Why Custom Promos Work

Most of us understand that promotional products are a key component to a successful business strategy.  We’ve had our share of pens, mugs, t-shirts and the like that are customized with the logos and imprints of various companies, so we have a basic understanding of what “customized promotional items” are, right?

But there is another level to customized promotional products that goes way beyond the typical fare you see day in and day out.  It’s those items that are actually designed specifically for you and your customer.  They are unique, one-of-a-kind items that can make you stand out in a crowd and make your customers (and potential customers sit up and pay attention.)

The key, though, is to think outside the box.  What would convey a specific marketing message to your audience in such a unique way that they will remember you and your customized promo gift for a long time?  And, then, of course, the question is how to produce it.

When you are designing a unique promotional item, it is important that you partner with a company that has the track record and the connections with manufacturers to produce the product in a timely manner and within your budget.  Here are some questions to ask yourself (and your partner) as you go down this path:

  • What is my goal in creating this unique item? Is it to promote a specific event?  To create a collectible to be sought after in years to come.  Or is it to simply improve brand recognition?
  • Who will receive the custom promo? Are you targeting a specific subset of your customers?  Is it a gift item for your most loyal customers?
  • What is your budget? Budget is an important factor.  You want to make sure that you and your partner are clear on what you are willing to spend and how many you want to order.  It will play a factor in deciding quality of the product, who will manufacture it and more.
  • What is your timeline? Planning this out with ample lead time is a must.  You will most likely need to evaluate several different prototypes before settling on one you like.

Custom promotional items are a great idea to increase awareness and improve sales.  Wearable Imaging has helped many clients create unique promo items from scratch.  Set up a meeting today to turn your ideas into reality.  Give us a call at 949.888.7837 or email us at sales@wearableimaging.com to set up your complimentary strategy session with our President Robin Richter.

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4 Often Missed Printed Promo Opportunities

When we think of promotional items, we usually think of pens, mugs, and t-shirts…or something along those lines.  But there are other opportunities to get your company name out there that are easy and fairly inexpensive – and useable.  Here are the top four:

  1. Name Badges. Whether its employee name badges that help customers get to know you and your staff or name badges that you use at a conference or trade show (or even sponsor), this is a highly effective way to get your company information front and center.
  2. Mouse Pads. Few promos can promise the repeat exposure mousepads pack in the workplace or in public spaces. End-users will use them all day long at work or at school.  Mousepads are also very affordable, so their cost-per-impression can’t be beat.
  3. Counter Mats. If you have a retail business, this is an excellent way to have that last marketing touchpoint with your customers.  Use it to remind them of a service you offer, a specific marketing campaign you are running or something that they will remember and associate with you and your business.
  4. Calendar magnets, re-stick-its (think oil change reminders for your windshield) and other items that can be moved from one place to another are great items that your customers will use again and again, ensuring that you stay top of mind for the next time that they need your product or service.

Convinced?  Ready to start using promotional items as a core part of your marketing strategy?  Wearable Imaging is here to help.  Give us a call at 949.888.7837 or email us at sales@wearableimaging.com to set up your complimentary strategy session with our President Robin Richter.
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Learn How the Game of Golf Can Change Your Life… Even if You’ve Never Picked up a Club!

Download a Free Sample of Robin Richter’s Amazon #1 Best-Selling Book, “The Golf Course Millionaire: How to Turn Relationships into Big Business through Golf.”

Brand Consistency Can Boost Sales

The overall goal of marketing is to get potential customers to know, like and trust you so that they will ultimately buy from you.  Part of that “know, like and trust” equation is brand recognition – being able to immediately identify your company every time they see or hear from you.  In order to do that, you need to have consistency in your branding.

Branding is so much more than just your logo, font and the colors you use.  It also includes the message that you convey to your audience, your values and how you communicate them, the graphics that you use in your brochures, your social media and more.  It’s how your audience connects with you – and in many cases will determine whether or not they will buy from you.

In fact, a recent survey by Lucidpress, found that brand management experts believe brand consistency can increase company revenue by up to 33%.  The problem is, most companies (81% in fact) admit that they aren’t as consistent in their branding as they should be, especially when it comes to creating content.

