How to market a small business in an inexpensive way
When you think of marketing your company what instantly springs to mind? Well if you are only a small business with a lower end budget, cost is going to be at the forefront of the equation. You may think that promoting your business has to be a costly affair but the truth behind this is that it does not. In the last few years as the internet has become more and more advanced, ways have emerged to make yourself known and promote yourself for free. Yes you did hear me right, i said FREE!
You and your small business can now potentially keep up with the much bigger businesses doing the same thing as you, as long as you put a bit of time and effort into the promotion of your company. Here are some completely FREE ways of marketing your business...
Writing Online Articles
If you wanted to publish an article in a local newspaper or trade magazine, you are looking at paying a substantial amount of money to buy the space in the magazine, get it published and maybe even pay a professional writer to suit the style of the magazine. Sure, if you have a big business with a large budget, this would not be a problem but for you small businesses out there this may not be an option. So why not write an online article? You can submit your articles for free to article sites and share information about your company and even give advice and expertise. If you then create a link somewhere in the article to your website, people that read it and decide they want to know more can be transferred straight to your website with no hassle whatsoever. Increasing amounts of people are using these websites to promote their businesses and look for inspiration and they really do work.
Blogging
Blogging is a relatively new and upcoming way to promote yourself and your business. It began as quite a popular thing with young people as you can blog about absolutely anything you want and the writing style can be fairly loose and conversational. However as the blogging craze has caught on more and more, people have realised that they can use blogging as a way of marketing their companies and potentially create business. Blogging works in a similar way to online article writing, it is completely free to submit your blogs and you can add in links to your website. It also is best if you submit articles on a regular basis as people can begin to follow your blogs and this in turn creates more of a buzz round your business.
Twitter and Facebook
If you have not heard before (which is highly unlikely) Twitter and Facebook are social networking websites which have in last couple of years, took off on a grand scale. What started off as a way to locate old friends, Facebook has turned into perhaps one of the most popular websites and one can now advertise themselves and their businesses on it. Both Twitter and Facebook are excellent free platforms to promote and market your business so set yourself up a business account today and get networking!
All the marketing tools I have discussed above are very useful and effective ways of promoting your company for free. They may be slightly time consuming but believe me, when you see the results that putting in a little time and effort produce, you'll be pleasantly surprised. Obviously there are many other ways to promote your company if you do not mind spending a little money. A perfect way option being Promotional Gifts. If you are interested, read on in my next article...
Showing posts with label Promotional Gifts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Promotional Gifts. Show all posts
Thursday, 18 February 2010
Thursday, 12 November 2009
The Importance of Conference Giveaways
The Importance of Conference Giveaways
So why not use promotional products as free giveaways as your unique selling point? If the product is chosen carefully and is well thought out, it may make prospective customers stop and come to your stall to see what you have to offer instead of going elsewhere. However the key thing is for your giveaway to be eye-catching and exciting: fluorescent colours on black backgrounds, unusual quirky materials and bright colours, anything to differentiate your product from the standard lacklustre one.
Any items can be used, (pens, keyrings, mousemats) but the most important thing is that your company name or logo and details are emblazoned across them. This way, when someone is walking around the show with one of your giveaways other people can see it clearly and may then come to your stall to get one for themselves and find out what all the fuss is about.
Perhaps the most useful and advantageous of promotional gifts is the bag or cotton shopper. When one is walking round a trade show or event and constantly being handed brochures, leaflets and giveaways, a bag to put these things in becomes very handy. If you choose to use a bag as your promotional giveaway than it can become a rather successful marketing tool. Just think how many people will see your company’s message when it is carried over someone’s shoulder?
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
Want to show your employee you appreciate them? Choose a promotional gift!
Want to show your employee you appreciate them? Choose a promotional gift!
It is a common mistake that promotional gifts are only used as giveaway’s to potential customers as a means of marketing one’s company and in turn boosting sales and awareness of your brand. This of course is a very popular way of using promotional products, however it is not the only use of them.
Mp3 players are the ideal promotional gift for existing customers. By spending a little more on a product you are showing them that you care and at the same time reminding them why they have remained loyal to your company.
Pens are a very popular promotional product and can be great giveaways at an event or show. However higher end pens can also make fantastic presents. These promotional products can be boxed in gift boxes and printed with your company message or logo. A luxurious pen always makes a great corporate gift as they will always be used.
