Promotional products are all the rage. People love getting freebies in the mail or being handed something at an event. In fact, promotional merchandise is the most cost-effective way to get your brand in front of a large audience. Rather than paying for real estate, you’re giving people tangible items to take home with them. This is far better than being paged over in a magazine or ignored on social media.
Let’s explore ten little known facts about promo products. Get ready to be amazed!
- The first imprinted promotional items were used by George Washington in 1789. Washington had commemorative buttons made to support his campaign. Luckily for him, he won.
- The first company to make promotional materials opened their doors in 1886. An Ohio newspaper man partnered with a local shoe store owner. While the newspapers printed, he printed bags for the shoe store. These bags were then handed out with each shoe purchase.
- Eight in 10 people enjoy receiving promotional products. In fact, many admit that they would like to receive these items more often. It’s fun to get new branded swag, especially when it’s practical and free!
- Eight in 10 customers own at least one promotional item. Imagine all the pens, water bottles, t-shirts, reusable bags, etc. that are being used everyday. A single item can get your brand in front of hundreds or thousands of people!
- Bags generate the most impressions of all branded products. Customers like bags because they are practical and reusable. Businesses like them because they are affordable and easy to hand out. In close second is writing instruments.
- Promo products are more popular in some industries over others. The top five buyers of branded merchandise are in the education, finance, healthcare, nonprofit, and construction industries.
- Consumers often pass along the products they don’t use. This is great news, as your investment is more likely to get in the right hands compared to other forms of advertising that simply get passed over.
- Adding a promotional item to your media mix can increase its effectiveness by 44%. Having a tangible item boosts product recall, brand recognition, and stronger loyalty ties. These ingredients enhance your other marketing efforts.
- People keep branded materials for an average of 6.6 months. If they use the product on a regular basis, imagine how many people are seeing your brand name over this six month period!
- Demographics matter. The Midwest has the highest number of logoed outerwear. Men prefer shirts and baseball caps, whereas women like pens, bags, and calendars. Always consider your audience when choosing promotional items.
We hope these ten fun facts have taught you a lot about promotional products and the importance of adding them to your marketing strategy. If not – read them again!
