The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Marketing Gifts

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAMarketing gifts (also referred to as promotional merchandise) can be used to build stronger client relationships, attract new customers, retain existing customers, and create stronger brand awareness.  Companies have embraced marketing gifts for centuries, with the some of the earliest examples dating back to George Washington’s presidential campaign.

Don’t: Use Boring, Irrelevant Gifts

A marketing gift will only prove beneficial for a company if it’s something of value. Some business owners hand out generic gifts like pens, pencils and stationary. Unfortunately, these items have little-to-no value or use for clients; therefore, they won’t have a positive effect on business-client relationships. Clients often receive boat loads of generic gifts such as this, most of which end up in the trash can.

So, what are some non-boring marketing gift ideas? Here are a few to consider:

  • Crystal awards and trophies
  • Customized plaques
  • T-shirts
  • Jackets
  • Backpacks
  • Sports equipment

Don’t: Make False Promises

If you tell a customer or client ahead of time that you will be giving him or her a gift, make sure you follow through with your promises. There’s nothing wrong with informing a client that gift is on the way, but you should check on the status to make sure it arrives. Failing to deliver a promised gift could have a negative effect by creating tension and distrust between the business and client.

Do: Brand It

One of the reasons why marketing gifts are such a powerful way to promote a business is because they create stronger brand awareness. This only happens, however, if the gift is branded with the company’s name and logo. When choosing marketing gifts for clients and customers, make sure it’s customized with your brand. A brilliant crystal trophy engraved with your company’s name, logo, and the client’s name is an excellent choice that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who sees it.

Do: Make It Personal

Make your marketing gifts personal so they hold more meaning and value to clients. How exactly do you make a gift personal? For starters, you should have it personalized, engraved or otherwise customized with the recipient’s name. This will turn an otherwise generic gift into a truly meaningful token of your appreciation. You can also make your gifts more personal by handing them to clients and customers face to face rather than mailing them.

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