What Is Promotional Marketing? A List of Materials Your New Business Needs

We've done a great job coming up with a brand new idea for our next product or service. Now we just need to sell it, right? There's one thing we should know - driving business growth is close to impossible without advertising. Luckily, when it comes to marketing a product - possibilities are manifold. It is only up to us to pick the ones that will resonate best with our clients. 

We can choose to communicate digitally, or we can opt for a more traditional marketing approach. However, successful marketing campaigns encompass both - digital marketing and good old promo materials. According to UK promotional product distributors GoPromotional, it's worth noting that old-school marketing methods, such as distributing promotional products, are still proving to be a large success. That being said, these techniques should be a part of our marketing strategy. 

What Is Promotional Marketing?

If we want to reach the right audience, we must target the customers that are most likely to convert. We need to appeal to potential clients and inform them just how great our product is and why they should rush and buy it. That's where promotional marketing comes in. 

Promotional marketing is one of the pillars of the famous marketing mix. Its purpose is to spread brand awareness and increase sales by informing buyers and prospects about our product. Widely speaking, it's any type of communication a business uses to reach prospects and customers. 

What Are Promotional Materials in Marketing?

Regardless of the size of our business, having a proper marketing plan promotes brand loyalty, attracts customers, and drives sales. Promotional materials come in different shapes and forms, and choosing the right ones is not always easy. 

These are some of the items that fall under the umbrella of promotional materials:

• business cards

• company swag

• product packaging

• signage

• trade show display

• mailers

• brochures

• and catalogues.

Of course, we don't need to rush out and purchase all of these materials immediately. However, setting up a budget in our marketing plan for these products will certainly prove beneficial in the long run. 

Do I Need Business Cards?

Do you feel like a digital dinosaur handing out business cards? Well, you shouldn't. The truth is business cards are still alive and kicking. Yes, people may prefer to store information on their smart devices and they might be tempted to get rid of a piece of paper. Yet, with all the cards that might get thrown away, you will still see an increase in sales by 2.5% for every 2000 business cards you hand out. 

Not bad for the actual cost of investment for such advertising. 500 business cards cost on average £13, so we are not really taking a big financial risk here. And the bottom line is - attracting even one additional loyal customer matters. 

What Is Company Swag?

Swag consists of any branded merchandise decorated with our company logo and/or name, for example logo promotional bags. Sometimes referred to as freebies, these products are high-value promotional giveaways. 

Swag products are favourite among marketing experts because they can be used in so many ways. Whether we give them out as freebies or sell them as merch, these products boost recognition and engagement and inspire brand loyalty. 

Here are some of the most popular swag ideas for your business:

• pens

• t-shirts

• coffee mugs

• bags

• notebooks

• keyrings

• water bottles

• hoodies

• travel mugs

• trade show giveaways

• technology and gadgets

• lanyards

The more often we use company swag, the more often our target audience will see our branding. So once the need arises for what we offer, our company name will cross their minds first. 

We want to stand out from the competition, so having unique merch will take our brand to the next level. Choosing promotional items in our logo colours and using catchy slogans can send a strong message.

Why Is Product Packaging Important?

How many unboxing videos have you watched without blinking? Can you say in full honesty that only 'what's inside matters'? Did you know that choosing between two high-quality products, customers are more likely to go for the one that looks more appealing?

Product packaging is the first thing our customers interact with. As such, package design plays a crucial role in creating brand awareness. It is also an integral part of how clients experience our product. When customers first open our product, it should bring forth a positive sentiment. 

Furthermore, premium packaging creates a narrative around our brand and communicates the quality of the product. Customer experience starts with the packaging, so we should pay special attention to it. 

Here are some ideas for promotional packaging material:

• glass bottles

• cardboard boxes

• poly mailers

• paper bags

• cotton tote bags

• cloth bags

• glass jars

• zippered cases

• mason jars

• custom tins

• coffee mugs

• plastic cups

What Are the Different Types of Business Signs?

Business signs are some of the essential promotional materials. We want to tell our customers where to find us when they need us, right? Along with the practical purpose, they will catch the eye of our potential clients, as well. 

We can opt for any of the following.

Fascia Signs

These are the shop front signs that we can see hanging above the door or on the top of the building. But we can fit them almost anywhere on the business premises. 

Illuminated Signs

As the name suggests, we can see these at night. They are LED lights, also known as backlit signs.

Wall Signs

Those are the ones we can put up on the wall using tape or adhesives. 

Banners

Banners are signs made from various types of cloth that we can either hang on the wall or use in a standing position. 

Sidewalk Signs

These are freestanding signs, usually in the shape of the letter 'A'. They can have one or two faces. 

Posters

Posters can come in different sizes. We usually post them in public places to promote products, services, or events. 

Floor Stickers

These are types of advertising and safety signage that stick to the floor.

Digital Signs

They are display screens showing ads, usually in the form of a slideshow. 

Vehicle Wraps

Wraps are advertising stickers we can see on cars or buses. 

Promotional Signs

They are used for advertising limited sales or deals. 

Billboards

Billboards are massive signs that can be seen from major roads and highways. 

Tabletop Signs

Those are tiny signs that advertise restaurant menus, for example.

What Is a Trade Show Display?

If we want to beat the competition - a trade show display is a must. It's an elaborate branded display businesses use to attract more visitors at an expo. Furthermore, this is a great opportunity for in-person customer interaction. An eye-catching display is a perfect tool for networking and generating leads while presenting your brand. 

What Is Print Marketing?

Print marketing uses physically printed media to reach a wide range of prospective clients. It can be any offline material branded with a company logo or name. Print marketing doesn't only come as newspapers or magazines, but also in the form of promotional swag. 

Where Do I Get Promotional Marketing Materials?

Now that we know what we need, we should focus on finding the best supplier for our business. A good way to go about it is to look for wholesale distributors that have both affordable prices and impeccable reviews.

Why Are Promotional Marketing Materials Important?

The average consumer will remember our brand after they have seen it 6 or 7 times. The benefit of using promo materials is that it increases brand recall in customers. In addition, promo merch strengthens the bond with clients.

Promotional marketing materials are a valuable instrument in creating and maintaining customer relationships. According to a study, 57% of customers keep the promo products for over five years. 

Statistics on Promotional Marketing Materials

• According to the BPMA, 96% of people say promotional merchandise increases brand recognition.

• 83% of buyers believe promotional marketing increased their product awareness for up to a year.

• 79% of customers feel valued when they get a freebie.

• 47% of them express happiness, while 21% state that they are impressed.

• In Great Britain, businesses spend approximately £1.46 billion a year on promotional merchandise.

• In a survey conducted by BPMA, 91% of respondents said they would wear a piece of logo-printed clothing if they received it.

• Another research states that half of the respondents had four or more pieces of merch on their desk at any given time.

• 50% of people believe a product that is useful makes for the perfect swag.

Final Thoughts

One of the reasons leading brands have faithful followers is all the cool swag these businesses invest in. If we want to follow their success story, we should also learn from their marketing strategies. 

Start following your path to success today by investing in some amazing promo materials! Your customers will know how to reward your effort!