Argon Promotional Products and Promotional Gifts. » Promotional Products

A well thought out marketing strategy backing the distribution of promotional mugs can greatly assist you in fulfilling your branding objectives.  You can be profitable only if you have a thriving business and that can happen only with loyal customers, who in turn need to be constantly reminded about your brand, lest they think of alternatives.  With traditional advertising becoming out of reach for most companies, promotional mugs is a prudent option available.

They are attractive to look at and due to easy customization, can present your company insignia and message very prominently.  Well crafted and designed mugs do much of the brand promotion very effectively for you and what’s more, there is a sense of solidity and durability about this item that makes your logo remain in the eye of the customer for an extended period of time.  These products, being common use items have much greater visibility and are virtually unrestricted in their reach.  They also make for excellent business gifts if properly and creatively designed.

You can also gift mugs to your employees, especially the customer facing ones at the front end.  Any visitor noticing the receptionist for instance, drinking out of an attractively designed mug is bound to get impressed.  The visitors to your office should never be taken lightly as they have the ability to influence and spread good and bad messages about your office.  They also have the capacity to link you with potential business through some of their contacts, whom you may have never met.  Hence, projecting professionalism and conveying the right impression is always important for a business to succeed. This is not to say that they can bring you business but to convey the fact that even a simple event of some visitor noticing your receptionist having her mug of tea can send subtle positive advertising messages, if given due care and attention in the way the mug is crafted and in the manner, the message is imprinted on it.

With so many different styles and materials such as steel, plastic or china as options, you can have them sporting unique looks that suit different moods, such as the formal business type or the real sporty type and even designs that are artistic.  There is really no dearth of choice as far as this type of promotional merchandise is concerned and the good news is that they are not going to stretch your budget too much.

The popularity of promotional mugs is such that you have many companies choosing to distribute them as their method of brand promotion.   If you are also going to opt for promotional mugs, then you need to be really creative and innovative in carving out your own brand identity amongst this clutter and stand out as a distinct brand for your campaign to be successful.

The human being wants attention.  Right from infancy, we clamour for attention and it seems as if only when you can get attention, will you get what you want.  It sounds something like “the crying baby gets the milk” quote that seems to keep rearing itself up again and again.

Well, is seems like brands are no different and businesses can thrive only if you can draw the attention of your customers and the general public at regular intervals.  Otherwise it looks as if the “out of sight, out of mind” quote would become true and that means kaput for business.  Getting the attention is however, easier said than done, what with the surfeit of marketing and aggressive promotions that are constantly under way from various companies like yourself and the customer having to face a deluge of campaigns, making it difficult for him to distinguish one from the other.

Promotional items have often proved effective in meeting this objective and many companies have hopped on to this bandwagon as well. The challenge in this space now, is to choose an item that can produce the best visibility for the brand and draw the attention of the maximum number of people to your brand.  Some of the time tested items like pens, mugs, and keyrings do have their strong points but suffer in terms of attracting wide attention at a single point in time and also do not allow for expansive messages due to constraint of space.  However, in terms of grabbing immediate attention of a large number of people at one time, nothing can beat the promotional umbrella.  That is because its wide canopy provides an ideal space to imprint the logo as well as essential contact information such as phone numbers as well as the website address.  This is a great advantage as your brand and important company information reaches many people at one time and you can get enquiries pretty fast from persons interested in your products.

Choosing the right promotional umbrella is a far easier task, thanks to the huge number of choices available that will complement your company logo and colours in the manner you want.  Customizing messages by imprinting them with eye catching designs relevant to your company business is also possible.  Since the space on the canopy is quite sufficient, you can experiment with different font styles, the idea being that your messages must be visible and clear from a distance.  While bright coloured promotional umbrellas always turn heads, it is the graphics on the imprints that grabs attention and that is an area you can make your own with some careful thinking and font selection.

If you want to get a business or brand off the ground at a low marketing cost, you need not look beyond promotional keyrings.  They are akin to pens in the sense that they are utility products that have the capability to reach your advertising message to many people in a short time.  These items are the best when it comes to cost effectiveness.  They have been popular promotional items because of their practical value and the fact that they are so much closer to the customer.  They can be either custom printed or laser engraved with your brand and message at a very reasonable expense, enabling even smaller enterprises to go for them as their brand ambassadors.  They are manufactured from different material like plastic, leather, metal, glass and also have multiple applications like torches, whistles, panic sprays, calculators and bottle openers attached to them.

The other positive aspect of these keyrings is the longer life span and that in itself is a very important factor behind its sustenance as a promotional item for such a long time.  Every company wants its advertising costs to give back good return and with these giveaways, their durability ensures that this requirement is well met.  These items are not only close to the customer physically, they remain in his actual vision at least 3 -5 times a day, giving your brand the visibility which is difficult with other items.