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Ten Tips when choosing Promotional Gifts
Ten Tips when choosing Promotional Gifts
1. Choose usable Products
When choosing which promotional gift you want you must think of the type of people or person you will be giving them to and think if they would really use the product. A promotional product will only be successful in marketing your company if the person who has it is actually going to use it and not simply throw it in the bin.
2. Attach a catchy slogan
On all promotional products you can print some or many details depending on what the item is. For example on a pen you only have room to fit a little text but on something like a mousemat you have lots of room to print your logo, a message and contact details. Perhaps the most important thing to get on to the product thougfh is some sort of catchy slogan that the user will remember and associate with your company.
3. Choose good quality gifts
Quality is very important when picking which promotional product to go for. It is very easy to go for an item on the cheaper end of the price scale to save on money but this can sometimes backfire. By choosing a more quality item your company is putting out the idea that they are a quality company who do not scrimp and can be trusted.
4. Chose a product that you would want.
Before you make the final decision on which item you will be going for you need to think to yourself: Would I appreciate and use that product? If you wouldn’t then why would 100’s of other people? If you think by going for masses of a cheap but unusable product will work, think again.
5. Go Green
There are now 100’s of promotional products available which are eco-friendly and do not use any materials that harm the environment. The environment has become a much talked about subject of late and is becoming hard to ignore. Many companies now want to only give out products that comply with environmental issues. There is now a fantastic range of unusual and funky eco- friendly items on the market ready for you to grab.
6. Appreciate loyal employees
Promotional products are not only used at conference and trade show giveaways, they can also be used as gifts to reward hardworking emplyees and loyal customers. For these kinds of occassions, people tend to pick higher end products and personalise them with a little print. By showing your collegues you appreciate them you are helping them stay loyal to the company and also creating a nice environment to work in.
7. Do NOT overuse your brand name
Now this may seem like a contradictory tip because surely if you are trying to advertise your company you want your name everywhere. Well it is not that simple. Of course you want to get your name noticed but that does not mean by printing it ALL over the product. This will alienate customers by making the product garish and unusable. Subtlety is the look you are going for.
8. Think about styles, designs and print.
Choosing a promotional product is not as simple as thinking ‘right we will have some pens!’ and that’s that. There are hundreds of different of pens that come in numerous colours and styles. A lot of thought has to be put into the overall effect you are going for, who you are giving the pens to and the kind of image yourself as a company want to portray. Colour, design and print will all affect this.
9. If you are a first timer, keep things simple.
If you are only a small company just starting out, promotional products are a great way of marketing your company. However, you may feel dubious about putting money into something that you have never tried before. If this is the case, keep products simple and accessible- pens, mugs, mosemats, keyrings… These products are cheap but very usable and definitely will go down well with potential customers.
10. You’ve got to be in it to win it!
Give promotional products a try, if you do not, you’ll never know the true potential and positive effects they can have on your company. They are a proven sales booster and a great way to get your company name out there. Good luck!
1. Choose usable Products
When choosing which promotional gift you want you must think of the type of people or person you will be giving them to and think if they would really use the product. A promotional product will only be successful in marketing your company if the person who has it is actually going to use it and not simply throw it in the bin.
2. Attach a catchy slogan
On all promotional products you can print some or many details depending on what the item is. For example on a pen you only have room to fit a little text but on something like a mousemat you have lots of room to print your logo, a message and contact details. Perhaps the most important thing to get on to the product thougfh is some sort of catchy slogan that the user will remember and associate with your company.
3. Choose good quality gifts
Quality is very important when picking which promotional product to go for. It is very easy to go for an item on the cheaper end of the price scale to save on money but this can sometimes backfire. By choosing a more quality item your company is putting out the idea that they are a quality company who do not scrimp and can be trusted.
4. Chose a product that you would want.
Before you make the final decision on which item you will be going for you need to think to yourself: Would I appreciate and use that product? If you wouldn’t then why would 100’s of other people? If you think by going for masses of a cheap but unusable product will work, think again.
5. Go Green
There are now 100’s of promotional products available which are eco-friendly and do not use any materials that harm the environment. The environment has become a much talked about subject of late and is becoming hard to ignore. Many companies now want to only give out products that comply with environmental issues. There is now a fantastic range of unusual and funky eco- friendly items on the market ready for you to grab.
6. Appreciate loyal employees
Promotional products are not only used at conference and trade show giveaways, they can also be used as gifts to reward hardworking emplyees and loyal customers. For these kinds of occassions, people tend to pick higher end products and personalise them with a little print. By showing your collegues you appreciate them you are helping them stay loyal to the company and also creating a nice environment to work in.
