Promotional products are the medium that “remains to be seen,” and it is the only advertising medium for which people say “thank you” when received. Plus…this medium touches all five of the human senses.
What are promotional products most frequently used for?
· Business Gifts – 26.1%
· Public Relations – 13.0%
· Employee Relations & Events – 8.6%
· Employee Service Awards – 7.0%
· Brand Awareness – 7.0%
· Trade Shows – 6.9%
· New Customer/Account Generation – 5.5%
· Not-for-Profit Programs – 5.4%
· Employee Incentive Programs – 5.1%
· New Product/Service Introduction – 4.1%
· Dealer/Distributor Programs – 3.7%
· Employee Safety & Education – 3.2%
· Customer Referral – 1.9%
· Other – 2.6%
What are the most popular promotional products?
· Wearables/Apparel – 37%
· Writing Instruments – 9%
· Drinkware – 8%
· Calendars – 6%
· Textiles – 5%
· Sporting Goods – 4%
· Buttons/Badges/Ribbons/Stickers/Magnets – 3%
· Desk/Office/Business accessories – 3%
· Jewelry/Watches/Clocks – 3%
· Automotive Accessories – 3%
· Travel products & Accessories – 2%
· Plaques/Trophies – 2%
· Leisure Products – 2%
· Other – 11%
Why choose a Certified Promotional Products Distributor?
A 2005 survey by the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) indicated that the primary concern of today’s marketers is accountability. In other words, today’s CEOs are demanding measurable results from senior level marketers.
To meet these accountability demands and achieve measurable results, you have to develop campaigns that have impact and recall. That’s where a professional can help. Start with three simple letters: MAS or CAS. That’s the promotional products industry designation for EXPERT. A MAS (Master Advertising Specialist) or CAS (Certified Advertising Specialist) designation after a distributor’s name means they’ve earned one of the industry’s only official certifications.
Individuals holding a MAS or CAS designation have been in the promotional products industry a minimum of 5 years (MAS) or 3 years (CAS). They have completed all sectors of the professional education curriculum, select volunteer assignments, and passed a comprehensive written exam. Maintenance of the MAS or CAS requires re-certification every three years.
Less than 5% of promotional product professionals today have achieved the industry’s certification standards, making them true leaders and innovators in the business. Certified promotional product professionals bring added value to your marketing program – and that means accountability.
Please do contact me anytime to learn more about the effective identification and engagement of your target audience.
James Young, CSP, MAS.
Phone 1-888-832-1063
james@promosmart.ca
May 2007 - Driving traffic to your trade show booth
There are three phases of exhibitor promotion: pre-show, at-show and post-show follow-up. The most important phase to a company’s exhibit return on investment (ROI), is clearly pre-show. This certainly requires advance planning and some extra work to determine and contact the pre-registered attendees, however the rewards can be very significant.
Further, the type of pre-show promotion utilized is also significant. Check out the following experiment.
- Group One of attendees is mailed a postcard, inviting them to visit the booth.
- Group Two is also mailed the postcard, as well as a fridge magnet.
- Group Three is mailed the postcard, the fridge magnet and a token that can be redeemed for a t-shirt at the exhibitors booth.
The results in percentage of registered attendees visiting the exhibitor’s booth?
- Group One – 23%
- Group Two – 36%
- Group Three – 41%
Now…mix this winning concept with a little Promo Smart creativity, and together we’ll develop some very exciting (possibly unique) promotional items for your trade show opportunity.
And always remember…lumpy mail gets opened first!
