• 26/07/2013
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Branded Promotional Products – A Tried And Tested Method For Offline Marketing

The use of branded promotional products as part of an offline marketing strategy of businesses pre-dates the internet. These products are so widely used that many of us do not see them for what they truly are. However, these eight surprising facts about branded promotional products provide compelling reasons as to why they should form a core part of any advertising campaign.

Branded promotional products have an extensive history

Experts record the earliest product branding to have been commemorative buttons which were issued for George Washington’s 1789 inauguration. During the nineteenth century, the UK based company Pears Soap created a strong branding campaign which was targeted at a specific audience. The Promotional Products Association International was established in 1904. The long history of the promotional products industry is a testament to its success.

The promotional merchandise industry is expansive

The promotional merchandise industry within the UK and Ireland has been valued at a jaw dropping £763 million for the year 2013. It is common knowledge that industry can only survive if there is a demand for it; therefore, by default, the staggering value of the industry highlights the demand for branded promotional products.

The average person owns three pieces of branded promotional merchandise

Research provided by the BMPA demonstrates that the average surveyed person had no less than three promotional items in sight of their desk in their workplace. These products ranged from mousemats and coasters, to calendars, diaries and stress toys. We may be able to recognise these items and acknowledge their existence, however we often miss the true potential value of having branded items at hand. When it comes to decision making, especially under limited time, having contact details close at hand can often sway the decision.

Branded promotional products provide the least annoying form of advertising

It is important when planning an advertising campaign to consider how the medium will be perceived by your target audience. Research conducted by BPMA demonstrated that only 5% of those surveyed stated they found promotional products annoying. In the same research, 73% of those questioned found online banner advertisements to be annoying. These results clearly demonstrate the value of branded promotional products.

Branded products are almost as memorable as TV advertisements

The same BPMA survey demonstrated that 39% of those questioned stated TV adverts were the most memorable form of advertising. In contrast, 35% of those asked cited promotional products as most memorable. This fact demonstrates that as a promotional tool, branded products are a powerful medium for brand exposure and advertisement. In the same survey, over half of those asked revealed that a promotional product would serve as a catalyst for action. This statistic is greater than the results of online advertising, print, direct mail and television combined!

Promotional Merchandise creating an impression which is both lasting and memorable

An astonishing 94% of those asked in the BPMA survey said they could still recall the details of a company which provided them with a branded promotional product. This result is far greater than those gained by other mediums which are just as quickly dismissed as they are received. Psychologically, a product which is both physical and tangible provides a greater chance of memory retention and recall as it appeals to a number of senses simultaneously.

Utilising branded promotional products demonstrates that your business is both innovative and forward thinking

By its very nature, the branded product industry aims to deliver a range of products matching those which are currently popular. However, there remains a wide selection of items which are both timeless and iconic, such as diaries and calendars, which are not affected by these changes in preference. At Promo Parrot, we work extremely hard to ensure we supply our clients with products which match the latest fashionable colours, gadgets, themes and trends.

Branded gifts are not simply a novelty

Unfortunately, many people can be dismissive of promotional products, passing them off as mere gimmicks. This is simply not true. From USB pens and phone speakers, to glassware and knife sets, branding can be applied to a wide range of products with a high value. Selecting these items not only encourages long use of the item, but it also reflects the status of your brand.