Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Promotional gifts by industry: Law firms

The task of any good law firm is to fight for the best interests of its clientele and win. In order to attract customers and keep them, though, a business needs to get its identity out there and maintain a positive record, making it difficult for smaller entities to balance all aspects of the corporation. Fortunately, there are many promotional product giveaways and employee gifts that can meet these ends easily and in a cost-effective manner.
From tracking time to helping with calculations,

Small Business Marketing Blog

Say 'Happy Halloween' with promotional items

The end of October is finally here, and companies may feel like encouraging a more festive mood with employees and customers. Decorating the office with colorful cutouts and light-up pumpkins is one thing, but Halloween is also a prime time to cash in on advertising potential with promo items.
These giveaways don't need to be costly or generic. Instead, businesses should try handing out candy and other Halloween-themed items that promote the company as well.
Trick-or-treats
Candy is one of

Small Business Marketing Blog

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

As the month draws to a close, businesses should be reminded that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. However, there is no time of the year when handing out promotional product giveaways that support breast cancer research and awareness is not appreciated by customers and employees. These implements show that companies truly care about the physical, emotional and psychological well being of their customers and associates, improving general perception with workers and clients alike.
There

Small Business Marketing Blog

Monday, October 29, 2012

Promotional gifts by industry: Real estate

As the housing market continues to recover, real estate companies and their staff may be looking for innovative ways to attract customers and hold their attention. Sometimes, the initial impression of a home can be the deciding moment in the buying process, but in some cases, the agent could make an additional impact that sways a purchase just by taking the right affect with a client.
Adding a promotional item to the mix can give interested parties something to bring home with them, helping

Small Business Marketing Blog

Friday, October 26, 2012

Promotional gifts by industry: Construction

Some entities may feel it's not as easy for them to find suitable promotional products as it is for people in other industries. They might think that their industry or specific business doesn't have anything related to its products or services it could distribute to consumers. They want to distribute something for free that would create a lasting, visible impression on people and might also improve corporate identity among the general public. That's where creative promotional

Small Business Marketing Blog

Promotional gifts by industry: Automotive

Many businesses face the recurring problem of deciding what kinds of items would make good employee rewards. Some ideas have historically included mugs, shirts and calendars, but finding a theme outside the realm of the business identity itself has sometimes been a struggle for private employers. Rather than giving away something found at the dollar store, companies may be better advised to hand out desirable items that carry a common motif.
A popular source of such giveaways are

Small Business Marketing Blog

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Prevalence of promo items makes Comic Con a smash

The draw behind comic book conventions may be lost on some executives, but for those who find the right angle and get space on the floor, these events are a great outlet for promotional item giveaways. Attendees are eager to receive promotional tote bags and other interesting products that carry brand information, carrying them home with them as part of their con swag and showing it off to friends.
Due to the variety of items that can relate to comic book and video game culture, many different

Small Business Marketing Blog

Designing items that will work best as promotional products

Not every object can be a promotional item, and trying to force strange inventory items on consumers as freebies could turn them off to the company. For instance, while a plastic onion container may be a sensible promo for a grocery store, a fruit bowl is too bulky and undesirable to be widely accepted by shoppers. It is also more costly to manufacture and distribute. All these factors, including where, when, how and who will be managing this function, should be considered before investing in a

Small Business Marketing Blog

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Preparing for Small Business Saturday

Everyone knows about Black Friday. The day after Thanksgiving has become an increasingly popular and hectic shopping day. The following Monday has been dubbed "Cyber Monday" and is usually the first day e-commerce outlets offer holiday deals and specials.
In 2010, American Express began a campaign to call the Saturday after Thanksgiving "Small Business Saturday." The idea proved so popular and beneficial for independent establishments that in 2011 the White House issued a

Small Business Marketing Blog

Promotional products make a big difference in marketing strategy

A lot of entities assume that what they are doing right now is good enough, unless they are experiencing financial difficulties. In that case, they tend to look at operations and inventory for operations to cut or reduce, ways to save money and people to get rid of. They should instead be looking for new strategies for investing in the business itself.
Using modern technology can boost visibility, but so too can the distribution of promotional products. These items carry the moniker of a

