Monday 7 December 2009

Why allocate budget for promotional items? Let me explain...

As a marketing manager you will ultimately be asked to justify your decision making. So when the Finance Manager questions the cost of the exhibition support, let’s get the response ready!

High Retention Levels
If you get the giveaway right, then the recipient will keep it. And if you can give away a business gift that will actually save your prospect money then you really will be on to a winner. So consider a giveaway such as promotional pens (always handy), promotional mugs (never enough in the coffee cupboard) and promotional umbrellas (never going to get thrown away).

Message Longevity
No-one can suggest that a promotional item can compare with a TV advert. But what they lack in glamour they more than make up for in longevity. TV adverts are of course the most expensive form of advertising and whilst they may create a dramatic impact the majority are soon forgotten. The beauty of the promotional item is the message is retained, far beyond any cost benefit analysis threshold. Just ask yourself when was the last time you through a promotional baseball cap away|

More Useful Than an Advert

From promotional ice scrapers and promotional torches through to branded mobile phone holders and printed folders, most promotional items are useful in one way or another. As a result of this usefulness they will be retained...along with your brand and message.

Client Loyalty

Promotional merchandise is not just nicety. It can have a massive impact on your customers’ perception of you and your company. So next time they have a choice to make between suppliers, it could just be the factor that swings that order to you rather than the competition. And all because of that element of promotional merchandise that you gave away as a freebie!

To see a comprehensive range of the opportunities available to your business through promotional merchandise, simply visit www.codepromotional.co.uk today.

For all your Promotional Merchandise and Corporate Gifts – let Code Promotional Merchandise crack your requirements!

Considering promotional merchandise as part of your marketing plans? Then you’ve made a great choice! Code Promotional Merchandise has extensive capabilities to support your businesses search for all the promotional gifts, promotional items and promotional products that businesses of all sizes can benefit from. From the ever-popular promotional pens, promotional mugs and promotional clothing right through to exhibition giveaways including promotional keyrings and promotional bags, Code has a great selection of over one thousand products to guide you.
And if the Corporate Gift you are looking for is something a bit out of the ordinary, simply call us on 0844 879 7323 and we’ll be happy to contact as many suppliers as we have to until we find something that is right for you and your business.

The use of promotional gifts – the business case.

Before any business considers a marketing outlay, it is only correct that they investigate the commercial case for the outlay. The purchase of promotional gifts can use a substantial share of any marketing budget but is equally used for both a growing company and the established corporation. Understanding why promotional merchandise is still an established part of marketing is down to the commercial business case supporting it.

1. The impact on brand awareness.

A well documented independent study in 2004 has shown that customers are more likely to remember the names of companies who have advertised with promotional gifts. The study showed:
• High Recall; Customers will remember your organisation long after they've received the promotional product.
• Repeated Exposure; The company make a lasting impression because of the length of time the promotional item is kept.
• Favourable Impression; Customers who receive promotional items come away with a measurably more favourable impression of the company resulting in an increased propensity to do business with you.

The study (conducted by LJ Market Research for the PPAI (Promotional Products International Association)) showed more than 75% of people surveyed were able to recall the advertisers name on promotional items received within a 12 month period. By contrast, just over 50% of people could recall a single newspaper advertisement from within the last week.

The study also found that recipients were most likely to hold on to items for longer if they were useful and / or attractive, thus providing longer and repeated exposure for the advertiser. Around 55% of recipients reported keeping their gifts for at least 1 year, and more than 25% of those who did not keep their gifts passed them on to other people providing pass along exposure for the advertiser.

Source: Promotional Products - Impact, Exposure and Influence

2. Increased sales driven by increased levels of goodwill

Because everyone loves to receive a gift there is little doubt that promotional gifts given to existing customers, new customers or potential customers increases good will and creates a favorable impression. In the study referred to above, 52% of people who received promotional gifts went on to do business with the company who sent the gift. Furthermore, nearly half of those who had not yet done business with the company said that they would be more likely to do business with them in the future.


3. Adapt at working across a plethora of environments

Promotional gifts are multi-faceted and are therefore adaptable to a whole range of circumstances and situations. The vast range of available products from the humble promotional pens and promotional mugs to high spec electronic items ensures that there is something to suit all manner of budgets. Moreover, the ability to choose themed product groups is an ever-increasing option e.g. golf, ladies, Christmas etc.

Promotional gifts can be great for increasing traffic at exhibitions and trade shows alike, arguably getting a better response rate compared to direct mail campaigns by increasing sales and referrals, promoting new products and services and gaining more traffic to your website. They can also be used internally within your company to reward employees, promote moral, commemorate achievements and enhance loyalty and productivity.

Summary: Promotional gifts...can you afford not to?

As a business investment using promotional gifts can reap many rewards and provide excellent returns. Brand building, increased exposure, creating a favorable impression with customers - all translate into increased sales and revenue. These benefits will not only make your company stronger in the short term – but can lead to longer sustained growth and success. After all, as the saying goes, success breeds success. Take the time to choose the right promotional gift and you will reap the benefits from a business and financial standpoint well into the future.

For help, advice and guidance simply visit www.codepromotional.co.uk today...we’ll be happy to help!

Choosing the best promotional items for your business.

How can you be sure you are choosing the right promotional item for your business? Selecting the best promotional items for your business marketing depends on several factors including the target market, the environment the item will be used in, the industry and the budget.

There are vast number of different styles, price ranges and ideas to choose from when considering promotional items. And while some gift ideas may be perfect for promoting a new product or service, others may not be a good fit for your business at all. Knowing what excites and interests your target market is the first step towards investing in a promotional gift that will have the positive and long-lasting impact on your customers that you expect.

Choosing the best promotional merchandise for your business marketing also depends on the industry sector you are targeting. Branded promotional mugs can be a great choice for many organisations that are office-based but if you are a business that specialises in outdoor gear, you might want your customers to associate you through a like-minded promotional item such as a water bottle or a sports bag.

If you exhibit at trade shows, you can find specific products that are ideal for the event and environment. Consider the potential of personalised pens, promotional folders and promotional carrier bags for your visitors to keep the new materials in as they wander around. Or think about gifts with a real impact...something unusual and unique that will help you stand out from the crowd! Don’t forget...your choice reflects your company!

In addition to matching up your product to the right environment, you will want to look into the cost of the promotional items you are considering. You can have the greatest idea in the world, but it might be out of your budget. In that case, look for a gift in the same genre that is more cost-effective for your business.

Visit www.codepromotional.co.uk today...it’s not as daunting as it seems!

Promotional gifts...why?

The giving of gifts goes back throughout the time. Gifts would be, and still are, given for various reasons including to welcome, for appreciation and for celebration.

B2B and B2C relationships have recognised the benefits that could be gained by a company giving gifts to existing & prospect customers. Promotional merchandise is now used globally to promote brands, products & corporate identity.

Here at www.codepromotional.co.uk we can help you to pinpoint your requirements for all the promotional products you need for that special gift, thus ensuring your suppliers and customers are your first point of call for that valued repeat business. Review those special gifts that with your embedded logo are frequent reminders of your company services including promotional clocks, photo-frame or letter openers.

Before any business considers a marketing outlay, it is only correct that they investigate the commercial case for the outlay. The purchase of promotional gifts can use a substantial share of any marketing budget but is equally used for both a growing company and the established corporation. Understanding why promotional merchandise is still an established part of marketing is down to the commercial business case supporting it. The key to remember is what are you doing with your budget? Is the promotional product a giveaway or a gift? Decide then allocate the budget accordingly.