Here are four ways that you can build brand consistency within your company:

  1. Develop and Publish Brand Guidelines. Having specific guidelines on how and where to use your logo, approved graphics, colors and fonts is a good start to your brand guidelines.  They should also include information about your vision/mission, the tone of your messaging, how you treat your customers (and employees) and more.  The point of these guidelines is to start developing that consistency so that whenever or wherever your company shows up, you are easily recognizable.
  2. Use Your Employees as Brand Ambassadors. Your staff should be well-versed in everything your company stands for and should be incorporating your branding into every interaction that they have with customers and potential customers – from a phone call or email to social media and trade shows and everything in between.  They are your ambassadors – make sure that they understand your branding and are excited to spread the word correctly.
  3. Provide Branding Tools to Your Staff. Now that your employees know and understand your vision and branding, make sure that they have the tools they need to help you build brand consistency.  This includes graphics, templates, access to fonts and colors, and other branding resources that you might have (including promotional products!).
  4. Ensure Branding is Visible at All Customer Touchpoints. Branding isn’t just for your website.  It includes social media, collateral, promotional items, and more.  It should be visible in every email that is sent and in the follow-up that they receive after making a purchase or inquiry.

Bottom line…the more consistent you are with your messaging and your branding, the more likely your potential customers will make a purchase – because they remember you and connect with you.

Need help improving your branding consistency and market recognition?  Wearable Imaging is ready to help.  Give us a call at 949.888.7837 or email us at sales@wearableimaging.com.

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Learn How the Game of Golf Can Change Your Life… Even if You’ve Never Picked up a Club!

Download a Free Sample of Robin Richter’s Amazon #1 Best-Selling Book, “The Golf Course Millionaire: How to Turn Relationships into Big Business through Golf.”

5 Reasons Why Promotional Products Are Crucial for Business

When it comes to marketing and promoting your business, promotional items are a low-cost, highly-effective way to increase brand recognition and improving sales.  In fact, recent research indicates:

  • nearly 8 out of 10 people own between 1 and 10 promotional products
  • 6 out of 10 of them keep a promotional product for at least 2 years
  • 66% pass along an item they no longer want to keep

With impressive numbers like that, let’s take a closer look at 5 reasons you should make promotional products part of your marketing strategy:

  1. Effective, Low-Cost Marketing. Whether you’ve been in business for years or are just starting out, there is a promotional product solution that you can afford.  Many promotional items are priced for mass distribution and are easily given away, yet have a high impact on your customer base.
  2. Brand Recognition. The point of any marketing campaign is to get people to buy your product or service.  One way to do that is through brand recognition.  With a promotional product, you are giving that to them every time they use your giveaway.  It usually takes up to 22 “touches” before someone hears your message.  If they are using your promotional product on a daily basis, they will certainly remember you the next time they are in need of your product or service!
  3. Broad Exposure. With a brochure, you only reach those who get your brochure.  With a promotional item, your company brand is seen by people that you may never have had an opportunity to meet.  Each time someone wears or uses an item with your logo on it, everyone they see will be exposed to your company and your message.  Studies have shown that over 75% of people can recall the advertiser on a promotional product they’ve used/received in the last 12 months, compared to about 53% who just saw an ad in a magazine.
  4. Supplemental Business Card. We all go to networking events and collect business cards.  Most of the time, those business cards wind up in a pile on your desk, never to be looked at again.  However, if you were to give them a promotional item (even just a pen) instead, the chances of them remembering you increase significantly.  And, all of your contact information is on that promotional item!
  5. Promotes Customer Loyalty. If done right, your promotional products can also be one way to keep customers coming back to you for your products and services.  When you use promotional products as a thank-you for doing business with your company, make sure those items are high-quality as people associate the quality of your gifts with the quality of the services and products you provide.

Convinced?  Ready to start using promotional items as a core part of your marketing strategy?  Wearable Imaging is here to help.  Give us a call at 949.888.7837 or email us at sales@wearableimaging.com to set up your complimentary strategy session with our President Robin Richter.

_____________________________________

Learn How the Game of Golf Can Change Your Life… Even if You’ve Never Picked up a Club!

Download a Free Sample of Robin Richter’s Amazon #1 Best-Selling Book, “The Golf Course Millionaire: How to Turn Relationships into Big Business through Golf.”

How the Plastic Straw Ban in California Will Affect Your Business

A recent bill approved by California lawmakers proposes a ban on plastic straws – specifically, this legislation would prohibit full-service, dine-in restaurants from offering plastic straws to customers unless specifically requested.

Assuming the bill is signed into law, California will be the first state to enforce restrictions on plastic straw usage. Many environmentalists expect other states and nations to follow suit in the near future.

This new legislation is actually a great opportunity for restaurants to invest in branded, reusable straws. Not only will this ensure your business is compliant, it furthers your brand exposure!

There are several options when it comes to branded straws. For instance, our candy stripe straw is super fun and very affordable.

If your business is not a restaurant, investing in branded tumblers with plastic straws will help your clients enjoy their beverages without having to ask for plastic straws.