8 Ways to Use Promotional Products to Build an Online Brand
With in-person trade shows being pushed to next year in almost every industry segment, sales managers are looking for creative new ways to grow their online brands.
Conferences would have traditionally allowed these individuals to get their promotional products into the hands of tech journalists and the general public.
That’s no longer an option, but the fact remains that branded merchandise is still a great way to promote a company’s image and increase visibility.
Companies that want to create a promotional campaign will focus on the message they share.
Emotional storytelling is a vital part of promotional marketing.
Keeping your eye on the message will make building a theme much more manageable.
1 – Use Promotional Products to Improve Theming
You can design personalised merchandise to match a specific theme that helps frame a company as exhibiting certain emotions.
Conferences have traditionally had themes that help to draw attention to a specific issue.
When you pick out promotional products, ensure they’re all built around one theme.
Granted, there’s no reason you couldn’t make an eclectic collection a theme.
According to specialists from Custom Comet, everything from embroidered patches to air fresheners can be designed with a company’s brand image in mind.
Think of how many IT professionals carry around laptops with branded stickers.
Perhaps you’ve seen someone with a customised rocker jacket littered with patches of their favourite recording artists.
These examples help drive home how effective theming is to the design of an overarching campaign.
2 – Creatively Placing Your Logo on Giveaways
When branding, positioning your logo in a place highly visible on a display screen is crucial. After all, you want your logo to catch the eye of potential customers and make a lasting impression.
But don’t limit yourself to traditional areas where logos are usually placed. Instead, get creative and think outside the box. For example, putting your logo on the bottom of a bottle or a shirt sleeve may not be the best option. These areas may not be visible in person, but what if a popular streamer or influencer got a hold of your merchandise?
Imagine every time they take a drink or move in their chair; your logo is front and centre on their screen. That kind of exposure could be a game-changer for your brand! Plus, assuming you have a presentable logo, stream viewers might be curious to learn more about your company and what it represents.
So, feel free to get creative with your logo placement. Think about where it will be most visible and consider the potential ancillary benefits of the unique arrangement. Who knows, your logo might end up on a popular streamer’s or influencer’s screen, giving your brand the exposure it needs to take off.
3 – Give Promotional Products Away as Prizes
Running online contests and promotions is a fantastic way to engage with your audience and create a buzz around your brand.
Offering branded merchandise is a great way to incentivise people to sign up for your email list or follow you on social media. This can be a t-shirt, a tote bag, a water bottle, or any other item people would love to use or wear. Not only does this help you build a loyal following, but it also helps spread the word about your brand through word-of-mouth advertising.
Now, the size of your company and the scale of your promotion will dictate how much merchandise you can give away. But don’t worry if you have an extensive campaign in mind. Commercial print-on-demand services can handle high volumes of orders and ensure that your branded merchandise is produced to the highest quality standards.
So, what are you waiting for? Get creative with your contests and promotions, offer some sweet branded merchandise, and watch your brand grow!
4 – Encourage People to Post Unboxing Videos
Have you ever watched an unboxing video? They’re popular these days, and viewers love them! That’s why you should consider using this trend to your advantage and reach new audiences by encouraging streamers to post unboxing videos of your branded merchandise.
Sending your branded products to popular social media influencers could reach people who wouldn’t have interacted with your brand otherwise. And if they make a video of themselves unboxing your product, that’s even better! Viewers love seeing the excitement and anticipation of opening up a package; it can be a great way to showcase your products and build buzz around your brand.
So, feel free to reach out to some of the most prominent social media magnates and see if they want to receive some of your branded merchandise. You might be surprised how many of them are willing to do an unboxing video for their viewers.
5 – Send Out Branded Gifts to Casters
Regarding marketing, focusing on visual channels like social media and YouTube is easy. But remember, audio-only channels, like podcasts and internet radio shows! These platforms can be a great way to reach new audiences and build brand awareness.
You might think, “But wait, how can I promote my visual brand on an audio-only platform?” Well, the answer is simple: send something visual to the host! Many podcasters and internet radio hosts are fearless in mentioning a brand that supports them on the air, even if it’s not a visual product. So, send them something like a branded t-shirt or sticker, and they may give you a shout-out on their show.
Many hosts will also include links to your merch in their show notes. This can be a great way to drive traffic to your website and increase sales.
And here’s another reason to consider marketing on audio-only channels: around 24% of web users listen to podcasts regularly. That’s a significant audience you don’t want to miss out on!
So, next time you think about your marketing strategy, remember the power of audio-only channels. With creativity and thoughtful branding, you could reach a whole new audience and build some serious buzz around your brand.
6 – Pack Your Gear in Nice Boxes
It’s surprising how often people overlook the importance of professional package design. But don’t make that mistake – adding your logo to the exterior packaging and the product itself can be a huge opportunity to increase brand recognition and customer loyalty.
Think about it: every time someone sees your product, they’ll also see your logo. That kind of visibility can make a difference, especially when building brand awareness and standing out in a crowded marketplace.
But here’s the cool part: branded packaging can become collectable in its own right. Just think about all the iconic packaging designs people love to collect – from cereal boxes to soda cans to perfume bottles. By putting some thought and effort into your packaging design, you could create something people will be excited to keep and display long after using your product.
So, pay attention to the importance of professional package design. Please take the opportunity to add your logo to the exterior packaging and the product itself. You never know – your packaging could become a beloved collector’s item!
One idea is to create an event hashtag that encourages your social media followers to share pictures of themselves with your branded products.
This is a great way to get your audience involved and excited about your brand. People love showing off their favourite products, and by using a hashtag, you can easily track and share all the user-generated content that’s being posted.
And if you want to take things to the next level, consider doing a live stream with some of your most enthusiastic fans. This can be a fun way to showcase your products and connect with your audience in real time. You can even have giveaways or contests to keep things exciting and engage people more.
So, even if you can’t hold a formal event, plenty of creative ways exist to interact with your audience and build brand loyalty. By leveraging social media and tapping into the excitement of your fans, you can create a virtual event experience that’s just as engaging and memorable as an in-person event.
8 – Pass Out Virtual Swag Bags
So, you’ve got some leftover merch, huh? Well, there’s no need to let it collect dust. Why not put it to good use and hand out swag bags to folks who attend virtual conferences or join online discussions?
It’s pretty simple. Just send out everything you would have put in a traditional swag bag to each person who decides to connect with you during an event. This way, even though you can’t physically be there with them, you can still give them something to show appreciation for their time and attention.
And here’s the cool part: because fewer people do this kind of promotional stunt for virtual events, engagement levels are even higher than for a traditional conference. People love feeling valued and appreciated, and a thoughtful swag bag can go a long way in building a positive connection with your audience.
So, get creative with those leftover t-shirts, stickers, and other goodies. Your virtual attendees will thank you for it!
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, promotional products are vital in building and reinforcing an online brand. By leveraging these eight strategies, businesses can create a memorable brand identity.
An effective promotional product campaign increases brand visibility and fosters emotional connections with customers, turning them into brand ambassadors who will recommend and share your products and services. Additionally, promotional items allow businesses to gather valuable customer data, enabling them to refine their marketing strategies and better cater to their target audience.
As the digital landscape evolves, incorporating promotional products into your online marketing efforts is no longer a luxury but a necessity. By doing so, businesses can elevate their brand presence, foster meaningful customer relationships, and ultimately drive long-term success. As a marketing expert, I strongly encourage companies to explore the power of promotional products and unlock their potential in shaping a solid online brand.
