Promotional Products In Modern Marketing: Myths, Debunked

Custom promotional products are an effective marketing tool used by businesses of all sizes for decades. They can help you increase brand awareness, build customer loyalty and boost sales. 

However, several myths about promotional products hold some businesses back from using them effectively. In this article, we will debunk some of the most common promotional product myths. 

Myth #1: Promotional Products Are Expensive

One of the most common misconceptions about promotional products is that they are expensive. Although some promotional items can indeed be expensive, many cost-effective choices are accessible to match any budget. 

For instance, you can opt for low-cost items such as pens, keyrings, or fridge magnets that can be distributed in large quantities without breaking the bank. Moreover, promotional products are considered a long-term investment, and their ROI can be significant if used strategically.

Myth #2: Promotional Products Are Only Suitable For Big Companies

Another myth is that promotional products only suit big companies with large marketing budgets. However, this is far from the truth. 

In fact, promotional products can be especially beneficial for small businesses and startups looking to increase their brand visibility and compete with larger companies. Small businesses may establish a strong brand and foster customer loyalty by offering promotional products to potential customers.

Myth #3: Promotional Products Are Not Effective

Some businesses believe that promotional products are ineffective in generating leads or boosting sales. However, research has shown that promotional products significantly impact consumer behaviour. 

According to a study by the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), 85% of consumers remember the company name that gave them a promotional product, and 70% have taken action after receiving it. These actions include visiting the company's website, purchasing, or recommending the company to others.

Myth #4: Promotional Products Are Wasteful

Another common myth is that promotional products are wasteful and environmentally harmful. However, this is not true if you choose eco-friendly and sustainable promotional products. 

Many suppliers offer promotional products from recycled materials, such as promotional drink bottles, tote bags and pens. By choosing sustainable promotional products, you can show your commitment to the environment and appeal to environmentally conscious customers.

Myth #5: Promotional Products Are Outdated

Some businesses believe that promotional products are outdated and have been replaced by digital marketing channels. While it's true that digital marketing has become an essential part of any marketing strategy, promotional products still have a place in the marketing mix. 

In fact, promotional merchandise can complement your digital marketing efforts by providing a tangible reminder of your brand. For example, if you give away a branded USB drive at a trade show, the recipient will see your logo every time they use the drive in the future, keeping your brand top of mind.

Myth #6: Promotional Products Are Difficult to Measure

Another myth about promotional products is that they are difficult to measure. However, this is not true if you use the right metrics. You can track the success of your promotional products by measuring their impact on brand awareness, customer engagement, and sales. 

For example, you can use coupon codes or unique URLs to track the number of sales generated by your promotional products. You can also conduct surveys to measure customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.

Myth #7: Promotional Products Are One-Size-Fits-All

Finally, some businesses believe that promotional products are one-size-fits-all and that any product will work for any audience. However, this is not true. Promotional products must be relevant and valuable to your target audience to be effective. 

Suppose you are targeting a tech-savvy audience. You may want to offer branded phone chargers or USB drives. If you target a fitness audience, you may want to offer branded water bottles or gym bags.

Conclusion 

Promotional items are an effective marketing strategy that may aid companies of all sizes raise their brand recognition, cultivate client loyalty and increase sales. Businesses can benefit from this effective marketing tool by putting to rest these widespread misconceptions and making informed judgments regarding their promotional goods strategy.

Looking to add value and style to your brand with custom promotional products? Look no further than Withers & Co! Our team specialises in sourcing and delivering quality branded merchandise that solves problems, meets needs, and adds fun to people's lives. Whether you're looking to promote your business or enhance your brand's image, our custom promotional products are the perfect solution. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help bring your brand to life!