On Sale Promos Blog » Low Cost Corporate Gifts and Giveaways

How to: Step up Holiday Marketing with Promotional Products

onsalepromos — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:02:29 +0000

If you saw our last post Getting more bang for your buck when buying Holiday gifts for clients and employees then you know that’s it’s not too late to order branded products for this holiday season. Aside from being great gifts for employees and coworkers, promotional products are one of the best ways to step up your marketing efforts before last minute shoppers hit the stores.

According to a study done by researchers at Louisiana State University and Glenrich Business Studies for the Promotional Products Association International 1000 participants preferred advertising via promotional products to print, television, and internet advertising. Promotional products were ranked highest in memorability and likelihood to generate repeat business, among other things.

There are a few simple steps which you should keep in mind when making the decision to purchase promotional products.

1. Define your goals
It’s important to think about what you want to accomplish ahead of time. Do you want to attract new customers? Increase brand recognition? Give a gift to loyal customers? Deciding this ahead of time will make it easier to create a strategy that will actually accomplish your goals.

2. Plan out a strategy
Who do you want to end up with your branded product in order to accomplish your goals? What is the best way to find these people and distribute your product? Asking questions like these will help maximize the return on the money you invest in promotional products.

3. Choose a product
In most cases you want to try and choose a product that is relevant to your brand, but more importantly you want a product that provides value to your customers. Remember the study from earlier? People are more likely to hold on to products if they are provided actual value. If you are giving a gift to only certain clients or customers, consider something more expensive and not branded, such as a holiday gift basket.

4. Place the order
Well, duh. But there are still some things to keep in mind when placing your order. First, since the holiday shopping season is coming to an end, it’s important to note there are companies who can still provide a 24-48 hour turn around. Second, although there are tons of promotional product companies out there, only a handful work with multiple distributors to find the best deals for you. Finally, choose a company that has a fully e-commerce capable website for around the clock order processing, and a real team of staff that you can talk to.

5. Execute your plan
Dig up that plan we talked about and set it into action. As time goes on you may find that your strategy needs to be adjusted. Maybe you’re giving away products to too many people and wasting money. Maybe you’re missing out on new customers by limiting your giveaways. Either way, in most promotions, especially the first time running one, its going to be necessary to take a step back, evaluate, and make changes.

Using promotional products doesn’t have to be difficult, in fact it can be a fun experience. If you’re new to it get your feet wet by starting off with a small budget, and getting a feel for how your brand can use promotional products. If you’ve used them before, think about how you can refine your strategy to better accomplish your goals.

That’s it for now, but please let us know any tips you have for using promotional products in the comments.

Also on ospblog.com

Getting more bang for your buck when buying Holiday gifts for clients and employees

onsalepromos — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:40:25 +0000

Its the 11th hour, late December, and you are only now getting around to thinking about what gifts to get your top clients and employees this Holiday season!

Don’t fear! Us pond scum, low man on the totem pole swag and tchochke peddlers can help!

Did you know there are a ton, and I mean literally, thousands, of factories that offer 24 to 48 hour turnaround on a wide array of products – from gift baskets to gift mugs, eco friendly totes to trees – yes, trees, apparel to iPods, all printed with your logo!

And here is the best part – many of these products are on sale or clearance as factories are desperately trying to unload overstocked inventory before the end of the year. Even name brand products like Nike, Swiss Army, Calloway, Victorinox, Samsonite and others.

So ask your favorite go to tchochke guy to hook you up with some great ideas and deals for your Holiday gift needs this season.

And if he can’t hook you up, call us and we will!
Visit us online at www.OnSalePromos.com

Happy holidays.

Josh

Also on ospblog.com

Why On Sale Promos is the Bruce Banner of Promotional Products

onsalepromos — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:19:10 +0000

We look normal, like any promotional products company – right? But, then, you get to know us.

Industry leader. You learn that we are one of the longest-standing, leading players in the industry. See our brag sheet here.

Great pricing. Then, you learn about our great deals. Partially because of our long-standing relationships in the industry, and also because we have foreign language capabilities and trade relationships that allow us – literally – to find the best deals in the world.

Great, responsive, do-gooder team. We’re good guys and gals. Our existing clients know this. We work with unversities helping students explore their entrepreneurial potential. We support women in business. We support local charities, like DC Kitchen. Work with us and we might support a charity of yours.

Want more information? Contact us here, or via email. Find us on Twitter, too, www.Twitter.com/OnSalePromos. You can also subscribe to our “Top 20 Deals” email newsletter (right column of home page).

Why stay in touch?

Aside from great deals, 0ur top clients and referral sources get a free end-of-year shopping spree in our “OSP Favorite Things” online store.

Also on ospblog.com

Top Holiday Corporate Gifts Under $5 for Your Clients, Staff, Guy Who Fixes the Copier-Part 1

onsalepromos — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 16:26:47 +0000

This is what we’ve heard from many of our clients: Holidays + Gifts + Financial Crisis = Dilemma.

How do you look professional and attentive to your clients, staff, and guy who fixes the copier without breaking the bank? This is the first of a four part series dedicated to gifts under $5 dollars. Plan now for your gifts to come in on time. If you are running behind, or want to plan for a new budget year (2009), order as a “Happy New Year” gift. Contact us with any questions.

#1. Not your typical music download card.

This is an Eco-Friendly seeded recycled music download card. Yes, we said “seeded.” How cool is THAT? go green with recycled gift card like prepaid song music downloads card. We like this because:

1. It’s incredibly cool.This is a download card that can be PLANTED!

2. It’s small, so could be inserted in a Holiday Card or given out at conferences and events.

3. You can choose from over 3 million songs, including major labels.

4. You can track user data through custom web pages available to survey or build lead databases

#2. Fold Up Canvas Tote Bag

We like this because:

(1) Canvas tote bags are already popular item (see previous post on going green)

(2) It rolls up small enough to put in a bag, purse, etc and button closes so you don’t have to worry about it unraveling.

#3 Car Cigarette Lighter Socket Adapter (okay – this is a little over $5.00)

We like this because:

1) We like any product representing the convergence of technology/trends and practicality. People driving cars without built-in GPS systems and iPod ports often complain they have to pick one or the other when driving.

2) It’s a popular product that someone would actually use, and see your logo on it. Popular products promise residual use.

Stay tuned for our next post, and remember to follow us on Twitter @OnSalePromos and sign up for our Top 20 Deals email (see right column at this link). These are the lists from which we draw our monthly giveaways and a year-end shopping spree to our “OSP’s Favorite Things” store (coming soon!)