7. Do NOT overuse your brand name
Now this may seem like a contradictory tip because surely if you are trying to advertise your company you want your name everywhere. Well it is not that simple. Of course you want to get your name noticed but that does not mean by printing it ALL over the product. This will alienate customers by making the product garish and unusable. Subtlety is the look you are going for.
8. Think about styles, designs and print.
Choosing a promotional product is not as simple as thinking ‘right we will have some pens!’ and that’s that. There are hundreds of different of pens that come in numerous colours and styles. A lot of thought has to be put into the overall effect you are going for, who you are giving the pens to and the kind of image yourself as a company want to portray. Colour, design and print will all affect this.
9. If you are a first timer, keep things simple.
If you are only a small company just starting out, promotional products are a great way of marketing your company. However, you may feel dubious about putting money into something that you have never tried before. If this is the case, keep products simple and accessible- pens, mugs, mosemats, keyrings… These products are cheap but very usable and definitely will go down well with potential customers.
10. You’ve got to be in it to win it!
Give promotional products a try, if you do not, you’ll never know the true potential and positive effects they can have on your company. They are a proven sales booster and a great way to get your company name out there. Good luck!
Monday, 17 August 2009
Promotional Gift Mailouts
Using Promotional Gifts as a Tool for Effective Mailouts
When it comes to marketing your company people are always trying to think of new ways to stand out from the crowd and get across their message effectively. Some ways of doing this are by mailouts or e-shots. E-shots have become increasingly popular as they save on money and resources but they are also very easy to delete. Often when you are sitting at your desk, you check your inbox and it has been filled up with e-mails from different companies trying to sell you this or that or simply trying to get you interested. More often than not, a person will simply delete these messages as they are too busy to read through them at that point. This is where I believe mailshots are more effective as they have to be opened and at least skimmed over before they can be thrown in the bin.
A great way of making your mailshot a bit different and more interesting is too add a promotional gift in with the letter to reinforce the idea of your company and to show the recipient what your company is about. To make this worth your while you need to think carefully about what kind of gift you will include, why you have chosen this particular one and what the gift is saying about your company. You need to tie the gift in with your company and the letter so it does not seem disjointed. It is much better to use it as a reinforcement of what you are trying to say.
For example, say you are a promotional and business gift supplier and you want to promote the message about the new eco-friendly range of products you do. You could send out a mailout including perhaps your brochure, a letter explaining who you are and describing the new range of products and then include one of the new products. This does not have to be an expensive item, it could be a coaster made from recycled tyres, or an eco-friendly pen. As long as it is small enough to fit into the mailout and ties in well with the whole package.
By concentrating on the promotional gift you will include you must not forget about the letter itself. This must be both informative and concise so the receiver is not bored or confused by the content. You need to clearly state your message and objectives and very importantly have your contact details and number clearly available so it is ready to be used.
When you have sent out the mailouts with the gifts you could then maybe follow it through with a friendly phone call. The promotional gift you have included can be a talking point and will also make your company memorable. So if you are a company, who loves to use mailout, include a promotional gift next time and see if it can make a difference to you.
When it comes to marketing your company people are always trying to think of new ways to stand out from the crowd and get across their message effectively. Some ways of doing this are by mailouts or e-shots. E-shots have become increasingly popular as they save on money and resources but they are also very easy to delete. Often when you are sitting at your desk, you check your inbox and it has been filled up with e-mails from different companies trying to sell you this or that or simply trying to get you interested. More often than not, a person will simply delete these messages as they are too busy to read through them at that point. This is where I believe mailshots are more effective as they have to be opened and at least skimmed over before they can be thrown in the bin.
A great way of making your mailshot a bit different and more interesting is too add a promotional gift in with the letter to reinforce the idea of your company and to show the recipient what your company is about. To make this worth your while you need to think carefully about what kind of gift you will include, why you have chosen this particular one and what the gift is saying about your company. You need to tie the gift in with your company and the letter so it does not seem disjointed. It is much better to use it as a reinforcement of what you are trying to say.
For example, say you are a promotional and business gift supplier and you want to promote the message about the new eco-friendly range of products you do. You could send out a mailout including perhaps your brochure, a letter explaining who you are and describing the new range of products and then include one of the new products. This does not have to be an expensive item, it could be a coaster made from recycled tyres, or an eco-friendly pen. As long as it is small enough to fit into the mailout and ties in well with the whole package.