Promotional keyrings work as an excellent publicity tool for everybody irrespective of whether you are in the product or service industry.  Many companies use these for distribution at exhibitions and trade fairs to either announce their arrival or sustain their brand recall.  Some typical examples are real estate agencies, travel agencies, bookstores, home improvement agencies, car retail shops and many others.

One more promotional innovation with these useful and very popular products is the application of relevant themes engraved in the metal variety.  They are laser engraved for durability and themes can be designed so that it matches your business.  So an automotive shop can have a promotional keyring with the theme of a steering wheel and a pharmaceutical company specializing in heart related drugs could distribute them with a theme of a heart.  This renders a distinctive touch to the gift and the recipient will surely identify them from all the others very quickly.

When considering the price that a promotional keyring will cost this is surely one of the best economical brand builders you can distribute.

The simple promotional mouse mat is found in almost every office.  It is a great promotional idea and many offices are resorting to this billiant idea of gifting.  A mouse mat with the company logo is a wonderful way of marketing the company’s brand image.  The company’s emblem on the mouse mat lends a feeling of security and stability to the employees. Gifting these handy products is a totally new concept when compared to the traditional methods of advertising and marketing.  These useful products help in conveying the message of the company in a simpler manner, without being overly showy or pompous.

With computers pervading many homes and offices, there is no one single person who does not use the computer.  When there is a computer, there has to be a mouse mat.  When this is printed with the company’s logo and message, it is catchier and people are able to relate to it.  Companies can print the message in catchy and bright colours so that everyone remembers it. When the company’s name is displayed on the surface, people automatically get familiar with the brand image.  Companies can also gift these to their employees.  Employees would take pride in possessing such a mouse mat.

The main idea behind promotional advertising is that companies want to make sure that their brand image still holds fresh in the minds of the people.  Promotional items are a way to remind people of the company.    Gifting a mouse mat is a personalized way of reaching out to customers and employees and meets that objective very well.

These can also be gifted to employees either at a sales conference or during a meeting. The employees also feel grateful for having received this gift.   The company should make sure that the quality of the product is good since it would be used day in and day out.

The company has to identify what kind of people they want to attract with these products.  Depending on the audience they want to cater to, these can be customized and delivered.  The plethora of choices in terms of sizes, shapes, designs and colours have made it relatively easy for anybody to take their pick of the design and colour combination they would want and place the order. They also offer both utility and convenience.  It also works out to be cheaper when compared to other promotional items.  There can be a variety of permutations and combinations which can be explored when it comes to promotional mouse mats.

In these days of heavy cost cutting, the choice of promotional items becomes crucial as the items have to justify the costs and the return on investment is a key criterion.  The accent is on maximizing the bang for the buck and companies are taking a hard look at some of the promotional items to review whether they are really providing them the advantages initially perceived.  Most companies have however not given up on promotional bags as an effective advertising tool and are still placing orders for distributing these bags to not only their customers but also to vendors, third party associates and employees.  Besides companies, promotional bags are very popular with a whole host of other organizations like hospitals, educational universities, schools etc.

What is the reason for such demand and popularity?
There are many reasons and one of them is the tremendous variety that is on offer.  So whether it is the luggage and trolley bag best suited for airlines staff, the backpack ones for those on the run, vanity and cosmetic bags for the beauty conscious or simple laptop bags for the busy executive, you get them all in the form of promotional bags.  The list does not end here.  You can get eco-friendly designs, duffel bags and a whole spectrum of high quality and high utility items which are sure to meet with everybody’s requirement and get you a lot of appreciation.  This variety really sets this popular product apart from all other promotional items as there is hardly any other item that offers such diverse utility value and that too at very reasonable prices.

Coming to specifics, the air porter trolley varieties are truly for the busy traveler and though they cost more than their other peers, these are gifts that you would do well to give your high profile customers who are always travelling.  The practical utility of such items is sure to impress your customers and they will continue to favour you with their business for a long time.  The brand recall will also be very strong as you have given the customers something they are going to use regularly and it is human nature to remember what is dear and useful to us.  These products travel with your customers to locations which may be outside the country and thus provide superb exposure to your brand even at those locations.  Nothing can be more value for the money spent and since your customer is a regular traveler, he is going to make your brand visible to many people many times, which definitely would not be possible with conventional advertising.  So the money spent in this case on a luxurious air porter bag is well worth it and you should not have any regrets.

Whichever promotional bags you decide on for your campaign you are sure to reap the rewards and increase your brand awareness.

