There are so many different forms of marketing and what works for others might not work for your company. While there is a strong focus nowadays on digital marketing and increasing your online presence, traditional forms of marketing still work. Giving away promotional merchandise, for example, is one fantastic way to retain existing customers and attract new ones. It’s an opportunity for you to truly show off your business values and build brand awareness and there are lots of ways you can incorporate it into your marketing strategy. Here are some examples for different types of businesses:

eCommerce Stores

If you operate an eCommerce website, you could add small giveaway items to your customers’ orders during special times of the year, such as Christmas, Easter, and Valentine’s Day, to show them that you appreciate them. This will make the unboxing experience really memorable and encourage your customers to come back to you again in the future. 

Beauticians 

Perhaps you are a beautician, and you travel to your clients’ homes to provide their treatments. This is a great opportunity for you to take along some mini lip glosses or nail polishes, again during special times of the year or perhaps as a kind of reward when they have had ten appointments with you. It’s a really great way to add that personal touch.

Agencies

Agency workers who provide some sort of service, like web design or managed print solutions, could take along some branded items to their next pitch meeting, such as pens and notepads. This a chance for you to start your relationship with them in a positive way and give your brand some extra visibility, especially if they leave the stationery out on their desks for their colleagues to see.

Shops & Restaurants

If your business as a physical location, like a shop or a restaurant, you could give away little branded taster versions of some of your products outside to entice potential customers to come in.

Networking Events

This applies to any type of business – if you’re attending a networking event or some sort of exhibition, you could give away branded items to draw people over to your stall. You could also wear branded clothing at the event for further prominence. 

As you can see, there are lots of ways to incorporate branded merchandise into your marketing strategy; it’s a fantastic way to make a great first impression – and one that lasts. It’s also usually a fairly affordable option. Be mindful that the products you choose are reflective of your business values and try to be creative so that you stand out amongst a crowd of competitors.

Edward Bertrand