How to Design Promotional Materials for Your Next Event

Are you finally committing to a corporate or small business event, eager to let the community know who you are, and eager to give away free items to get some reciprocity going? Great! But before you invest in a hundred pens or mugs, be sure to ask yourself some pertinent questions.

1.Who am I and how does this product show people who I am?

If the items seems contrary to your objective in business then they won’t be perceived as a useful or relevant gift. It may not even make your name memorable, since connecting your brand and the relevancy of the gift is what will make the customer remember you in the first place.

2. Is this item telling a story?

The larger the item, the more in-depth the message, the more it should tell a story about your brand. For example, consider the promotional items an artist or musician usually produces. It’s not just for imagery or fun, but tells the story of the artist and what the music or art is all about.

3.Do you have a logo that communicates the product, your name and your values?

The logo is usually the visual association you need to make a strong presentation. However, if the logo is not clear about what you’re selling, it’s all a waste of time. In addition to putting it on the product, the logo should also be prominent at your website, on flyers and on signage to make the connection from promotional item to brand name.

4. Advertise and sponsor at events.

It’s much easier to create an in person connection when you go to public events and mingle with people, handing out promotional gifts where there is already a captive audience—who will be delighted to get something free in the midst of so many high-priced retail items. In addition, giving the audience an “experience” helps quite a bit, as you can associate a good memory or feeling with your brand. For example, after hours tours and open house events are memorable and thus your audience is more likely to remember the promotional item as an instant recall for all the experiences they enjoyed.

5. Consider demographics and plan accordingly.

Millennial target customers will appreciate gifts differently than baby boomers. Tech products might do well at certain electronic or mainstream shows, while artsy products do better at entertainment-centered shows. Even simple calendars might appeal to some demographics.

6. Don’t stop with initial interest.

Once you have a good thing going, keep it up! People will never get tired of free hand outs and if you’ve earned their business with one initial gift, keep the gifts coming as you institute a customer loyalty program and reward them with more gifts in different price ranges, based on how much they spend, visit, purchase or share. The fun never has to stop and that’s another key of successful marketing.

Pin Pros Plus specializes in promotional items, including pins, badges, patchwork, lapels and other label products. Think visually and never miss an opportunity to proudly proclaim your brand name.