Small Business Marketing Blog

Business gift giving etiquette

Around the holidays, many employees exchange gifts. While not all coworkers are close outside of work, swapping presents is a nice gesture that can bring a team together. It's a bonding exercise based on a beloved holiday tradition.
Whether it's two members of the same department or employees giving business gifts to their managers, certain steps should be followed. Navigating the holiday season can be difficult, but taking the time to consider how appropriate certain presents are can

Small Business Marketing Blog

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Preparing for Small Business Saturday

Everyone knows about Black Friday. The day after Thanksgiving has become an increasingly popular and hectic shopping day. The following Monday has been dubbed "Cyber Monday" and is usually the first day e-commerce outlets offer holiday deals and specials.
In 2010, American Express began a campaign to call the Saturday after Thanksgiving "Small Business Saturday." The idea proved so popular and beneficial for independent establishments that in 2011 the White House issued a

Small Business Marketing Blog

Preparing for Small Business Saturday

Everyone knows about Black Friday. The day after Thanksgiving has become an increasingly popular and hectic shopping day. The following Monday has been dubbed "Cyber Monday" and is usually the first day e-commerce outlets offer holiday deals and specials.
In 2010, American Express began a campaign to call the Saturday after Thanksgiving "Small Business Saturday." The idea proved so popular and beneficial for independent establishments that in 2011 the White House issued a

Small Business Marketing Blog

Preparing for Small Business Saturday

Everyone knows about Black Friday. The day after Thanksgiving has become an increasingly popular and hectic shopping day. The following Monday has been dubbed "Cyber Monday" and is usually the first day e-commerce outlets offer holiday deals and specials.
In 2010, American Express began a campaign to call the Saturday after Thanksgiving "Small Business Saturday." The idea proved so popular and beneficial for independent establishments that in 2011 the White House issued a

Small Business Marketing Blog

Making it difficult to lose keys

Everyone loses their keys from time to time. A recent study performed at the University of Toronto found that people forget everyday actions, like putting down their keys, because they aren't stimulating.
"We've discovered that we see things that are emotionally arousing with greater clarity than those that are more mundane," Rebecca Todd, the study's lead researcher, told The Daily Telegraph. Small business owners can help their customers remember where their keys are

Small Business Marketing Blog

Monday, October 22, 2012

Credit unions need to stand out from competitors

Customers are dissatisfied with banks and have begun seeking alternative financial services. Citing exponentially increasing fees and rapidly degrading customer service quality, some customers are leaving banks for institutions such as credit unions. According to Credit Union National Association (CUNA), 1.3 million new members joined credit unions during the first half of 2012.
The industry is becoming more competitive as establishments vie for new business. Promotional advertising can help

Small Business Marketing Blog

Helping medical assistants keep appointments

A doctor's office is almost always busy. Physicians do their best to meet with every patient, even those without appointments, but it can be difficult to stay on track. Administrators set daily schedules, but even they can struggle when there are large volumes of clients coming in each day.
Doctors and assistants need to develop time management systems. Digital calendars are useful, but the possibility of technical malfunctions makes it necessary to have proper backup plans. Distributing

Small Business Marketing Blog

Holiday advertising is here

October hasn't reached its conclusion, but businesses are already rolling out their promotional advertising campaigns for the holiday season. Advertising Age (AdAge) reported that Target is already airing Christmas commercials. Other national chains have made announcements regarding their holiday sales and have added in-store displays.
To stay competitive this winter, businesses have to develop and execute their advertising plans quickly. Without a marketing presence, companies may be left

Small Business Marketing Blog

Holiday advertising is here

October hasn't reached its conclusion, but businesses are already rolling out their promotional advertising campaigns for the holiday season. Advertising Age (AdAge) reported that Target is already airing Christmas commercials. Other national chains have made announcements regarding their holiday sales and have added in-store displays.
To stay competitive this winter, businesses have to develop and execute their advertising plans quickly. Without a marketing presence, companies may be left

Small Business Marketing Blog

Holiday advertising is here

October hasn't reached its conclusion, but businesses are already rolling out their promotional advertising campaigns for the holiday season. Advertising Age (AdAge) reported that Target is already airing Christmas commercials. Other national chains have made announcements regarding their holiday sales and have added in-store displays.
To stay competitive this winter, businesses have to develop and execute their advertising plans quickly. Without a marketing presence, companies may be left

