Do Promotional Products really work?

Do Promotional Products really work?

Over the years I've had people ask if promotional gifts (chachkees, free stuff, trinkets & trash) really work? In my opinion, the answer is yes ...and no.

It's important to select promotional items that appeal to your target audience, these gifts stay in your clients line of sight and are the face of your company while your not there. I recommend my clients brand themselves with quality promotional items; wouldn't we want our name on a quality gift that has a good perceived value? There was a recent study in ASICentral.com that showed if a company sends out promotional products that didn't really fit the company's image or that there was little thought when selecting the items, that it can actually be a turn-off to clients.

Always keep your client in mind when selecting promotional gifts!

Unless you're a real odd duck, if you see a promo item and think "COOL!"...your client will most likely have the same reaction! IF you are in a marketing position at your company and you're looking to promote your company, consider NOT using the CHEAPO products that are available to you. I recommend you associate your company with a good quality promotional gift, I also like my clients to use quality, brand name apparel like CutterBuck or Ashworth... If I had a $1 for every person I saw who received an Ashworth polo shirt and said...."ooohhh Ashworth, niiiice!" I'd golf free for the next....10 days ( I like to play nice courses!) The CPI(Cost Per Impression) on quality promo product is lower than the inexpensive alternative.

Promotional marketing leaders agree that there are three basic reasons why a company should
distribute promotional products to its customers:

1. To generate good will among customers and employees
2. To establish brand recognition
3. To tie the item into a promotion.

ASICentral.com recently did a study on the efficacy of promtional products called "The Power of Promo Products". This study showed very favorable results for companies that use promotional products vs companies that do not. One statistic I was impressed with was that a client who recieves a quality promotional gift remembers the name of the company for as long as 7 months. Apparel was longer at 9 months! Go figure... Companies which distribute promotional products are seen positively by customers! 82% of companies that receive promotional products think more favorably of the company/Representative that gave it to them!

With so many advantages, it shouldn't surprise us that promotional gifts are a vital part of any company’s marketing strategy.

Savy business owners or marketers will look to try and capture greater marketshare during a down economy and customized promotional items are a great way to grow your business!
The Cost Per Impression (CPI), of promotional gifts is the least expensive form of advertising!Only billboard advertising is less expensive (ASICentral January 2009). Personally, I LOVE the idea of billboard advertising but how do I get a hold of the guy who has the sign I want? If you're reading this and you sell billboards...call me!

LOOKING TO CUT COSTS IN A DOWN ECONOMY?
The CPI for bags, pens, post its, tshirts, etc..., is just .02 cents. This puts our industry ahead of all the traditional forms of advertising and is the reason that so many companys big and small are turning to promotional products and customized apparel.

In the end, please remember that it's important to keep YOUR COMPANY in mind. The question you need to ask; "What am I trying to accomplish?" Once this question is answered then we can put together a program that will help you make money!

In todays economy, more than ever, it's vital that your sales people stay infront of your clients and OTG's responsibility is to help you stay in front of your client even when you're not there! Let us guide you to a successful marketing campaign!

I'll be adding some statistical results from an ASI Central study so check back to learn what the most effective promotional gifts were in 2008 and what's new in 2009!

Thank you,


Bill Gabler
President
OH Those Guys &
OTG Athletics
952-882-9800
office952-882-9899
fax612-916-9000 cell
http://www.otgathletics.com/