A new customer enters your store. Perhaps they stumbled in during their coffee break or are merely perusing our selection. Shortly after that, you present them with an unusual pen bearing your brand promotional hand fans. Their faces light up with joy. All of a sudden, that one item transformed this store into something more than simply another one on their list; it became your store.
In this discussion, we will focus on the character of the human race. Freebies are quite popular. We have an innate tendency to value presents, no matter how modest. Tokens, not trinkets, are what branded koozies, tote bags, and bottle openers are. You can find them on desks and in the glove box. Now every time they pick up that pen, your business is on their mind. What about the scientific method? “Reciprocity” is what psychologists term it. If you give, you’ll probably get more in return. Suddenly, it’s hard to tell who’s a loyalist and who’s just passing through.
At a little music festival was the last thing on my mind. Very hot day. Distributed complimentary branded sunglasses at the entry. A sea of mirrors had gathered around the stage before midday. It wasn’t a lavish gift. What about quality? Not great. With each pair, though, came a possible social media post, and with each veiled face, a walking billboard.
Free stuff isn’t the only thing that matters. Present an amusing or useful item. What about silicone phone cases? Absolutely brilliant. Your brand is carried everywhere when people attach them to their phones. A little packet of seeds? This is becoming serious. People are interested and start talking about your company in their gardening circles.
Digital ads lack the emotional wallop of tangible stuff. Ads tend to disappear as you scroll. Why not a stress ball instead? It keeps going back into the hands of your customers. And discussion. How did you get your hands on that awesome water bottle? Holy cow! The talk now incorporates word-of-mouth marketing.
But you can’t just put your name on something and expect people to take notice. Pursue practicality while daring to inject a touch of humor or style. Notebooks with quirky covers and coffee cups with clever sayings are sure to be conversation starters and sources of joy. More eyes on you regardless of whether someone regifts it. Extra credit.
Make a treasure hunt out of your next gathering. Intersperse your branded merchandise with scratch-off cards. Quick incentives might be offered in the form of discounts, hidden prizes, or even menu items. Gathering promotional items suddenly feels like a reward. People they don’t know become excited, feel appreciated, and keep coming back.
Creating custom promotional things doesn’t have to break the bank. It’s a fact of life: people remember modest gestures of kindness. Keep in mind those sunglasses you got at the festival or that pen you’ve managed to hold on to for years the next time you’re thinking of passing on the swag table. That is the true enchantment. An odd, delicious, and immediately memorable experience.