When you run a small business, you’re always on the lookout for ways to get your name out there and stick in customers’ minds. So, what’s one surefire way to make that happen? Promotional products, of course. Branded doodads like these might be small, but they can pack a big wallop when it comes to marketing your business. Now that we have that out of the way, let’s dive into some of the best promotional products to make an impression with your small business-but on a shoestring budget.
Why Promotional Products Matter?
Before we get into the list, let’s discuss why these products are worth your time and money. Promotional items are like miniature billboards for your brand. They keep your business name in front of customers long after they have left your store or website. People, too, love free stuff-a great way to create goodwill and leave a positive feeling.
Beyond visibility, promotional items offer a personal touch that digital marketing often lacks. They create an emotional connection and show that you value your customers.
Studies show that 81% of people keep promotional items for more than a year, making them highly effective for customer retention and building brand loyalty.
Promotional Products 101: A Guide to Using Them Effectively by AMA.ORG
Top Promotional Products to Consider
1. Custom Pens
First and foremost, a good old pen makes an excellent medium. Why? Because
- They are relatively inexpensive and easy to order in bulk.
- Most people use pens on a daily basis.
- You don’t have to spend much to guarantee quality pens.
- Accessibility: Pens are pretty easy to give away at events or with purchases.
Pro tip: Go for a pen that writes smoothly. There’s nothing worse than a promotional pen that doesn’t work well!
Business Corporate Pens
Print Detail: Branded, Decoration Type: Laser Engraved
The price is inclusive of print in one spot, ex-GST.
2. Reusable Water Bottles
From an increased desire to move away from single-use plastics, reusable water bottles have become very hot items. The advantages of this are:
- This will give your brand an extremely eco-friendly feel
- Used quite frequently, exposing your logo numerous times
- Variety of styles and materials to appeal to any budget
- Can be higher end for special clients or contest items
Venus Bottle – Silicone Sleeve
Color: Red, Print Detail: Pad Print
3. Custom T-Shirts
T-shirts may be more expensive than some of the other items, but they are also wearable billboards. Consider the following options:
- Good for team-building, if you have staff
- Can be used for merchandise sales, thus supplementing additional revenue streams
- If the design is cool, people wear them
- The result can be a sense of community among your clients
Finest Cotton T Shirts – 220g
Print Detail: Branded, Decoration Type: Silk Print
The price is inclusive of one colour silk printing two spots, ex-GST
4. USB Flash Drives
USBs are always something people can use. They are good for:
- Handy for most types of businesses
- Can be preloaded with advertisements of the company
- Come in various storage sizes to fit your budget
- Small and easy to mail or hand out
Bamboo Credit Card Flash Drive 8GB
Color: Natural, Print Detail: Laser Engraving
5. Tote Bags
Tote bags are versatile and good for the planet. Here’s why they are awesome:
- Used for groceries, library books, beach trips, you name it
- Large imprint area for your logo or message
- Durable, so they stick around for a long time
- Can be made from recyclable material, for that added eco-thrill
Calico Short Handle Bag
Introducing our Double Short Handle Calico Tote Bags, made from 140 GSM calico material. Each bag measures 370mm in length and 420mm in height, with double short handles measuring 400mm each, providing comfortable carrying options for your essentials.
6. Branded Calendars
These may be considered old-fashioned, but they are still very functional. Here are the positives of this promo product:
- Seen daily in houses and offices
- Can have your products or services highlighted each month
- Useful for any business, but super helpful with visual industries
- Can include space for discount or special offer coupons on particular dates
Bamboo Calendar
Convenient bamboo desk calendar that will never go out of date. It features interchangeable blocks that display both the days and months. Bamboo is a natural material and because the plant is fast growing, it places less demands on natural resources and produces a material that is durable and versatile. Bamboo can also produce unavoidable variances in the grain pattern, colour and branding.
7. Branded Stickers
Stickers are fun, versatile, and low-cost. They are awesome because
- Laptops, water bottles, you name it-they love to slap ’em on
- Easy to distribute at events or in orders
- Get your customers interacting with them-and get eyes on your brand
- Every size and shape for any kind of brand.
