Imagine this: At a trade event, you obtain a stress ball that doesn't look right. It is green, soft, and has a logo on it that you have never seen before. Weeks go by. All of a sudden, you're squeezing that ball in a tight meeting. The logo sticks in your head when you squeeze. That, my friend, is the voodoo that people don't talk about when it comes to promotional good things.
Let's get right to the point. These things are great for businesses. Keychains, lanyards, and reusable water bottles are things that end up in both kitchen drawers and bags. What is strange? A lot of us keep these things for a long time. There is a scientific reason for the craziness: real things can help you remember things in a way that digital marketing can't. You might dismiss a pop-up, but a branded cup will be with you every day during coffee breaks. It is marketing that catches you off guard.
People don't give the pen enough credit. You give someone a nice pen with smooth ink and a good grip, and all of a sudden your brand is on every shopping list, to-do list, and doodle. That's worth a lot. Don't even get me started on tote bags. Eco-friendly? Check. Helpful? Always. You can take tote bags with you anywhere, even to the gym, the grocery store, and the library. Every stride is like an ad.
But it's not enough to just put a brand on anything and call it a day. It's a tricky dance. The key is to choose things that make you happy or that you really need. No one wants another weak plastic object. Choose things that will last. A portable phone charger for summer festivals or a little notebook for people who go to conferences could be what you need. Be creative, but not so much that your item ends up in the garbage.
The whole thing also has a hint of nostalgia about it. Do you remember fidget spinners? They were everywhere, spinning and branded in every workplace and school. For a short while, every marketer rode that wave. The key is to stay on top of the trends without falling off, so your brand stays in people's minds without making them roll their eyes.
The audience is important, too. USB drives and screen cleaners can be popular among techies. People who like yoga? Water bottles or resistance bands with your name on them. The best treats are helpful and send a message about your business.
Last but not least, the budget. Here's a little secret: spending too much money isn't always the answer. A well-designed sticker can sometimes be better than the most expensive technology. It's all about giving the right thing to the right people at the right moment.
Promotional items are on a tightrope. They're forgotten if they're too gimmicky. They blend in because they're too boring. Get that sweet spot, and people will remember your brand for years. That's the magic, plain and simple.