3 Hacks for Finding the Best Promotional Merchandise
Finding the best promotional merchandise and material for your business usually starts with the best intentions but can often become a nightmare. After all, there are endless catalogues and websites that all seem to offer similar products to wade through. Unfortunately, it’s a world where those who know exactly what they want are rewarded – but those who don’t are left helpless.
It’s a landscape we know well, but you, on the other hand, you’re busy. Managing the day-to-day demands of the job while trying to ensure a return on investment is as tough as it is crucial (particularly to your colleagues in the finance department). So here are a few tips that will make your search for promotional products that little bit easier.
1. Do your research
Industry trends can give you a good idea of what’s wanted out there, and in the promotional merchandise industry, bags have been the top-selling product for several years. It’s hard to go wrong with branded bags – especially if your event or campaign involves people on the go. However, the trend right beneath your nose isn’t always the best option, and that’s why we recommend regularly delving deep on social platforms like Instagram. They will inspire you with insights on the next big thing in branded merch, offering good ideas for how your brand can capitalise on it.
2. Don’t be shy
Working out how to help your brand stand out can be complicated. For example, how many colours can you print, how large can you print, and will it look great? Yes, it’s complex, and you might not know all the jargon for all the print processes available. But the right merchandise supplier will and they can advise you. So, just get in touch!
It’s also not rude to ask your supplier to design your product free of charge either. If your order is of meaningful size, many will show you how your product will look and won’t charge you an agency fee. At most, they’ll make a nominal design fee refundable with your order. In addition, they’ll know from experience what has worked well for others so they can divulge their top tips on how to best fit information on, for example, a notebook cover compared with a subtle smaller brand on a pen clip.
3. Know your audience
What do people like? It used to be all about branded pens, mugs, and mouse mats – has that changed today? Think about WHO these items are for. If it’s for a broad demographic, focus on your single most valuable customer segment and work to wow them. If it’s a c-suite executive, chances are they would prefer a beautiful custom notebook to a thermal mug, but it might be the opposite if your audience is mainly technicians. You just need to ask a small sample of your audience or look at what they use, and you’ll probably be able to work this out very easily.
In our book, getting these three things right means you’ll be sure to find the best promotional merchandise and branded products that’ll get people talking about you. Not only that, but you’ll be running a successful campaign where you even get people coming back and asking if they can have another one!
Arrange a call with our branded merchandise experts today.