Thursday, August 25, 2011

Why You Should Promote Often with Promotional Products

Survey shows promotional products are an effective, inexpensive marketing tool. Find out why!

 It may sound like a David versus Goliath story. However, small companies can deliver positive impact to their bottom line by using an effective tool enjoyed by Fortune 500 companies for less than a penny per impression.


Promotional products, also known as advertising specialties, are more effective and affordable than most media. To the newcomer, promotional products are useful items imprinted with the company name and/or logo on them. Types of promotional products include, but are not limited to, caps, pens, casual or tee shirts, automotive accessories, and mugs.


Unlike a business card, which may end up in the trash, promotional products are perceived as useful and something of value. Look around your home. Odds are if you are like most people, you have several promotional products on display: a couple of imprinted pens at your desk, that special coffee mug inside your cupboard, or that colorful magnet on the refrigerator door.


Recently, the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) conducted a landmark study showing that promotional products are less expensive per impression than most other media. In addition, the study found promotional products are very effective and affordable when compared to other forms of media.


ASI conducted a total of 3,332 in-person and online surveys, including interviews with business professionals in major metropolitian areas such as Los Angeles, New York, London, Montreal, and Sydney.A follow-up to its 2008 survey, ASI included new demographic information on politics, ethnicity, gender and age because knowing the recipient of advertising specialties is extremely important for advertisers. In addiititon, the survey included global markets and more promotional products, such as food and automotive accessories.


The survey found:


The cost per impression of a promotional product remained nearly the same in the US between 2008 and 2010, at .005 cents. Imagine the number of impressions received from an imprinted pen, which often exchanges hands at numerous times!


Tote bags have the highest number of impressions per month, over 1,000. The fact is that 36% of people with annual incomes less than $50,000 own bags. This gives the advertisers more bang for their buck.


Gender differences were prevalent in the survey: Men were more likely than women to own polo-type shirts and caps. Women, on the other hand, were more likely to have bags, writing instruments, calendars and health and safety products.


The survey also found advertiser identification very strong. In fact, 83% Americans remembering the advertiser on a promotional item they own. After all, the goal of any business offering promotional products is to be remembered. No other media delivers such a powerful impact.


Promotional products deliver positive opinions of businesses. According to the survey, 41% Americans say their opinion of the advertiser is more positive upon receiving a promotional product.


The positive impact of promotional products expands the globe. Over 63% of the survey-takers in London have received and kept a pen in the last 12 months. In the U.S. , writing instruments are used the most often, an average of 18.2 times per month.


Promotional products have incredible pass-along rates! Nearly 63% of US survey-takers give the promotional item to someone else if they don’t use it themselves. It is nearly impossible to do that with any other form of advertising!


The popularity of promotional products (advertising specialties) has never been greater! The most widely used promotional products in the U.S. are writing instruments (46%), shirts (38%) and calendars (24%).


For effectiveness, affordability, popularity, and selection, promotional products can’t be beat! Shouldn’t they become a vital part of your company’s marketing team?  Visit Here for more information on these cost-effective marketing tools!

Several Reasons to Consider a Business Website


Businesses of all sizes are holding tighter to their money now than ever before. One reason, they claim, is to wait for the economy to improve before promoting their business.


I pray this won’t offend: But, Such reasoning is impractical. Let’s be real here: Whose going to remember you when your business has closed its doors?


No time is better than now to promote your business with a strong web presence. Here’s why:

1.All Businesses—Especially Yours—Need a Strong Web Presence.


We’re no longer living in the 60s, 70s. Or the 80’s! Today’s consumers expect—often demand--a business website, usually searching the web before making a purchase—online or off.


Without a strong web presence, others have difficulty finding you. Fewer people consult phone books these days. Instead, they try to find you on the web. Will you be found?



2. No Boundaries Means Greater Revenues. The world is your marketplace. You are no longer restricted by zip or area codes. You can sell your services anywhere, thus making more money for your business.



3. Time is no longer an issue. Most brick and mortar business have set hours for their employees. Yet, your website can workwithout a time clock—24-hours-a-day, 7 days a week.


4. Customer Satisfaction will Increase.Your customers will be able to find up-to-date information on your products, services, and hours even when your office or store is closed.



5. Add Power for Pennies. A professional looking website gives your business extra strength, enabling it to compete with larger competitors. Now, they can find you on the web. Impressions can be everything—and can also generate positive results.



6. Bottom Line: You Become A Winner! You gain professionalism and increase exposure. More people visit your business, thus increasing your business revenues.

Visit Here to find out more about the benefits of having your very own website!

How to Increase Your Client Base and Make More Money


In today’s struggling economy, business owners all over the globe seek new clients. Many even wonder how their competition—which is, er, other business owners--seem to have a larger client base than they do. The answer, my friends, is that these businesses are doing something other, professionals claim they are too busy to do: They are promoting themselves and their businesses—taking a greater share of the marketplace those who don't!


Marketing for business professionals isn’t rocket science, nor is it time consuming. The following helpful hints will attract more clients your way, thus delivering more revenue for your business or law firm:


1 Set yourself apart from the pack. Make sure clients know you are a unique, one-of-a-kind specialist in your field of expertise. Let them know you concentrate 100% of your efforts in providing them the best service at all times. You are not a jack-of-all-trades or a discount house, but the best business professional at any cost. Then show them. Afterwards, ask for referrals, and watch your small business or practice grow!


2. Stay in touch with your clients. While seeking new business, don’t forget your current clients. Constantly remind them how much they mean to you—through a card, letter, and or an inexpensive promotional item complete with your business card. Again, don’t forget to ask for referrals.


3. Network. Attend after hour events, breakfasts, or mid-day meetings. Join your area chamber or service organization. Volunteer in your community. Speak to various groups about your profession. Whatever you do, make sure you have plenty of business cards on hand.


4. Share. Share your expertise with all media. Offer up-to-date information to those who visit your website with your very own blog. If you don’t have a professional looking website, now is the time to invest in one.


5. Promote. Invest time and a little money by promoting the most important person in your business: you. Advertise!  Make yourself visible to future clients in directories of all kinds.