AD Labels 40 x 20mm
Standard sized permanent vinyl adhesive labels that are UV and solvent resistant.
8. Power Banks
We live in a device-driven world, so portable chargers will always be a hot buy. Here are some points to consider:
- Pretty useful to just about anyone
- Brings across the idea of being dependable and useful
- Exposed your brand as it is used daily
- Available in a range of capacities to suit different budgets
Nova Power Bank
Introducing the Nova Power Bank, a sleek 5000mAh portable charger designed to keep your mobile devices powered on the go. Equipped with an A Grade Li-Po battery, this compact power bank includes integrated cables for added convenience. Featuring a micro USB cable, a separate 8-pin cable, and a Type C adaptor stored within the case, it ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices. Four gr…
9. Branded Face Masks
We hope they won’t be around forever, but for now, a very practical option. They are good because:
- Highly relevant and useful in today’s climate
- Demonstrate your brand cares about public health
- Worn out and about in public
- Can be designed to fit your brand colours or style
Reusable 3-ply Cotton Face Mask – Indent
Comfortable face mask which can be reused by hand washing it in warm water. It provides protection with three layers of material manufactured from a blend of 130gsm cotton and spandex. Available in adult and kids’ sizes, the mask has matching elastic ear loops that hold the mask securely in place. This face mask is manufactured for use in the home or for recreational or occupational use and mus…
10. Custom Coffee Mugs
And finally, but not least, there’s the coffee mug promotional product for a reason: used daily by many, visible in office settings, they can be filled with other goodies to make a gift set, and they range in style from basic to high-end.
Verona Vacuum Cup with Handle
Premium 300ml double wall, vacuum insulated stainless steel coffee cup which has a handle and will keep drinks hot or cold for hours. It has a stunning powder coated finish and a transparent push on slider lid. Verona is BPA-free, laser engraves to a shiny steel finish. The cup is presented in a black gift box. This product is not dishwasher safe and handwashing is recommended.
Choosing the Right Products for Your Business
Now that we have gone through some of the best options, how would you go about choosing appropriate ones for your company?
1. Know Your Audience: Think about what your customers would find useful. A tech company might choose USB drives, while a fitness studio might prefer water bottles.
2. Consider Your Budget: Start with what you can afford. It’s better to have a small quantity of quality items rather than a ton of cheap ones that will break in an extremely short period of time.
3. Align with Your Brand: Choose items that make sense for your business. A garden centre might opt for branded seed packets, while a bookstore could use bookmarks.
4. Think Seasonally: Certain items work better during specific times of the year. Sunglasses or beach towels in summer, umbrellas in rainy seasons.
5. Quality Matters: Whatever you choose, ensure it is decent quality. A promotional product which falls apart in no time will not leave a good impression.
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Making the Most of Your Promotional Products
Once you have selected your items, here are some tips to maximise their impact:
- Distribute Them Intelligently: Give them to your most valuable clients, include them with purchases over a certain amount, or use them as contest prizes.
- Networking: Promotional products are great for striking up a conversation at a business or trade show.
- Gift Sets: Create a small compilation for an impressive gift for an appreciated client or a special promotion.
- Don’t Forget Packaging: If you are mailing items, use branded packaging to give it that extra professional touch.
Conclusion
Promotional products might be that powerhouse that propels every small business toward awareness and customer loyalty. Useful, aligning with your brand, and appealing to your target audience-choose items to make those lasting impressions for the growing of a business.
Remember, you want to select items they would use; the more they see and are with them, the more they will think about you for their specific needs when you have something to offer. Go ahead and get creative as you let people know about your awesome small business!
If you are seeking the finest promotional products for your small business, look no further than VMA Promotional Products. They are your professionals in the field, offering high-quality items to go along with excellent service. Whether through custom pens, branded water bottles, or even that unique swag to set your business apart, look to VMA Promotional Products to handle it. They know what it takes to satisfy the needs of small businesses and can provide you with some promotional items that really work effectively and fall within your budget and marketing objective. From expert advice to an array of different types of products, VMA Promotional Products is your sure ticket to leaving a long-lasting impression on your customers and pushing brand visibility to the next level.
