Turning "giveaways" into Strategic Business Tools
Choosing the Right Gift
When you choose a particular product to use as a promotional gift, ask yourself:
- What image do I want to convey about myself or my company? Am I looking for something:
-
What is the image of my target audience?
Sometimes your audience will just be too broad to nail down with specificity.
It's very possible that your only concern may quite rightly be your own image.
But if it's important to you that your gift reflects the image or personal tastes of
your audience, then you'll want to give some thought to this issue. This is often
the case with higher-end business and executive gifts, such as desk calendars,
clocks, awards, and the like. Generally speaking, the same questions you asked
yourself about your image will apply here.
-
How will the people use this product?
An important consideration, because every time your gift is used, it reminds your
audience of you. If your gift is functional, it tends to be used often, which means
your name is seen more frequently. If your gift helps the recipients do their jobs,
organize their affairs, or otherwise enjoy their day, they'll not only use them more
often, but think that much better of you every time they tell others.
Upscale-higher value gifts for loyal customers?
Affordable-for a larger, more generalized audience?
Should I use something:
Classic-like pens or calendars?
Novel-like a pocket tool or key ring?
Do I need something:
Corporate-to match my company colors?
Identifiable-that's related to what we do or sell?