By concentrating on the promotional gift you will include you must not forget about the letter itself. This must be both informative and concise so the receiver is not bored or confused by the content. You need to clearly state your message and objectives and very importantly have your contact details and number clearly available so it is ready to be used.
When you have sent out the mailouts with the gifts you could then maybe follow it through with a friendly phone call. The promotional gift you have included can be a talking point and will also make your company memorable. So if you are a company, who loves to use mailout, include a promotional gift next time and see if it can make a difference to you.
Friday, 14 August 2009
Promotional Keyrings- Always visible, always useful
Promotional Keyrings- Always visible, always useful
Promotional gifts can be great things but one needs to put some thought into their choice instead of being slap dash about anything. When thinking about which type of promotional gift to choose, you need to put yourself in the customer/client’s shoes and think of two things before you start.
1. Will they actually use the item enough to make you giving it to them worthwhile?
2. Is the item something that is going to be visible to them throughout the day?
A product that answers both of these questions with a yes is the promotional keyring. Keyrings offer a great opportunity to market your company as they are always visible to the recipient and therefore your message will always be there reinforcing your company without the person even realising it.
Just think, when a keyring is hanging off of ones keys it is visible at home when it is on the key hook, when it is in the ignition the whole time you are driving along and even when have visited a friend and left your keys on the table instead of putting them into your bag or pocket. As well as promoting your company to the owner of the keyring it also promotes it to anyone else who sees the keyring and admires it or even just picks it up.
As well as being a fantastic promotional gift due to their constant visibility, they are also great because the size of them makes them so portable. Keys are carried with us where ever we go and the more they are transported to different places, the more they will be noticed by others who in turn are taking in the promotional message that has been printed on to it.
They are also make very handy giveaways at conferences and trade shows due to their size. When you are at a trade show all day, the last thing you want is someone trying to palm you off with a load of big bulky promotional gifts. Keyrings make the ideal giveaway as they can easily be slipped into someone’s bag or pocket or even straight onto someone’s keys.
Promotional keyrings also fill a very basic functional need as they simply help you to find your keys. If you choose a keyring that is easy to locate when fumbling about in a bag and hard to lose due to it’s bright colour you are on to a winner. For example, take a person who is always losing their keys. After they have your keyring attached to them they may never lose them again. This will make that person grateful to you and your company and therefore may lead to them bringing some business your way as a thank you.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to promotional keyrings and they will be sure to be thoroughly utilised as they tick all the right boxes when it comes to promotional merchandise.
Promotional gifts can be great things but one needs to put some thought into their choice instead of being slap dash about anything. When thinking about which type of promotional gift to choose, you need to put yourself in the customer/client’s shoes and think of two things before you start.
1. Will they actually use the item enough to make you giving it to them worthwhile?
2. Is the item something that is going to be visible to them throughout the day?
A product that answers both of these questions with a yes is the promotional keyring. Keyrings offer a great opportunity to market your company as they are always visible to the recipient and therefore your message will always be there reinforcing your company without the person even realising it.
Just think, when a keyring is hanging off of ones keys it is visible at home when it is on the key hook, when it is in the ignition the whole time you are driving along and even when have visited a friend and left your keys on the table instead of putting them into your bag or pocket. As well as promoting your company to the owner of the keyring it also promotes it to anyone else who sees the keyring and admires it or even just picks it up.
As well as being a fantastic promotional gift due to their constant visibility, they are also great because the size of them makes them so portable. Keys are carried with us where ever we go and the more they are transported to different places, the more they will be noticed by others who in turn are taking in the promotional message that has been printed on to it.
They are also make very handy giveaways at conferences and trade shows due to their size. When you are at a trade show all day, the last thing you want is someone trying to palm you off with a load of big bulky promotional gifts. Keyrings make the ideal giveaway as they can easily be slipped into someone’s bag or pocket or even straight onto someone’s keys.
Promotional keyrings also fill a very basic functional need as they simply help you to find your keys. If you choose a keyring that is easy to locate when fumbling about in a bag and hard to lose due to it’s bright colour you are on to a winner. For example, take a person who is always losing their keys. After they have your keyring attached to them they may never lose them again. This will make that person grateful to you and your company and therefore may lead to them bringing some business your way as a thank you.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to promotional keyrings and they will be sure to be thoroughly utilised as they tick all the right boxes when it comes to promotional merchandise.
