All industries can benefit from promotional products. They remain one of the most effective, affordable ways to increase brand recognition, reach a wide audience and create meaningful connections. Some industries use promotional merchandise more than others because it fits with their clients and method of marketing. Are you curious to know what these industries are? So are we!
Let’s explore these industries and the types of promo items they are using.
Education
Promotional items are valuable in the education sector, particularly higher education. Think college fairs, college expos, workshops, seminars, open houses and other related events — these are prime opportunities to help institutions stand out. Some of the most popular items include folders, writing instruments, frisbees, water bottles and apparel.
With 56% of public schools in the United States having at least one donor appeal on their site, there’s no doubt that fundraising efforts are paramount to many educational facilities. Here are some of the benefits of promotional products for education:
- Aids fundraising: Budgets can be tight sometimes, and fundraising is one of the best ways for educational establishments to raise money. Giving away custom-branded merch can help garner the trust and interest of sponsors.
- Helps recruit new students: A trendy item like tote bags can attract potential students to your table at an expo, fair or workshop.
- Creates memorable moments: A fun and functional item, like branded pens, is an excellent way for students to show pride in their school.
- Increases branding efforts: With more students wearing your logo, communities will become familiar with your institution, which will help build trust.
Finance
Banks, credit unions and others use promotional products for finance to promote their name and build trust with customers. Banks also use branded merchandise for incentives and rewards, such as when customers open a new bank account or attend a customer appreciation day. Popular items include stress balls, plastic piggy banks, travel mugs and fidget spinners.
Another way financial businesses can benefit? Handing out playful promotional items to employees. Items like branded tumblers aren’t just thoughtful gifts — they can create a stronger brand image and foster loyalty.
Companies can share valuable items like tech gadgets as a way to reward employees for going the extra mile or as a gift to clients after major deals.
Companies in this field can also use small promotional products like pens or magnets to gift to potential customers, helping keep the financial institution top of mind and encouraging future business.
Healthcare
We all rely on healthcare, but that doesn’t mean competition doesn’t exist between doctors’ offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics and others. Branded merchandise is a great way for medical offices and outpatient surgery centers to establish themselves in the community while developing trust. Promotional options are plentiful and include custom ice packs, pill boxes and first-aid kits.
Healthcare companies can use promo merch to skyrocket trust and connection, even on a tight budget. Giving out items like branded hand sanitizer or mugs to potential patients can keep your facility at the forefront of their minds when they need medical care. It may encourage them to choose your office over others.
Health is one of the major sectors receiving charitable dollars, so promotional products can also help show appreciation for donors.
Nonprofit Organizations
One of the top industries buying promotional products is nonprofit organizations (NPOs). There are about 2 million of these organizations in the U.S., and 75% consider individual donations to be crucial to their operations. They rely heavily on word of mouth, donations and community support to keep their programs going. This ripple effect is why promotional products are essential to their branding strategy.
With nonprofits, every supporter counts, and memorable items can encourage people to learn more. These items are often handed out at festivals and other community events to spread awareness about their mission. Top picks include silicone wristbands, tumblers, tote bags and lanyards. NPOs can use personalized gifts for occasions like birthdays to commemorate clients on special occasions and stand out from competitors. Dive into the top benefits of promotional products for NPOs below:
- Increasing volunteers: Valuable and functional promotional products can help attract more volunteers to propel the mission forward.
- Improving donor retention: Giving gifts to show appreciation to donors can make them feel more valued and encourage them to keep up their generosity.
- Raising awareness and engagement: Exciting and trendy promotional products can entice more potential donors.
Real Estate
Real estate is a top industry for promotional products. These professionals incorporate branded swag into their marketing strategies.
By attending community events and handing out these fun products, people in the community get to know them and can consider them for their future real estate needs. When combined with social media, it’s the perfect way to cultivate relationships. Some of the best products include door hangers, keychains, calendars and magnets.
Research shows that 90% of consumers can remember a business that gave them a promotional gift, and 82% have positive feelings about that brand. Want to strengthen client relationships? Promotional products like keyrings or lanyards are excellent gifts to do just that.
Recipients can use these items daily, keeping the real estate company top of mind. When they’re looking to sell or buy property in the future, they’ll already have a connection to your company.
Handing out promotional products like branded candles or a spare key holder at community events can help an agency elevate local brand awareness within the region and drive loyalty.
Government
Public offices, agencies, political candidates and others use promotional items to introduce themselves to the community. These products do an effective job of sharing the name of the agency or candidate along with their message. Popular items for the government sector include apparel, flags, ice scrapers and stickers or decals.
Looking to build trust and connection? Promotional gifts can help encourage unity and act as an icebreaker for officials to start important conversations. These items can also help show appreciation to agency employees and volunteers and encourage more passion for the cause.
Political candidates can hand out promotional gifts to create a positive and long-lasting impression for their supporters.
Get the Best Promotional Products for Your Industry From Inkwell
At Inkwell, we’ve been creating custom, branded products since 1983 to supercharge awareness and make your company stand out. We stock a range of playful options, from apparel to tech goodies, ready to shine with your company name.
Our custom merch is made in-house and designed to help you build lasting connections with your audiences. Our creative team can help you turn your next event into a conversation starter with branded swag that sticks.
Contact us to schedule a demo or discover how we can create promo products that set your organization apart.
