Promotional items have been used for decades to build brand recognition and customer loyalty. However, traditional advertising methods are becoming outdated. Instead of simply adding a company name and logo to a pen or calendar, the following options provide more creative ways to use promotional products.
1. Promote a Mobile Application
Promotional items may be used to promote a mobile application. Branded candy, pens, notepads, and various paper products can easily contain a link or name of a mobile app.
Consumers are becoming more tech-savvy. They prefer using their smartphones and tablets instead of desktop computers and laptops.
Getting potential customers to download and install a mobile app provides an additional point of contact, helping to increase sales leads and customer acquisition.
2. Promote a Product Landing Page
Instead of displaying the homepage URL of a business website, companies may choose to promote a specific product. The URL can point to the landing page for the product, allowing customers to instantly find more information.
When using a URL on promotional products, it is important to use URLs that are likely to remain in use for many years. The promotional item becomes useless if the advertised URL is no longer up.
If the web page is taken down, the website administrator should create a redirect to a relevant page, such as the updated product page or the homepage for the business. Please visit Brandability for more information.
3. Promote a Social Media Account
Along with a website and landing pages, most businesses have social media accounts. In fact, social media marketing is an essential part of any online marketing strategy. Businesses can use social media platforms to connect with their customers. They can answer questions and address customer service issues.
Promotional items provide a way to remind customers about these social media accounts. Businesses can include their Twitter handle or Facebook account on promotional merchandise to gain more followers and increase their online exposure.
4. Add QR Codes to Promotional Items
QR codes are scannable links. When a person scans the QR code with their smartphone or tablet, they are instantly directly to the linked URL. This provides a modern way to include a link on promotional merchandise that appeals to the younger generations.
Any business can create a QR code to direct to any URL. It is also possible to change the destination URL later.
If the current URL gets taken down, it is easy to add a replacement URL, allowing the QR code to continue directing people to a specific page instead of “page not found” error page.
5. Choose Promotional Items That Last
No matter what a business decides to promote, they should choose promotional merchandise with a long shelf life. Food and clothing are items that do not last long. Food gets eaten and clothing may be discarded. However, pens, magnets, water bottles, and other useful items are kept for a longer period.
When people hold onto these promotional items, the advertising continues to work. People are continually reminded of the business or their products and services.
