Using branded promotional products are an effective and efficient method of approaching new clients. Free products help connect your potential customers to the company branding - a crucial component to the selling process that's often forgotten or neglected. Studies have shown an individual needs to see a company name at least seven times before the brand begins to connect with a memory. Whether this memory becomes positive or negative association will directly impact the chance for a sale or appointment - making the initial business introduction crucial to your success.

Branded products offer a positive and powerful tool for instilling your brand with new and current customers, leads and interests. It works to keep your business where it matters most, in the direct contact of your new customers - on a consist basis.

Understanding Consumer Perception

Consumers and potential clients often remember products and services based on both the quality and the perception of value. Using free products as a gifting opportunity helps showcase both of these qualities in one positive experience, leaving a lasting impression where it matters the most.

Donating Products to the Community

Using branded products within the community helps increase the branding awareness long after the donation has been received. Consider looking for areas needing donations for both on-going and one-time opportunities. Many times, donations are needed in schools for various programs; items like paper pads, pens, pencils and water bottles are needed. Likewise, donating products like chargers, electronics or other high-value items with your company branding can be used for bazaars, contests, raffles or draws. Using branded items will give exceptional value while keeping your brand in consistent reach.

Build Your Brand on Reputation

Reputation is everything to business - establishing yourself within a community starts with reputation. Offering branded water bottles and hats to home-building companies puts your business in a positive light. By using your products for humanitarian purposes, you'll attract new clients through word of mouth. After all, it's better to be known as the "business that helps everyone" -especially when it's a cause near to someone's heart.

Brand Clearly with Purpose

Sending out items that aren't clearly branded is like throwing your precious marketing dollars in the sewer. You need to ensure your branding is clearly marked with your logo, business name, phone number or email. Whether you're using clothing (like t-shirts, scarves or hats), key chains, stationary items (like paper, pens, or pencils), cell phone chargers, lanyards, or other items; choose an item that people use on a frequent basis - to keep the products in the hands of your audience frequently.

Assess Your Product's Success

Your product is only as good as the conversion it pulls - after all, why bother sending out products that simply don't work? Every effective marketing campaign has analysis and reporting of both the successful reception of the item and the conversion rate (or ROI) it brings. Identify the top three products that bring home the best result and stick with those long-term.