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Anyone else had any promotion or traffic increase as a result of this? I am totally not interested in making money (off the promo items) and will be pricing items to break even on cost, shipping, handling.
I was just wondering what other experiences people had - and if so, what are the best items to give away so that your domain name will stick in their memory?
(I was thinking custom Letter Openers I don't know of too many people that would throw one away and most could probably use them. JMO)
Does anyone still give away pencils and pens? They are cheap to produce but what about their shelf life?
And what about coffee cups? Big investment for each one, but the have a long shelf-life (no pun intended).
Any responses, answers, insights, thoughts and open discussion appreciation.
Maybe it sounds like an old-school, niave approach, but I think it fits in with Brett's non-search engine independence goals. (Traffic w/out SEs)
Kindest Regards,
Freedom
Anyone else had any promotion or traffic increase as a result of this? I am totally not interested in making money (off the promo items) and will be pricing items to break even on cost, shipping, handling.
That all depends on when the items are distributed to users. If its at a trade show or major industry event where you hand them out, then yes, you will see an increase in referrals during that time period.
If its just one of those everyday handouts, don't expect to see any real evidence that the promotion is what got them to the site. Unless of course you ask them how they found you sometime during the checkout process.
I was just wondering what other experiences people had - and if so, what are the best items to give away so that your domain name will stick in their memory?
Best time is any time. I've been in the Ad Specialties industry since 1990. I've found that it all comes down to the perceived value of the item you are giving away. Pens, coffee cups, hats, shirts, etc. have all been beaten to death. Everyone is trying to figure out a way to do pens a different way to keep the interest going. Problem is, everyone hands out a pen these days. And, if it is not one of those "high perceived value" pens, its going in the bin.
Always look for an item that your users will appreciate. If you are in tech, you look for tech related items. Or, you look for "What's New" and see if you can find something with a big bang for the buck.
I was thinking custom Letter Openers I don't know of too many people that would throw one away and most could probably use them.
Actually, the right letter opener can do wonders. Look for one's that allow you to insert a business card. They feel better in the hand due to their size and will open most letter type mail. Some of the smaller size ones are worthless.
Does anyone still give away pencils and pens? They are cheap to produce but what about their shelf life?
Again, it all comes down to perceived value. Nice pen, it will probably get used. Cheap $.69 Bic pen, probably not.
And what about coffee cups? Big investment for each one, but the have a long shelf-life (no pun intended).
Coffee cups are a dime a dozen. Look for unique styles, shapes, ergonomics. And definitely look for one that fits in most, if not all, cup holders. Many make the mistake of buying a mug only to find out that it doesn't get used except in the office. You want the recipient to carry that mug with them. ;)
Maybe it sounds like an old-school, niave approach, but I think it fits in with Brett's non-search engine independence goals. (Traffic w/out SEs)
Not old school at all. The Advertising Specialties industry is alive and well. Branded merchandise is a big industry. Its all about finding the best bang for your buck while making sure you have a product that your users will like.
Pens, coffee cups, hats, shirts, etc. have all been beaten to death.
How about mouse pads?
Mouse Pads are always a solid promotional tool, at least for my clients. For a Mouse Pad to have a high perceived value, it needs to have a special finish, unique full color design, shape, etc. Your everyday rectangle may not perform as well as other options.
Look for high tech mouse pads that have unique tracking surfaces for wireless mice. Gel rests for the palm/wrist are really nice.
Once you start invading the user's "personal space", you better have a product that is worthy of their daily attention. ;)
Thin Mouse Pads (.0625) with a Lexan type finish are usually the more impactful ones. There are also 3D effects using a Lenticular substrate. Some really cool stuff available. But, you are going to run into minimums of 250, 500, 1,000 at a pop (in most instances). And if you don't, the cost per piece is going to be a bit on the high side.
Although, with today's digital printing technology, you can probably do one off designs. I've kind of gone into semi-retirement from the industry and haven't been keeping up with the "absolute latest". ;)
I remain convinced until this day that had I found a source it would have been a very powerful promotion tool.
