In the quest for innovation, it’s easy to get caught up in trends and what’s new. But what’s new isn’t always what’s best. Sometimes if it isn’t broken, you shouldn’t try to fix it. Some timeless products and strategies have proven effective throughout the years and abandoning them for something new just to try to stay current is foolish. In this blog post, we’ll discuss three categories of battle-tested promotional products that you should still be using today:
Apparel
Bags
Writing Instruments
Apparel
Apparel provides a unique opportunity to put your logo on something every single person in the world uses. Whether it's shirts, jackets, or pants, imprinting your company logo on clothing ensures brand exposure wherever the wearer goes. Globally, apparel items have the highest brand recall, with 85% of people able to remember the advertiser seen on a piece of clothing. Branded apparel also works exceptionally well in uniform contexts, as 94% of consumers prefer to see employees wearing the same uniforms, making team members easily recognizable. Apparel is consistent and versatile, transcending fashion trends and finding utility in any era. Additionally, it provides recipients with a tangible and practical item for everyday use.
Bags
If you're in search of a promotional product that generates the most impressions, bags take the crown, creating nearly 6,000 impressions over their lifespan. Bags are also incredibly practical, serving a utilitarian purpose in daily life by carrying valuables. What's more, bags are remarkably cost-effective, boasting a cost per impression as low as one-tenth of a cent, tying with writing instruments for the lowest cost per impression among promotional products in the U.S. Given their affordability, visibility, and effectiveness, it makes perfect sense to include bags in your promotional strategy, whether it's a tote, backpack, duffel, or any other type.
Writing Instruments
Now, you might be thinking: “Pens are boring and overdone; nobody wants another pen.” But what’s great about writing instruments is their practicality. A staggering 77% of consumers cite a promotional product's usefulness as the top reason to keep it, and health and safety products, computer products, and writing instruments rank as the most useful. The numbers highlight just how essential this category of products is to consumers. 73% of people have a pen with them at all times. And if your logo is on the pen somebody needed in an important situation, they will more than likely be able to recall what name was on it. As mentioned above, writing instruments are also inexpensive, with the lowest cost per impression of any promo product (tied with bags). Writing instruments have proven effective repeatedly, and there’s a reason so many companies continue to brand them and use them in their promo strategy.
The Takeaway
Hopefully, you’ve noticed a pattern throughout this blog. Some of the most important factors to consider when choosing promotional products for your business are application, usefulness, and cost per impression. Apparel, bags, and writing instruments all check at least one of those boxes, which is why they continue to be effective products. Advertisers and marketers recognized this a long time ago, and these products have withstood the test of time. While it's crucial to explore the latest developments and innovations in the print and promo products arena, it's equally important to stay grounded in the fundamentals. Apparel, bags, and writing instruments aren't going anywhere anytime soon, so it's wise to continue leveraging them when crafting your promotional strategy.
Contact us today to discuss timeless promotional products that can create sustained success in your branding strategy.