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
Promotional Products Go Green
Promotional Products Go Green
Are you looking for promotional products but want to remain environmentally friendly and eco-safe? Stop right here because nowadays there are plenty of items available that are not going to harm the environment. In today’s current climate more and more people are turning to environmentally safe ways not only for the obvious reasons (saving the environment!) but also because it can save you money. For example, in many supermarkets you now have to pay to use their plastic bags so many people are taking their own cotton shoppers or plastic bags from home.
Promotional gifts made from recycled materials have become increasingly popular over the years and the range of products has grown and grown. Here are six of the best recycled promotional gifts on the market today:
Classic Recycled Mug
Successfully sold in schools, colleges, trade counters, gyms and spas
Dishwasher friendly and virtually unbreakable
Prices from only £1.00!!
Brite Mat Mouse Mats
98.7% recycled- Made from 1 and a half CD Cases
100% tracking with an optical Mouse
Stunning Colour Reproduction and Non slip backing
From only £0.52!!
Recycled Keyrings
Many Vibrant recycled colours
Digitally Printed
From only £0.14!!
Recycled Screen Printed and Insert Rulers
Many Vibrant recycled colours
Digitally printed up to 4 colour process
From £0.40!!
Recycled Coasters- Screen Printed and Paper Insert
Comes in a variety of bright colours
Extensive range of unusual materials, shapes and styles
From only £0.40!!
Fridge Magnets/ Badges
Many colours, styles and materials
Digitally printed up to 4 colour process
From as little as £0.25!!
So as you see there are still many products to choose from if you decide to go with recycled promotional gifts. As well as the six discussed above there are also:
Jumbo Paper Clips, Notepads, Luggage Tags, Document Wallets, Ringbinders, Conference Folders, CD Cases, Frisbees, t-Shirts, not to mention the huge range of pens and pencils available.
The list is endless. You can more or less get any promotional gift made from recycled materials as the demand for environmentally friendly items has become so high, suppliers have had to cater for this.
So if your company are after promotional items but need them to be specifically eco-safe or are for a target group that will appreciate recycled goods, do not fear as the items are available from the leading promotional and business gift suppliers.
Are you looking for promotional products but want to remain environmentally friendly and eco-safe? Stop right here because nowadays there are plenty of items available that are not going to harm the environment. In today’s current climate more and more people are turning to environmentally safe ways not only for the obvious reasons (saving the environment!) but also because it can save you money. For example, in many supermarkets you now have to pay to use their plastic bags so many people are taking their own cotton shoppers or plastic bags from home.
Promotional gifts made from recycled materials have become increasingly popular over the years and the range of products has grown and grown. Here are six of the best recycled promotional gifts on the market today:
Classic Recycled Mug
Successfully sold in schools, colleges, trade counters, gyms and spas
Dishwasher friendly and virtually unbreakable
Prices from only £1.00!!
Brite Mat Mouse Mats
98.7% recycled- Made from 1 and a half CD Cases
100% tracking with an optical Mouse
Stunning Colour Reproduction and Non slip backing
From only £0.52!!
Recycled Keyrings
Many Vibrant recycled colours
Digitally Printed
From only £0.14!!
Recycled Screen Printed and Insert Rulers
Many Vibrant recycled colours
Digitally printed up to 4 colour process
From £0.40!!
Recycled Coasters- Screen Printed and Paper Insert
Comes in a variety of bright colours
Extensive range of unusual materials, shapes and styles
From only £0.40!!
Fridge Magnets/ Badges
Many colours, styles and materials
Digitally printed up to 4 colour process
From as little as £0.25!!
So as you see there are still many products to choose from if you decide to go with recycled promotional gifts. As well as the six discussed above there are also:
Jumbo Paper Clips, Notepads, Luggage Tags, Document Wallets, Ringbinders, Conference Folders, CD Cases, Frisbees, t-Shirts, not to mention the huge range of pens and pencils available.
The list is endless. You can more or less get any promotional gift made from recycled materials as the demand for environmentally friendly items has become so high, suppliers have had to cater for this.
So if your company are after promotional items but need them to be specifically eco-safe or are for a target group that will appreciate recycled goods, do not fear as the items are available from the leading promotional and business gift suppliers.
Friday, 24 July 2009
Use a Promotional Gift to Launch a New Product
If your company is introducing a new product or scheme, it is a great idea to use promotional gifts as free giveaway’s when launching. This can prove very effective as it is well known that everyone loves a free gift and it can entice people into buying your new product as well so therefore increasing your sales. However it is important to think carefully about which promotional product you choose to help launch your new scheme or item. You want the two things to relate to each other so that people can look at their free gift and it makes them think of the new product you are launching and therefore want to buy it or buy into it.
