3 Great Promotional Items To Market Your Business

<h1>3 Great Promotional Items To Market Your Business</h1>Author: <a title="Aldar Nagy" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/aldar-nagy/160610.htm">Aldar Nagy</a> Most small businesses are forever looking for new and effective ways to get their name out in front of potential customers without spending so much they go broke in the process. Traditional print advertising and direct mail is either ineffective or too expensive for many small businesses but, luckily, there are other options. One of the best of these options for the small business is to use their marketing dollars to give away carefully selected, customized promotional items to targeted individuals. The “big three” items, key chains, coffee mugs, and calendars have been around for a while, but can be just as effective today as they have for countless businesses in the past. 1. Key Chains – One of the most popular promotional items for many years, customized key chains are still a great way to get and keep your name out in front of your potential customers. There are many styles and options from which to choose in a wide range of prices. The secret here is to choose the style that matches the product or service you are trying to sell. Try to select a style that offers something besides a ring to hold keys. For example, there are styles that include a small, well-made flashlight that many people will carry around with them for months or years. If you select something you would add to the key chain you already use, others will feel the same. 2. Coffee Mugs – Even though giving coffee mugs out to potential clients will cost you a relatively large amount per piece, the long life of the item might make the upfront cost of the items worth it. Consider that you are using these giveaways to remind potential customers when they need the products or services you offer. Coffee mugs have a very long life and it is not uncommon for people to keep them around for years. Do not waste your money on cheap plastic throwaways. You can purchase a good quality mug for as little as a few dollars each, depending on the quantity ordered, that will firmly cement your reputation in the eyes of your customer. If you really want to impress, wrap each of these mugs in tissue paper and put them in a gift box with a small card addressed to the recipient. If you ever receive one of these, you will never forget it and that is exactly what you are trying to do. 3. Calendars – Another great promotional item to consider is the custom made calendar. These can take many different forms such as large or small wall styles, desk blotters, or even small magnetized or adhesive backed versions to stick on a refrigerator or in a car. Long the favorite of many real estate professionals but many other businesses can benefit from these as well. One minor drawback to giving calendars is their useful life is obviously limited. Most people replace their calendars between November and January so this should be your target, but there is no reason you cannot add a month in both directions. No matter what type of item you decide on, make sure to maximize your results by giving careful consideration to when and where you distribute them. Keep in mind, the more focused your marketing is, the better your expected results should be. In today’s economy, every small business must use their marketing dollars wisely, and the right selection and use of promotional giveaways can be just what your business is looking for.About the Author: Aldar Nagy is the author of The Business Startup Resource, which offers new business profiles, ideas, advice, and other resources to help you when you are starting your own business. The Business Startup Resource can be found at: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.businessstartupresource.com">http://www.businessstartupresource.com</a> Check back often, new business profiles are being added all the time.Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/entrepreneurship-articles/3-great-promotional-items-to-market-your-business-1061375.html" title="3 Great Promotional Items To Market Your Business">3 Great Promotional Items To Market Your Business</a>

Most small businesses are forever looking for new and effective ways to get their name out in front of potential customers without spending so much they go broke in the process. Traditional print advertising and direct mail is either ineffective or too expensive for many small businesses but, luckily, there are other options. One of the best of these options for the small business is to use their marketing dollars to give away carefully selected, customized promotional items to targeted individuals. The “big three” items, key chains, coffee mugs, and calendars have been around for a while, but can be just as effective today as they have for countless businesses in the past.

1. Key Chains – One of the most popular promotional items for many years, customized key chains are still a great way to get and keep your name out in front of your potential customers. There are many styles and options from which to choose in a wide range of prices. The secret here is to choose the style that matches the product or service you are trying to sell. Try to select a style that offers something besides a ring to hold keys. For example, there are styles that include a small, well-made flashlight that many people will carry around with them for months or years. If you select something you would add to the key chain you already use, others will feel the same.

2. Coffee Mugs – Even though giving coffee mugs out to potential clients will cost you a relatively large amount per piece, the long life of the item might make the upfront cost of the items worth it. Consider that you are using these giveaways to remind potential customers when they need the products or services you offer. Coffee mugs have a very long life and it is not uncommon for people to keep them around for years. Do not waste your money on cheap plastic throwaways. You can purchase a good quality mug for as little as a few dollars each, depending on the quantity ordered, that will firmly cement your reputation in the eyes of your customer. If you really want to impress, wrap each of these mugs in tissue paper and put them in a gift box with a small card addressed to the recipient. If you ever receive one of these, you will never forget it and that is exactly what you are trying to do.

3. Calendars – Another great promotional item to consider is the custom made calendar. These can take many different forms such as large or small wall styles, desk blotters, or even small magnetized or adhesive backed versions to stick on a refrigerator or in a car. Long the favorite of many real estate professionals but many other businesses can benefit from these as well. One minor drawback to giving calendars is their useful life is obviously limited. Most people replace their calendars between November and January so this should be your target, but there is no reason you cannot add a month in both directions.

No matter what type of item you decide on, make sure to maximize your results by giving careful consideration to when and where you distribute them. Keep in mind, the more focused your marketing is, the better your expected results should be. In today’s economy, every small business must use their marketing dollars wisely, and the right selection and use of promotional giveaways can be just what your business is looking for.

Aldar Nagy is the author of The Business Startup Resource, which offers new business profiles, ideas, advice, and other resources to help you when you are starting your own business. The Business Startup Resource can be found at: http://www.businessstartupresource.com Check back often, new business profiles are being added all the time.

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Article Tags: Marketing, Home Business, Business Marketing, Entrepreneurialism, Business Promotion, Start Up

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