The basic aim of any business establishment is to have the maximum profit margin it can attain. For maximizing profit, it is really important that it has a base of customers who are loyal to the company. For increasing the overall profit, it is imperative that this customer base is augmented on a regular basis. Here comes the role of the marketing team in a company. It is the responsibility of the marketing team to popularize the company’s products among the common people, and create a positive image of the brand in the minds of the general public. Good quality products are of primary importance. But equally important are the right marketing strategies according to the target audience. Good advertisements always work. In addition, it is often very useful to launch a range of promotional items to popularize the brand’s name among members of the target audience.

In general, promotional items are inexpensive items bearing the company’s name and/or logo. After the target audience is decided according to the nature of the products, such freebies can be distributed among the public to make them aware of the company and create a general curiosity regarding the products. People never say no to something they are getting for free, so most likely they will carry home the item you give them. As this will probably be their first interaction with your company, it is important to make a really good impression. They will judge the quality of the products you offer on the basis of the promotional item you have offered them… so be sure that whatever it is, the item should be of the best possible make. If your item makes a favourable impression on someone, they are likely to try your products at least once. And if they are satisfied with the products, then bang! You have got yourself a new customer!

Certain studies suggest that on an average, people use good promotional items for a minimum of 5-6 months. Also, freebies sent through the mail are supposed to be more effective at building a brand image than giveaways distributed randomly. Keep in mind, selection and distribution of an appropriate item is no mean task. It takes a lot of planning and preparation. Depending upon the nature of the organisation and the target audience, a variety of products may be chosen from. Such items may have one of two kinds of value for the potential customer: aesthetic value or utility value. Corporate houses may favour scratch pads and conference folders, whereas a computer peripherals company may go for decorative mouse pads.  Soft drink companies may go for bottle openers, and baseball caps will do pretty well for sports manufacturers and retailers. Bags also tend to work well and also corporate planners and yearly diaries, etc.

Promotional items, if handled correctly, can get you a multitude of new customers. A few pointers: make sure that the item bears clearly the logo of your company, and has the same colour scheme. Some caption which generates interest regarding the promoted products should be clearly visible on the item. Make sure you plan well ahead and distribute the freebies amongst the right audience. Follow these simple guidelines and you should be good to go!

The most valuable intangible asset of a company is its brand which also maintains and bears its reputation.  If for some reason, your competitors do not spend their budget on any promotional merchandise, they are only compromising their own brand identity and this is when you must demonstrate through this form of media your gratitude to your customers for their support.  It is very important in a stagnating economy to at least maintain your market share, since new business would be difficult to procure.  When you maintain your brand equity and market share in troubled times, as and when the good times come along, your target audience would immediately favour you with business as your brand name would still remain fresh in their minds thanks to some of the promotional campaigns run during the tough times.  The worst thing to happen in business is, everything is hunky dory, but your brand name has been forgotten.

In fact during economy slowdown times, you must do all the more in terms of brand building and indulge in promotional activities.  You will have more time to focus on such activities and do it more professionally.  It may seem a paradox that you are indulging in business promotion when business itself is floundering, but that is the precise reason for its success and effectiveness.  You need to do something different from others and will be noticed for it, lending your brand the uniqueness and exclusivity.  At times of recession, you need to keep in touch with the top honchos of your customers and honour them with carefully chosen promotional merchandise.  It may happen that some of them might get retrenched and would start off on their own and you need to be at the forefront to be considered favourably by them when they are looking for vendors in their new avatar.  So, by concentrating on fine tuning promotional campaigns and taking the time to meet influential decision makers during the rough times, you are actually investing your time and effort to reap the fruits, when the good times return and by doing this, you will be putting yourself in a sound position to cash in when things start looking good again.  The fact that you recognized the true value of distributing promotional merchandise and the suitable timing of this will ensure that your competitors will have a lot to catch up and it won’t be easy to grab your customers.

So make the best of even the recessionary times by choosing suitable and useful promotional merchandise and getting your message out to the right people.  You will not regret it.

If you are looking for a practical option to boost your brand image, look no further than the promotional mouse mat as they are not only durable but also come at reasonable prices suiting your needs.  With the usage of computers so wide spread, mouse mats will always remain in demand and your brand will continue to get the visibility you are seeking.

The range of mouse mats available range from the conventional ones to customized shapes suiting the needs of customers and at the same time maximizing the value of advertising for the company.

Some Design Suggestions for Promotional Mouse Mats:
To start with, the mouse mat shape should be such that it must display mandatory information.  It is no use having a fancy shaped item which does not give you the ability to reflect the ad message in a manner you want.  This information should be crisp and to the point like the name of the company, contact numbers with website address and your sales or ad slogan, if you have any.  It is again of little use cluttering up the surface area with a lot of information as much of it won’t be noticed and you stand the risk of people ignoring even the main message. Your mouse mat design should include certain essential information.  Therefore, just displaying the essentials with the right colour and graphic combination would be enough for people to notice the mouse mat.

