When you’ve been in the game as long as our promotional marketing division has, it’s impressive to see how the solutions have evolved over the years. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, some popular corporate promotional products included water bottles, stress balls, mouse mats, and plastic bags. Somewhat uninspiring in today’s market, but hey, they did the job.
Today, however, the Promotional & Experiential Marketing sector has come such a long way with an unlimited array of niche and specialist solutions available. These include numerous ways to customize them in a manner unique to your brand and integrated into your overall marketing program.
Explore these 10 popular promotional products and their evolution.
1. Branded Conference/Retail Bags
Whether it’s for Retail or Conference/Event purposes, the humble plastic bag with a one-color logo print was once the norm. With all the relevant environmental concerns these days, it’s rare for us to receive a request for such a product. It’s now all about environmentally friendly, reusable, branded bags made from Calico, Cotton, or Non-Woven PP. Reusable branded bags are not only better for our environment, but they can also be easily printed in full colour or with a single spot colour.
2. Lanyards
The classic ribbed lanyard was once a staple item in the world of branded merchandise. Did you know that these days, the lanyard has gone high-tech? USB charging lanyards are not only a fantastic advertising medium, but they can recharge your phone and other devices, ensuring this useful item will be kept close and used long after your event is over.
3. Branded Drink Bottles
An oldie, but a goodie! The water bottle will always have a home at the corporate, school, and sports club levels. Now, however, standard plastic water bottles have been largely replaced by eco-friendly, stylish metal bottles, glass, or recyclable plastic with full-color wrap print options. The personalised print and branding options are the gifts that keep giving.
4. Stress Balls
The first ‘Stress Ball’ came to prominence in 1988, and by the late 90s, they were a standard give-away promotional merchandise item for many brands. From a simple 1 colour print on a round ball, today, we’re producing full colour printed, custom-shaped stress squeezers.
5. Mouse Mat
Many of us still have one of those thick neoprene mouse mats lying around the home or office. Before 2000, they were an absolute must-have item for corporate-branded merchandise. Instead, today, we’re producing mouse mats that are not only much more fashionable with a slimline, premium feel, but they can also recharge your phone and other devices. Done the right way, they are an excellent solution to keep your brand and messaging top of mind every day.
6. Earphones
In the good old days, we listened to music through our iPod through wired, cumbersome earphones. Today, with super convenient wireless Bluetooth earbuds, the days of getting tangled up with cords at the gym or on the commute home are a thing of the past. In an age of on-demand content being delivered to your mobile, Bluetooth earbuds are one of the most popular and affordable promotional gifts.
7. Pedometer
Do you remember when it was cool to have a pedometer strapped to your belt!? Yes, that was a thing! Today, it’s all about the streamlined fitness tracker that everybody loves to be seen wearing! Whether you’re promoting a gym, sports club, or simply aligning your brand with health and wellness, these on-trend fitness trackers can measure steps, heart rate, blood pressure, display phone notifications, and more.
8. Headwear
While the standard, curved-peak branded cap remains a staple item, you may be surprised to know that there are now numerous cool alternatives. Check out these beanies with built-in rechargeable Bluetooth headphones. Add a 3D embroidery of your logo to these for a truly unique bit of branded merchandise.
9. Promotional T-Shirt
There will always be a place for the simple promotional T-shirt with a one-color screen-printed logo. It’s the quick & easy way to promote your brand. Did you know that there is now a world of other high-quality branding options, including full colour digital printing, sublimation, and much more? Oh, and of course, the fabric has come a long way, too. From standard cotton fabrics to moisture-wicking fabrics, bamboo and organic fibres that come in a huge range of modern, stylish designs. The possibilities are endless! In many ways, the garment type makes a statement of its own.
10. Travel Mug
A travel mug used to be the sort of thing you’d only find in your dad’s van. Today, especially in Melbourne, the travel mug has been reincarnated as one of the hottest branded promotional items around. Choices are abundant, including Stainless steel, Glass, BPA-free materials, and unique and stylish designs. As we spend more time in our cars or on public transportation, brands want to ensure they capture our attention and make a lasting impression.
Your experiential and promotional marketing program is a critical part of your brand’s overall marketing strategy. The winners in this game are the brands that have the right balance between digital and promotional marketing. You may be surprised that even a simple pen can create the perfect first impression of your business. Ensure that you explore all options when trying to reach your audience; I can assure you, the competition certainly does. What message is your corporate branding and merchandise sending?
If your corporate merchandise is “missing in action” or looking like an 1980s water bottle, contact us today for a FREE 15-minute strategy session.
Together, we can create a promotional marketing program that will modernise and elevate your brand to the position it deserves, while supporting your digital initiatives.