For example, say you are a gym and are introducing a scheme for the New Year which entitles people to buy one membership get one free. You may offer people that sign up for the deal a free pedometer with the gym details printed onto it as a goodwill gift and way of keeping up to date with their fitness regime. This is also a great way to get people talking and may tempt people to join your gym instead of another because of the free promotional gift on offer.
If you are holding some sort of product launch event then promotional gifts are definitely a must. When people attend these kinds of events they are expecting free giveaways or freebies that they can then take home and root through. This is why you need to choose a promotional giveaway that will both compliment your new product and also give a little information about your company.
A good example would be a confectionary brand launching a new chocolate bar. At the launch event, miniature versions of the chocolate bar could be handed out to tempt people into buying the new item on a regular basis or perhaps small boxes of chocolates with your company details printed onto them.
The idea is to create a buzz round your new product and brand and to get people interested in you and by handing out promotional freebies you are going to achieve this. Another way of creating a buzz is to use promotional products before a product launch in anticipation of the event. These kinds of things can be handed out on the streets, in parks or on beaches to try to spark a bit of interest in the arrival of the new product.
As you can see, promotional products can have a huge positive effect in the process of getting tour new product out there and noticed. It may seem like a lot of effort but in the end it is proven to pay off so is worth spending a few more pennies on getting things perfect.
For example, say you are a gym and are introducing a scheme for the New Year which entitles people to buy one membership get one free. You may offer people that sign up for the deal a free pedometer with the gym details printed onto it as a goodwill gift and way of keeping up to date with their fitness regime. This is also a great way to get people talking and may tempt people to join your gym instead of another because of the free promotional gift on offer.
If you are holding some sort of product launch event then promotional gifts are definitely a must. When people attend these kinds of events they are expecting free giveaways or freebies that they can then take home and root through. This is why you need to choose a promotional giveaway that will both compliment your new product and also give a little information about your company.
A good example would be a confectionary brand launching a new chocolate bar. At the launch event, miniature versions of the chocolate bar could be handed out to tempt people into buying the new item on a regular basis or perhaps small boxes of chocolates with your company details printed onto them.
The idea is to create a buzz round your new product and brand and to get people interested in you and by handing out promotional freebies you are going to achieve this. Another way of creating a buzz is to use promotional products before a product launch in anticipation of the event. These kinds of things can be handed out on the streets, in parks or on beaches to try to spark a bit of interest in the arrival of the new product.
As you can see, promotional products can have a huge positive effect in the process of getting tour new product out there and noticed. It may seem like a lot of effort but in the end it is proven to pay off so is worth spending a few more pennies on getting things perfect.
Monday, 20 July 2009
How to Place an Order with a Promotional and Business Gifts Supplier
Imagine the scenario… the responsibility of ordering this year’s promotional gifts for your company has been placed in your hands but you have never ordered before and you have not got a clue what to do…
Well do not fear because ordering promotional or business gifts is as easy as ABC as long as you first know a few facts which you will understand after reading this article.
Ok, so you know the types of products that you need to order but where do you go to view different styles, colours and designs? The best thing to do is to go on to one of the websites of the leading suppliers where you will usually find an easy to use search facility. If you type in the product you need for example pens, and press search, a list of all the different types of pens should come up with pictures and prices. When you have the name of the pen you need, you can then call up the supplier and ask to speak to a member of the sales team so that they can organise your quote for you.
When calling a supplier, you need to have the following information ready to hand:
· The name or code of the item you are looking at
· The quantity of items you will be ordering
· How many colours your logo is
· When you will need the goods delivered by and if you will need a sample
· An editable EPS file of your artwork you will want printed on the product
When you have given this information to the supplier they will then come back to you with a quote which is usually e-mailed through to you. The great thing about this process is that you can get quotes from many different places and compare the prices and service you are receiving. Getting a quote does not mean you have to order with that supplier, it just simply allows you to see how much an order is going to cost in total.
It is also important when ordering or getting quotes for promotional gifts to understand some of the terms that might be used. Here are some useful explanations of the terminology that might be used:
Screen Set up Cost or Origination Charge- This is what the supplier will charge you for setting up a screen printing press for each of the colours of your logo. For example if your logo is two colours, this will be 2 x origination cost which usually costs around £35.00 per colour but of course varies from supplier to supplier.
