Have you ever thought that your swag bag was more “blah” than “wow”? You’re spending hundreds, maybe thousands, on branded trinkets, expecting that people would actually keep them. But too often, they wind up in the backseat of a car or, even worse, in a rubbish drawer. Let’s be honest: do you want your promo coolers things to make people happy instead of rolling their eyes? This is where your money should really go.
First, don’t ever underestimate how much a killer pen can draw you in. Not the scratchy stick pens, but the smooth-writing ones that people steal from banks. Think about a soft grip, gel ink, and maybe a splash of neon color. One time I observed a girl hold on to a branded pen from a pest control company for three days at a conference. She remarked it wrote better than her cheque for rent. That’s the level you want to reach.
Tote bags are like Clark Kent when it comes to promotional items, but only if you choose the proper kind. Choose thick canvas or strong folds over the plasticky ones that break down after a few trips to the store. People want bags that they can use again. One successful firm gave consumers a bag with the funny saying “Helping You Carry On.” They noticed their brand wandering around town all of a sudden. That’s money that can’t purchase visibility.
Reusable water bottles are a big hit. Get rid of the flimsy plastic ones and look for strong stainless steel or BPA-free bottles. Choose a cool color scheme or print an image that stands out. People show them out in gyms, offices, schools, and pretty much anywhere else you want your logo to be.
Sticky notes can stay in place for a long time. On desks and monitors, they breed like bunnies. Put your brand on a pad that really stays (the ones that aren’t yours fall to the floor by noon). People like how easy it is, and your message stares them down every day.
Phone grips or PopSockets? A game-changer. People really get attached to them. The good news? Your customer’s phone has your brand on it, so they may see it every time they communicate or take a picture. What else may be positive advertising karma?
A lot of people are getting custom socks. You can wear these to more than just weird holiday parties. Your brand peeks out from your pants at meetings and on the train to work thanks to fun patterns, bright colors, and soft fabrics. A marketing coordinator told me that her team moved from mugs to socks and got twice as many shares on social media.
Don’t forget about Bluetooth devices. Yes, they cost a little more, but consumers want things that are useful. People use and discuss about little speakers, wireless earbuds, and Bluetooth trackers. People will definitely notice your brand if it’s on something that plays music at the park.
The secret? Don’t worry so much about how many things you have; instead, think on what people actually want to use. Spend money where it matters. Don’t spend too much on little things that will end up in the trash. Think about whether or not you would really keep this. If the answer is no, don’t do it.
People adore free stuff, but only the useful, cool, or smart stuff stays around after the event confetti falls. Stop spending money on promotional items that don’t hold up under strain. Make your next batch something that people will talk about and use.