Corporate merchandise can be playful, practical, quirky, or flat-out memorable. Think about that pen you acquired from a trade show a long time ago. It probably lasted longer than your last smartphone. Things with logos on them just seem to get people’s attention. People adore free stuff, and if it works, it stays in their backpacks, cars, and kitchens for good. Coffee mugs with logos don’t sit around collecting dust; they disappear quickly from break rooms.
People will always like giveaways. It’s like a rule of nature. If you go to any event, you’ll notice people looking for water bottles, bags, and useful gadgets. They’re not just acquiring junk; they’re getting tools. Those things go home, to work, to the gym, or on road vacations. Every trip gets your message in front of more people, which is something that glossy ads can’t do.
The finest ads make people stop and grin. A taco-shaped stress ball? Sure to get people talking. A calendar with magnets? Your brand reminder and that refrigerator aren’t going anywhere. The force is in the repetition—subtle, steady, and clear. Bringing up a time when you gave a present to a company might strengthen commercial ties without making you feel stiff or salesy.
But the many choices can make your mind spin. Where do I start with shirts, USB drives, lanyards, and power banks? It’s sometimes helpful to think tiny. Things that are good don’t always come in enormous boxes. Stickers and notepads are examples of small things that last longer than you might think. Don’t think that a basic design means it won’t have an effect. The fluorescent sticky-note cube is probably not going to be thrown away because it is so useful for writing down phone numbers and last-minute reminders.
Let’s discuss quality. Your logo might not get a chance to shine if your water bottle is too weak. But a well-made, strong tote? For years, this will be the best grocery bag. People connect memories to touch and use. Your message will also fail if your giveaway does.
Color can be magical. A statement in a vibrant color catches the eye faster than one in black and white. Things that are bright and vibrant stand out in the bottom of a swag bag. But the wrong color could miss the mark. Colors should match your mood. Think about how much fun it would be to play with a beach ball instead of how sad it would be to be stuck indoors on a wet day.
It’s not rocket science to choose out promotional items, but a little common sense can help a lot. Know who you’re talking to. At a software conference, a USB drive is the most important thing. But at a garden expo, a packet of seeds could be the best thing. The present needs to fit the group. Not everyone will fit in.
Being fun, useful, and memorable will always be in style. Laughter lasts longer than a sales pitch. Give folks something to talk about, use, and share. That’s how to be everywhere without making a lot of noise. Isn’t that what you want your brand to do?