If you’re like most business owners, you’re wondering what smart, cost-effective investments can get the word out about your company and attract new customers. There are a lot of ways to do that today, of course, and promotional products are among the most powerful options you can choose. In fact, according to recent research from Promotional Products Association International, promotional products advertising is the fourth-fastest growing advertising medium, ranked right after mobile and digital.

Why are promotional products so popular, and why are so many companies including them in their strategy? Here’s a look at five ways promotional products benefit businesses.

1. People remember your company from a promotional product and think about it positively.
   1. 83% of consumers in a recent survey they enjoy receiving a promotional product with an advertising message.
   2. 2% of people recalled the product, advertiser, and the message.
   3. That’s powerful brand recall that companies only have to pay once for, as opposed to digital advertising that charges per exposure.

2. 

   Infographic: Promotional Products Work!

   Promotional products increase the likelihood of purchases and referrals. According to a study from Georgia Southern University, not only do promotional products contribute to a more positive brand image and perception, but people are also more likely to recommend a business or even patronize it themselves upon receiving a promotional product from them.

3. People keep promotional products for a long time.
   1. 80% of people own 1-10 promo items
   2. 6 in 10 keep them for up to 2 years
4. If you give out items for the kitchen or work area, people keep them around and remember your business.
   1. 91% of consumers have at least 1 branded item in their kitchen.
   2. Of those who did, nearly 82% could identify the promotional product and 42% could also name the advertiser
   3. 74% of consumers have at least 1 branded item in their work area
   4. Of those who did, 90.3% could identify the promotional product and 49.4% could also name the advertiser
   5. 55% of consumers have at least one branded item in their bedroom.
5. Businesses get better trade show booth traffic with promotional products. Businesses that included promotional products with a pre-show mailing or offer saw more traffic to their booths at trade shows according to a study by Georgia Southern University. 76.3% of attendees who received a promotional product at trade shows had a favorable attitude toward the company that gave them the product.

6. Promotional products offer budget flexibility. There are often solutions to fit any budget while still offering the benefits of lasting brand recall and positive brand association. Promotional products can be used as a stand-alone advertising medium or as part of an integrated marketing mix. Perhaps most importantly, they contribute to consumer intent to buy.

Promotional products can make a big difference for your company, creating lasting awareness, increased goodwill, more referrals, and new business. If you’re curious to learn more about how promotional products can help your business achieve its goals, stay tuned for next week’s post in which we will be covering Promotional Products Work! Week and how businesses get powerful results with promotional products.

Looking for some expert guidance on promotional products might be a good fit for your business? Get in touch with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on exceptional promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.