You Have to Spend Money to Make Money: 5 Benefits of Promotional Products

You have to spend money to make money. It sounds like a solid piece of business advice, but many small business owners prefer to go the tight-fisted route and clench money until their hands turn red and blue. With competition ramped up and an economy on the mend, this might mean letting go and spending a little money to grow your business. So where should you start? Promotional products offer you the best return on your marketing investment.

Before you lock the safe and throw away the key, consider a compelling small business statistic: A recent poll conducted by Vistaprint showed that 52 percent of the people surveyed said their perception of a small business becomes positive after receiving a free promotional product. Nearly half of the respondents found a use for promotional products on a daily basis.

Shout Out Your Small Business Name

Competing against the big brands can often feel like running an uphill race. Large companies have the resources to market their brands via multiple channels. As a small business owner, you level the playing field by handing out promotional products to increase brand awareness. Make your brand stand out by prominently displaying your business name, logo, and don’t forget your toll free number on a unique promotional product.

Mass Marketing on a Tight Budget

Small business owners often have to make tough marketing choices on shoestring budgets. You want to get the most out of your scarce marketing dollars and promotional products make the type of lasting impression that allow you to reap the highest return on your marketing investment. Although business cards continue to create brand recognition, savvy small business owners understand that leaving behind a business card in addition to a cool promotional product creates more buzz and improves customer experiences. For example, if you operate a sporting goods store, hand out your business card and a T-shirt that includes your company name. Handing out one of your small business card as well as free promotional products also increases customer loyalty and we know that 20 percent of your customers drive about 80 percent of your sales.

Spread the Word like Wildfire

What do you think people do after you hand them a cool promotional product? One person accepts a stylus pen or even a silicone wristband (with logo and toll free number emblazoned on them, of course) and tells ten of his or her friends about the giveaway. Word of mouth advertising has always represented the cheapest way to spread the word about your small business.

Reaching Your Target Audience

The key to success for launching new products or services involves reaching your target audience. Target audiences can evaluate a new product after you hand them promotional products. You receive feedback that helps you tweak the product or service, as well as increase customer confidence in the quality of your brand. Similar to spreading the word, you can also encourage customers or promotional product recipients to express their opinions and feedback via your social media platforms. Not only does this increase your fan and potential customer base, it also spreads the word about your business to an audience that will inevitably grow.

Don’t Forget About Toll Free Numbers

Handing out promotional products leaves an indelible impression on both loyal customers and people who have never heard about your small business. Another effective way to expand your reach and leave an impression on your target market is to offer a catchy toll free number that potential and loyal customers associate with your brand and small business. What does a toll free number have to do with promotional products? Simple. You can have your toll free number printed and advertised on any of your promotional products, such as that stylus pen or wristband you just gave away.

Regardless of how you choose to promote your small business, or how you choose to tie your toll free vanity number into your free product campaign, never forget another piece of small business advice: Never underestimate the power of promotional products.

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