You might think that all you need to market your small business anymore is social media and maybe an email campaign.  But, you might think wrong.  Promotional products, also known as "swag" or branded giveaways, still pack a big punch when you need to meet your prospects face to face at a networking event, initial meeting or trade show. Why? Because, if selected well, branded products are memorable, affordable and will be used after the event is done.

Today's Most Appreciated Giveaways

When choosing a promotional product, you have to keep your target market in mind.  What would they find useful? What would they be likely to keep around? Sure, a pen fits both of those criteria, but most of us have dozens of branded pens in our offices and at home.  Some of the most popular promotional products today include reusable glass and water bottles, collapsible water bottles, reusable "green" shopping totes and other "green" products, umbrellas and mobile device chargers. All of these items serve a purpose and are not likely to be quickly thrown away.

Better Products = Easier Follow-up

The better the giveaway, the more you can ask from the recipient in exchange for it. No one wants to give up their email address for a pen, but someone probably will for a mobile device charger or metal water bottle.  Follow-up after any event is key, so getting contact information is what you're after in the first place.  Of course, you don't want to start emailing prospects every day after the event is over, but a carefully thought out follow-up campaign can definitely bring results that warrant the extra expense of pricier promotional products.

Work With a Promotional Products Rep

You can sift through thousands of promotional products online yourself and often get a great price.  However, when you go it alone, you often don't have much in the way of customer service if the order is wrong. Promotional products experts usually ask a lot of good questions about your target market and will narrow down the list of items accordingly.  They will be your advocates throughout the process and make sure that you're getting what you asked for. Of course, we at Alta Graphics would be happy to use our expertise for you, so give us a call when you want expert help in choosing the best product for your next event.