NFIB

Leave Your Mark With Promotional Giveaways
12/ 16/ 2003

by Vicki Gerson

How do you make sure that your customers remember to come back? Because you want to keep your name in front of other business owners, you probably have promotional giveaways that sport your business's logo. But is it the same item that every other business has? How do you determine the right giveaway for your business?

It is a challenge to find a product that reflects your business well. If you are going to spend money on something, strive for it to have significant meaning to the person receiving the item.

One of the best ways to find a promotional giveaway is to talk to various companies that sell them. Give a price range and ask for ideas that fit your target market.

Keep in mind, if you want people to take the item home don't make it too heavy. However, if you plan to give some of your best customers a special product, weight won't matter, so don't be afraid to send that paperweight or pencil holder.

Consider the following when purchasing promotional giveaways:

The product must have your company's contact information on it. You are seeking a product that is providing a call-to-action message. You want this person to pick up this product and contact you.

Make it memorable. A keychain is functional, but it probably won't be a giveaway that your customers will remember. Consider giving away products that can put a smile on your customer's face - a silly hat, a stress doll or a balloon.

Spend wisely. One of the most important questions you should address is how much you want to spend. If you are purchasing only a few items, you may be able to spend more. But if you are purchasing more than 100 items, you will spend less per item. It also depends where you are handing them out. Are these items placed on a table at a local seminar or networking event for anyone to take? Or are you sending them to a select few of your top customers or clients?

Before you make your selection, make sure it is something your customers and potential customers will want to keep. Otherwise, you are throwing your money away.

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