Saturday, January 2, 2010

Promotional Product FACTS

During these difficult economic times, many companies are trying to find ways to cut costs in order to run more efficiently and drive more profit to the bottom line. Of course there are several ways to do this but companies that think of cutting their advertising budget, need to think again.

This strategy has big risks and may not hurt them in the short term, but it can be extremely detrimental to revenues and overall brand awareness in the long term. A number of studies over the years have confirmed the benefits of brand marketing during a suffering economy.

In an analysis performed by McGraw-Hill Research that reviewed the performance of 600 companies from 1980 through 1985, results indicated that brands that maintained or increased ad spending during the 1981-1982 recession realized higher sales growth, both during the recession and over the subsequent three years, versus those companies that eliminated or reduced advertising expenditures. Maybe they don’t have to cut advertising, but rather advertise in a smarter fashion and in ways that have lasting effects like promotion products.

The value of Promotional Products is in their ability to carry a message to a well-defined audience. Because the products are useful to and appreciated by the recipients, they are retained and used, repeating the imprinted message several times without the added cost to the advertiser.

Promotional Product Facts:

• Last year, American companies spent $18 billion on promotional products
• They are typically flexible, tangible and long lasting
• They have a high perceived value
• They compliment target marketing and other advertising media
• They have a much higher recall rate than conventional advertising

In a recent study, business travelers at DFW Airport were randomly selected about and asked about promotional products. The results demonstrated the reach and recall strength these products have.

• 71% reported receiving a promotional product in the last 12 months
• 33.7% had the item on their person
• 76.1% of participants could recall the name of the advertiser on the promotional product that they received in the past 12 months
• In comparison, only 53.5% of the participants could recall the name of an advertiser they had seen in a magazine

Promotional Products are used by millions of people each and every day; and whether consciously or sub-consciously, the brand image on that product is constantly making an impression. The key is to work with a Promotional Products provider that will take the time to work with you and assist you in creating a strategic marketing campaign while selecting the right product(s) that will leave lasting and outstanding impressions.