Why Use Mouse mats As Promotional Tools?
This question has been asked quite often, though there are many reasons; the one that stands out is the utility of these promotional mouse mats.  Other promotional items also have great utility but in the case of mouse mats, the recipient is literally in touch with it everyday and your brand gets very good visibility.  The fact that unlike some of the other promotional items, the mouse mat is used practically everyday and everybody needs to use the computer for many hours in a day. Because of this reason users are not likely to miss noticing your brand and for this reason the mouse mat gives it the edge over other items.

Besides the utility factor, these handy promotional products can be manufactured in different shapes and the advertising message can be imprinted in ways to match those shapes.  This important quality of customization enables you to garner more customers as they would feel much happier to receive something reflecting their business.

The clincher has to be the low cost of these items compared to others and given their broad acceptance, makes it possible for you to place bulk orders fully knowing that they will never run out of favour.

Getting repeat business from a customer is the most critical aspect of your business not only because it is more profitable but also since it sustains an ongoing relationship and fosters goodwill.  From the time you sign the contract with the customer, you need to set the ball rolling by giving the customer something that he would feel good about, while entering into a business association with you.  So you can hand over a nice stylish pen which is distinct and is of high quality which the customer will always remember.  You must be aware that the first business gift is always memorable and has a special place in the heart of the recipient.

This gift of the pen when imprinted with your company name and contact numbers will make sure that the logo is fresh in the mind of the customer and can be the beginning of a mutually beneficial relationship. You can maintain contact with your customers through the year with nice business gifts bearing your company brand logo.  So even something modest such as a planner with an inbuilt calendar, a tiny pocket calendar planner or a wall calendar will all serve as very effective business gifts lending great visibility to your brand everyday.  Small points like remembering the birthday of your customer and sending him a business card holder on that particular date will create a very positive impression about you and the company.  The choices are many from a mobile cradle to stress balls and while these items are not very expensive, they project your organization in very good light.

You must not forget to treat your premium customers with better quality and costlier gifts as they are the main contributors to your success.  Gifts like good quality wall clocks, combo gift sets are some of the items which are always well received and will do wonders to your current equation with the customer.  They will always keep you in mind and will not shift business without discussing with you about any problem or issue they may be facing.  Your competition will thus find it difficult to break in and you will make regular and rapid progress in your business dealings with such customers.

Business gifts are thus valuable tools to establish and cement relationships.  They effectively serve the dual purpose of brand recall and creating a good impression with customers and need to be perceived as investments.  It is not always the cost but the timing and the quality together with the manner in which they are presented which delivers the cutting edge to a business relationship.

As items that display the logo of your company, promotional gifts can do wonders, particularly in the realm of marketing. Apart from this, these can bring a number of benefits for the company that will improve the bottom line. Here are a few reasons why you should include promotional gifts in your company’s annual budget:

1.    Promotional gifts are a great vehicle for increasing brand awareness as well as customer recall. Giving away these items is an ingenious way of constantly keeping your company’s logo right in front of your customers’ eyes, thus leaving a lasting impression in their minds. A useful and tasteful gift that they associate with your company will surely be remembered especially when the time comes that they need your products and services.

2.    They can enhance the image of your company. When you give your customers something for free, they would immediately associate the act of kindness and thoughtfulness with your company. Every time the item is used, it will further build the goodwill that you have established.

3.    They help you introduce your business and its products and services to people, especially to potential markets. By making your logo more visible to the public, such as on the back part of shirts or the canopies of umbrellas, you’ll boost the exposure of your company to the world. Moreover, gifts that are frequently seen by people like organizers and desk calendars will certainly be a non-stop reminder of your company.

4.    They will help you gain back your lost customers. If you send them a little token, it’s the same way as telling them to come back.

5.    They are a way by which you can announce the changes happening in your business. By using customised items such as a mug or a shirt with your company logo, you can market your products or advertise your newly opened branches. Promotional gifts can serve as your little portable billboards.

6.    Used as incentives, they can raise your employees’ morale and work motivation. Employees general thrive on the appreciation and recognition of their efforts. By presenting them with gifts, they will get inspired to work hence productivity will increase.

7.    Useful and memorable promotional gifts can help raise tradeshow responses. Studies show that promotional free gifts will attract more people to your booth and thus generate tradeshow traffic. Sending out gifts before the tradeshow starts is sure to double your targeted traffic. More booth visitors translate to a bigger network of sales leads.