The trick is to give the item away to the right people. Even pencils should be handed out with, "Take this and check out my website for more details, then call me." Show interest, get details, then give them a little gift. I'm convinced it is a powerful emotional link to the customers.
[edited by: weeks at 2:21 pm (utc) on June 19, 2007]
Matt
Everyone in our old office had ones from our manufacturers - perfect way to get your URL / brand out there.
I would also say carrier bags like the JD ones? EVERYONE has a JD bag somewhere and I bet they get used a lot!
Mind you not sure on the tshirt's unless they are catchy and nice enough for a person to wear.. I mean fashion = real personal.
RJ
How about mouse pads?
The best cheap freebie promo item I got was a little keyring torch. Other keyrings have come and gone since then but I keep this one because it's a torch and you never know when you might need one.
On another note, a rather inexpensive promotion and one that works well...
Leather Coasters
I've done a few that were "branded" with the client's message and they have always gone over well. We do a circular version and target the entire imprint area which is quite large depending on the diameter of the coaster.
Another thing to think about is the "size" of the item. If you are going to a trade show and are taking 250/500 pieces with you, beware!
Also, be careful of cheap and inexpensive. Remember, it is all about "perceived value". Inexpensive is fine. Cheap is not.
I've seen $50.00 (per item) promos drop and flop.
Oh, you mean flashlight... ;-)
Keyring torch?! Where can I get one?
There are probably a bunch of them sitting in those little baskets at the airport in front of the metal detectors. You know, that stuff that people donate because the security personnel didn't feel comfortable allowing it on the plane. ;)
It should be noted that the prices on these items vary quite a bit from vendor to vendor, plus one can haggle on price as well. How many you order can often change the price a great deal. A $1 a unit for 500 will drop to .25 for 10,000.
Decide what you want to spend, then go see what you can get for the money. Like anything else, there are overstocks often on weird colors that might work great for you.
I've had some very nice pens with logos on it, but they are just not that popular.
The suggestion for pads was good. Again, prices can vary quite a bit. Find a print shop that does them in house, give them plenty of time to produce them and you'll be amazed what you can get for very few dollars.
The best cheap freebie promo item I got was a little keyring torch.
Yes, but did it make you use the services of the company who gave it to you again or were you just carrying a torch for them? ;)
Actually I have just received a flier from my local football (soccer) club here in Scotland. They are only a third division outfit with an average attendance of about 700 to 800 people for home games. They are offering trackside advertising for £600 + VAT per annum.
The stadium is used occasionally for training by the Scottish international team and visiting European teams so it sometimes gets brief television exposure. Do you think that this would be a good deal?
Keyring torch?!
LOL, I guess torch doesn't quite mean the same thing to everyone here? Yes, I mean flashlight :)
but did it make you use the services of the company who gave it to you
No, I have to admit I didn't.
Marshall
but how about a lint-free/static-free screen wipe that has your name and logo?
Excellent inexpensive high perceived value product. Screen wipes always come in handy and work like a charm. Just do something a little different than everyone else, if you can. ;)
Ceramic coffee mugs go well for us; ours are funny.
Also, how about flash drives? - put your logo on/in them.
Actually I have just received a flier from my local football (soccer) club here in Scotland. They are only a third division outfit with an average attendance of about 700 to 800 people for home games. They are offering trackside advertising for £600 + VAT per annum.
OK, I went ahead with this and signed up today. All I would need would be one or two jobs to get a full ROI. I also get four hospitality day invitations to matches including free booze, lunch and a sponsors link from their website. At the hospitality days I get to network with lots of people from the local business community.
I thinks this sounds like a good deal?
I thinks this sounds like a good deal?
Torch
I did a double-take on that one too; I'd buy something I didn't need, to get a keychain flaming torch!
Women especially seem to like the LED key fobs. One thing to look out for, make sure the switch cannot be easily activated in pocket or purse. You don't want your promotional to be useless after a few days, needing oddball, difficult-to-change batteries.
