Promotional merchandise is a form of marketing that has been around for decades. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to engage customers on both a tangible and emotional level. Like any marketing strategy, promotional merchandise offers a range of benefits, the most significant being brand recognition, customer loyalty, and increased sales. However, some businesses shy away from using promotional merchandise due to the fear of the cost involved. The truth is that there are countless promotional items that can help your business without breaking your budget, it’s all about finding the right product! This is where Indigo can step in and help. Indigo has been around for over two decades so we understand what people want and how to get the most out of your budget, just ask the question and one of our members of staff will happily help. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why promotional merchandise is essential for your business and give a few examples of budget-friendly branded merchandise.
1. Brand Recognition
Promotional merchandise is an excellent way to build and maintain brand recognition. With the right product, a simple reminder of your brand can become a travelling advertisement. For instance, if you print your logo on a reusable shopping bag, every time the customer uses the bag, they promote your brand and it’s a constant reminder to them of your brand. Not only does this result in free advertising, but it also promotes eco-friendliness, which shows that your business is mindful of the environment.
2. Customer Loyalty
Handing out branded merchandise to customers creates a sense of appreciation that leads to customer loyalty. It's a simple way of thanking your customers for their business. Every time a customer uses your branded merchandise, they are reminded of your brand, which we believe goes a long way in keeping long term relationships. In addition, offering a promotional item that's different from the standard promotional products often given away by other companies can make your business stand out. For example, a branded water bottle with a built-in infuser or personalized popcorn boxes will make your business stand out while creating customer appreciation.
3. Increased Sales
Promotional merchandise can lead to increased sales, mainly by increasing your brand reach. By providing branded merchandise, you can reach out to a broader audience that otherwise might not have heard about your business. Moreover, branded items don't have to be limited to your customers; your staff can also benefit. Providing your employees with branded products will create a sense of pride in the company, making them more invested in the success of the business, and in turn, they'll be more motivated to sell. This, in turn, leads to increased sales and revenue.
4. Budget-friendly Branded Merchandise
Among the numerous promotional merchandise options, some are relatively inexpensive and still make an impression. Here are some examples of budget-friendly branded merchandise:
- Pens and notebooks are traditional but useful branded merchandise.
https://indigo-promotions.co.uk/product/contour_pen_family_gg0831c
https://indigo-promotions.co.uk/product/a5_mole_qs0345
- Desk accessories such as stress balls, fidget spinners or clipboards featuring your logo.
https://indigo-promotions.co.uk/product/round_stress_ball_rsb
https://indigo-promotions.co.uk/product/spindigo_pen_gg3171p
- Reusable shopping bags and tote bags, which have become essential items given the ecological concerns.
https://indigo-promotions.co.uk/product/sandale_5oz_natural_cotton_bag_gg1231c
https://indigo-promotions.co.uk/product/carolina_100_gm2_cotton_tote_bag_7l_119411
- Sunglasses during the summer or warming gloves in winter months branded, remind the customer from whom it came.
https://indigo-promotions.co.uk/product/sun_ray_rpet_sunglasses_127004
https://indigo-promotions.co.uk/product/antibacterial_touchscreen_gloves_abtg
- Scented candles, plant seeds, or limited-edition food marketing can be inexpensive but unique when branded to keep and Re-use.
https://indigo-promotions.co.uk/product/eco_seedball_matchbox_gg723fc
https://indigo-promotions.co.uk/product/standard_seed_packs_sspcks
Conclusion:
Promotional merchandise doesn't have to break the bank, and with a little creativity, it can pack a significant punch in terms of marketing benefits. As we’ve seen, brand recognition, customer loyalty, and increased sales are all benefits to using promotional merchandise. Providing customers with a unique, high-quality branded item creates an emotional connection, which can lead to lifelong customers. Moreover, it can also give your employees a sense of pride in the company, leading to increased productivity. Therefore, we encourage businesses of all sizes to embrace promotional merchandise and realize that it's a small investment that can lead to huge returns.