Carriage Cost- This is the cost of the delivery from the factory to your delivery address which will vary depending on the quantity of the goods, the date you need the goods and where you are based.
Lead Time- This is the time you are given for delivery from approval of your artwork. Most suppliers have a standard lead time of about 2-3 weeks but if you’re on a tight deadline, goods can be delivered sooner with an express delivery charge.
So as you can see there is no need to panic as getting quotes and ordering your promotional gifts really is a very simple process. Good luck!
Well do not fear because ordering promotional or business gifts is as easy as ABC as long as you first know a few facts which you will understand after reading this article.
Ok, so you know the types of products that you need to order but where do you go to view different styles, colours and designs? The best thing to do is to go on to one of the websites of the leading suppliers where you will usually find an easy to use search facility. If you type in the product you need for example pens, and press search, a list of all the different types of pens should come up with pictures and prices. When you have the name of the pen you need, you can then call up the supplier and ask to speak to a member of the sales team so that they can organise your quote for you.
When calling a supplier, you need to have the following information ready to hand:
· The name or code of the item you are looking at
· The quantity of items you will be ordering
· How many colours your logo is
· When you will need the goods delivered by and if you will need a sample
· An editable EPS file of your artwork you will want printed on the product
When you have given this information to the supplier they will then come back to you with a quote which is usually e-mailed through to you. The great thing about this process is that you can get quotes from many different places and compare the prices and service you are receiving. Getting a quote does not mean you have to order with that supplier, it just simply allows you to see how much an order is going to cost in total.
It is also important when ordering or getting quotes for promotional gifts to understand some of the terms that might be used. Here are some useful explanations of the terminology that might be used:
Screen Set up Cost or Origination Charge- This is what the supplier will charge you for setting up a screen printing press for each of the colours of your logo. For example if your logo is two colours, this will be 2 x origination cost which usually costs around £35.00 per colour but of course varies from supplier to supplier.
Carriage Cost- This is the cost of the delivery from the factory to your delivery address which will vary depending on the quantity of the goods, the date you need the goods and where you are based.
Lead Time- This is the time you are given for delivery from approval of your artwork. Most suppliers have a standard lead time of about 2-3 weeks but if you’re on a tight deadline, goods can be delivered sooner with an express delivery charge.
So as you can see there is no need to panic as getting quotes and ordering your promotional gifts really is a very simple process. Good luck!
Friday, 10 July 2009
10 Reasons to Say Yes to Promotional Gifts
Many people underestimate the value of promotional gifts and do not understand how useful they can be in promoting your company. Their key objective is to market your company and get your brand out there and talked about. They are well worth the investment as this is exactly what they do. Unlike advertising on the television and radio which may only be seen or heard once a day, promotional products are always there as a constant reminder of your company and really help to raise brand awareness.
Here are 10 reasons why your company should invest in promotional products today:
1. First and foremost they market your brand. When a person is using one of your pens, mousemats or mugs they are constantly seeing your company details and therefore thinking about you without even realising it.
2. Every time you give promotional gifts away you are creating another prospective customer and therefore creating more business opportunities.
3. When you use promotional gifts at trade shows you will draw the customers to your stall and therefore potentially increase your sales.
4. Promotional products make fantastic business gifts to important business associates. They could potentially make or break a deal.
5. As well as gifts to business associates they also make great gifts to current customers. They are an excellent way to thank customers for their loyalty and business as after all keeping customers is just as important as bringing in new ones.
6. Choose promotional gifts that are going to be seen. Umbrellas, bags, hats and T-shirts with your logo on are all effective in this way as they are like walking billboards for your company.
7. Give your employees some incentive by giving them business gifts as a well done for their hard work. You will soon have everyone working harder so they too can be recognised and given a gift.
8. Remember small desk gifts as well as larger visible products. Mosemats, pens and desk pads all act as reminders of your company when sitting in people’s eye line all day long.
9. Send out promotional gifts with your marketing mailouts. This will make your mailout that bit more exciting and further reinforce your brand.
10. Choose gifts that are practical and useful. Only choose gifts that you yourself would use and appreciate.
Promotional gifts really are worth the time and effort as they are proven to enhance sales, increase your customer base and get your company noticed. If you follow these 10 tips listed above you can not go wrong with promotional products just remember to choose carefully and pick items that you are happy to represent your company.
