Branded promotional products
When used well, branded products are a useful way to gain brand recognition for your organisation, especially when you use them in conjunction with other marketing tools. Most importantly, you don’t have to invest thousands of dollars in trendy promotional items to make this type of marketing effective.
Here are simple ideas for raising your profile through branded products.
T-Shirts
Having printed T-Shirts available for staff and volunteers to use at special events not only raises your profile, it helps identify the people in charge. It also makes your people feel special and a part of a real team.
Invest in one set of uni-sex T-shirts which staff and volunteers can borrow, wash and return after events.
Pens
Pens may seem a little old hat, but the reason so many businesses use them, is because they work. Pens are passed from person to person and you never know who will end up with your contact details. When purchasing in bulk, printed pens cost little more than your standard unprinted equivalent.
Gazebos
If you have a tent or gazebo that you use for expos or other special events, invest in getting your organisations logo printed on the side or top. This allows people to see your brand, no matter where they are at the event. It may even encourage people to come and take a closer look.
Fundraising Products
Most promotional printing companies can print your message on just about anything. Find a product that has a wide customer appeal, and then come up with a marketing slogan to have printed on the side. For example, you could use torches printed with “Shining the Light on Domestic Violence” or “Putting the Spotlight on our Young Stars” or whatever your cause may be.
Not only can you sell the item for a profit, you can raise the profile of your organisation at the same time.
Thank You Gifts for Sponsors or Supporters
If you have special sponsors or supporters that you buy thank you gifts for each year, make sure the gift has your name on it. Choose items that your supporters will genuinely like and use, and their thank you gift will become a mobile advertisement for your organisation.
There are literally thousands of businesses throughout New Zealand which provide promotional products or printing. When choosing a company to work with consider these things:
- What is the minimum number of items you can order? It is a good idea to be able to test the waters with a few items to start with.
- What is their set up fee? Is there are set up fee each time you re-order?
- Where are they based? Is there a shipping fee?
- What is their turn around time? How long does it take from making your order to receiving the goods?
- Are they approachable, and do they offer good free advice?
Two businesses who understand the needs of the community sector well are:
www.purplepromotions.co.nz
www.im-presspromotions.co.nz