ceremony, or 5K run? Offer all the participants swag bags filled with promotional items. You can ask your sponsors to supply promo items and coupons, or throw in branded items exclusively from your company.
Raffle Prizes
Are you a nonprofit? Put promotional products in a few gift baskets as part of a raffle. These logo items will feel more special if they’re won vs. if you’re just giving them away for free.
Pop-Up Shops
According to Business Insider, 8 of the 10 biggest retailers in the world opened a successful pop-up store in 2019. Follow in their footsteps and set up a pop-up shop for people to come check out. You can offer promotional items for free to every visitor, or sell these branded items at the event.
Direct Mailers
Surprise people in the local area with a free promo gift in the mail. Pair the item with a quippy message to really make your brand start out. For instance, an auto shop can send out a coupon for an oil change along with a promotional ice scraper. The ad copy can read: “Ice isn’t nice, but a change will do you good!”
Client Gifts
It’s always a good idea to show gratitude to clients, so offer promo items as welcome gifts before a transaction or as a “thank you” after the exchange is done. You can also order swag around the holidays as gifts for your entire client base.
Guerilla Marketing
Guerilla marketing is surprising and unexpected. This unique ad strategy often causes positive reaction and inspires people to take pics for social media. Plan your own daring move with promotional stickers, hanging banners, or any other items that fit your campaign.
Business Supplies
Do you run a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, or bakery? Take pride in your brand by printing your logo on all the supplies you use every day. This should include to-go cups, napkins, pint glasses, and anything else you need to operate.
Promotional Items Work
Promotional Items Work
85% of people who receive a promo end up doing business with the company afterward. That’s more than 8 out of 10 people working with you just because they liked your swag.
It’s your job to pair your swag with creative campaigns and to do the necessary follow-up on leads to actually see an ROI. Brainstorm on creative ways to use your promotional items!
Swag is the Best Advertising
Swag is the Best Advertising
Advertising tends to feel impersonal. People are smart and know that you’re ultimately trying to get them to spend their hard-earned money.
Promotional items are a tangible item people can keep. 76% of consumers are willing to buy from a brand with whom they feel a connection. By advertising with swag, you’re showing consumers that you want to forge that relationship and care about making them feel happy.
After all, your customers can’t really do anything with a Google ad, but they can definitely use a new coffee mug at home! Hand out your promos in a thoughtful way and the leads will follow.
Alyssa Mertes
Alyssa Mertes is an expert on branded swag. She's done it all, from uncovering the world's first custom tote bag to interviewing the designer who created AC/DC's logo. Her work has been featured on several podcasts and media websites.