Here are 10 reasons why your company should invest in promotional products today:
1. First and foremost they market your brand. When a person is using one of your pens, mousemats or mugs they are constantly seeing your company details and therefore thinking about you without even realising it.
2. Every time you give promotional gifts away you are creating another prospective customer and therefore creating more business opportunities.
3. When you use promotional gifts at trade shows you will draw the customers to your stall and therefore potentially increase your sales.
4. Promotional products make fantastic business gifts to important business associates. They could potentially make or break a deal.
5. As well as gifts to business associates they also make great gifts to current customers. They are an excellent way to thank customers for their loyalty and business as after all keeping customers is just as important as bringing in new ones.
6. Choose promotional gifts that are going to be seen. Umbrellas, bags, hats and T-shirts with your logo on are all effective in this way as they are like walking billboards for your company.
7. Give your employees some incentive by giving them business gifts as a well done for their hard work. You will soon have everyone working harder so they too can be recognised and given a gift.
8. Remember small desk gifts as well as larger visible products. Mosemats, pens and desk pads all act as reminders of your company when sitting in people’s eye line all day long.
9. Send out promotional gifts with your marketing mailouts. This will make your mailout that bit more exciting and further reinforce your brand.
10. Choose gifts that are practical and useful. Only choose gifts that you yourself would use and appreciate.
Promotional gifts really are worth the time and effort as they are proven to enhance sales, increase your customer base and get your company noticed. If you follow these 10 tips listed above you can not go wrong with promotional products just remember to choose carefully and pick items that you are happy to represent your company.
Wednesday, 8 July 2009
What exactly ARE promotional gifts?
Promotional gifts can range from anything from a pen to a T-shirt to a mug or a conference folder. They are basically any item you wish, with your company details, logo or any message printed on to them in order to promote your brand. Their function is double ended. They work to market your company as they are printed with your details but are also products that you need and use on a daily basis so that they are practical to the recipient as well as positive for you. They are used in many different situations, most popularly at trade shows as giveaways, but also at conferences and as gifts to customers and colleges.
Promotional gifts are proven to work because they leave a lasting impression on a client. They are often items that can be used on a day to day basis so that your company can be advertised to full potential and your message can really be cemented in. Products that are ideal for use on a day to day basis are items that can be used in the office as they are visible all day long. Products that are sit on a desk are great as they are in your eye line daily and will prove useful to the recipient. These include pens, mousemats, mugs, desk pads and calendars and even USB sticks.
You then have the different side of promotional items. Business gifts for loyal customers, hardworking employees or important business contacts. The kinds of gifts that are used for this side of things are often more high end products such as luxury pen sets, high end business card holders and even leather briefcases or conference folders. The basic idea is the same with these items but perhaps the advertising message is not so ‘in your face.’ You may just have a small printed logo on these items rather than your company name emblazoned across them. However they work in the same way as they keep customers loyal, give employees incentive and impress potential business contacts. However you look at it, business gifts can only be a positive thing for your company.
Promotional gifts are appreciated by everyone and in every situation especially if you choose the product carefully so it is one that not only represents your company well but also is practical. The more practical an item the more likely it is to be used and enjoyed and the more often it is used the more promotion for your company. So as you see if you put in the work in the beginning you will reap the benefits with the lasting positive effects of promotional and business gifts.
Promotional gifts are proven to work because they leave a lasting impression on a client. They are often items that can be used on a day to day basis so that your company can be advertised to full potential and your message can really be cemented in. Products that are ideal for use on a day to day basis are items that can be used in the office as they are visible all day long. Products that are sit on a desk are great as they are in your eye line daily and will prove useful to the recipient. These include pens, mousemats, mugs, desk pads and calendars and even USB sticks.
You then have the different side of promotional items. Business gifts for loyal customers, hardworking employees or important business contacts. The kinds of gifts that are used for this side of things are often more high end products such as luxury pen sets, high end business card holders and even leather briefcases or conference folders. The basic idea is the same with these items but perhaps the advertising message is not so ‘in your face.’ You may just have a small printed logo on these items rather than your company name emblazoned across them. However they work in the same way as they keep customers loyal, give employees incentive and impress potential business contacts. However you look at it, business gifts can only be a positive thing for your company.
Promotional gifts are appreciated by everyone and in every situation especially if you choose the product carefully so it is one that not only represents your company well but also is practical. The more practical an item the more likely it is to be used and enjoyed and the more often it is used the more promotion for your company. So as you see if you put in the work in the beginning you will reap the benefits with the lasting positive effects of promotional and business gifts.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