Small Business Marketing Blog

Friday, October 19, 2012

Highlighting good ideas

Exams are the bane of many students' academic careers. Whether it's a short quiz, midterm or final exam, pupils spend hours going over their notes and textbooks. Highlighting key subjects and terms has long been a popular technique for visual learners who seek to increase their odds of retaining vital information.
Small businesses, especially those in college towns, can help students learn their materials. Branded highlighters are functional promotional giveaways that will be used

Small Business Marketing Blog

Highlighting good ideas

Exams are the bane of many students' academic careers. Whether it's a short quiz, midterm or final exam, pupils spend hours going over their notes and textbooks. Highlighting key subjects and terms has long been a popular technique for visual learners who seek to increase their odds of retaining vital information.
Small businesses, especially those in college towns, can help students learn their materials. Branded highlighters are functional promotional giveaways that will be used

Small Business Marketing Blog

Appealing to amateur contractors

Homeowners turn to hardware stores when they want to do repairs without professional help. Part of the appeal for some of these amateur contractors is that materials are the only expense, making do-it-yourself (DIY) more cost-effective than hiring expert services.
Local hardware stores can advertise to these homeowners by giving away construction-friendly promotional products. Aiding home repair projects shows customers that an establishment actively wants to nurture personal relationships and

Small Business Marketing Blog

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Promote proper hydration during cooler months

Water is an essential part of a healthy diet. Unfortunately, not everyone drinks enough of it to keep themselves hydrated. Drinking water can help people avoid common ailments during cooler months. Nutritionists have reported that headaches, chapped lips, dry skin and coughing are common symptoms of dehydration during the fall and winter.
Business owners can promote good health this autumn by distributing water bottles with their logos emblazoned on the side. These promotional products make it

Small Business Marketing Blog

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Universities competing over new students

College application rates have risen exponentially over the last few years as more students seek to earn their degrees so they'll be qualified for jobs in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Some universities offer similar programs, which makes it difficult for schools to differentiate themselves from one another. Because of this, many colleges and universities have started trying to find ways to appeal to high schoolers who are considering multiple institutions.
Promotional giveaways

Small Business Marketing Blog

Tricks and treats

Dressing up and playing pranks are two of Halloween's beloved traditions. Tricks are as common as treats during October, and businesses can celebrate the holiday's spirit by distributing unique promotional products that are more than meets the eye.
Promotional pens are common giveaways because everyone needs to write something down, but you can subvert your customers expectations this Halloween by handing out tool pens instead. These gifts resemble ordinary pens, but instead of ink

Small Business Marketing Blog

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Sending gifts through the mail

Some small business owners may think that promotional products can only be given away during physical interactions with their customers. To these entrepreneurs, handing someone a logo ink pen seems like the only viable distribution method. This line of thinking limits the overall effectiveness of giveaways because it prevents the gifts from reaching anyone who doesn't come to an establishment.
Combining promotional items with direct mail marketing allows owners to send free products to

Small Business Marketing Blog

Monday, October 15, 2012

How to avoid the secular holiday debate

As October heads toward its conclusion, small business owners are considering their holiday promotional advertising plans. There is a great deal of major holidays throughout November and December, but not all of them are celebrated by everyone. In recent years, there has been a public debate over how businesses should participate in holiday celebrations.
Some religious groups believe that the greeting "Merry Christmas" should always be used over more general well-wishes like

Small Business Marketing Blog

Friday, October 12, 2012

October is Animal Safety Month

October is dedicated to raising awareness for various causes, like breast cancer. Some monthly themes, however, are not widely-known, and could benefit from heightened visibility. For example, October is also Animal Safety Month, a time to promote animal protection and safe interactions between humans and their pets.
As cities continue to expand, animals are losing their natural environments and face mounting dangers from human elements like pollution. Small businesses can promote Animal Safety

Small Business Marketing Blog

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Finding salon clients

The haircare-industry is one of the most competitive sectors, even during economically uncertain times. According to the Professional Beauty Association (PBA), salons added 75,000 jobs between 2001 and 2011, the same 10 year period in which the United States shed 1.6 million jobs overall. 
Beauty parlors have to reach out to local consumers and implement promotional advertising strategies that help them stand out from the competition. Offering potential clients more than just the latest

Small Business Marketing Blog

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Everyone wants a cup of joe

Many people have a cup of joe every day. According to the National Coffee Association's (NCA) 2011 National Coffee Drinking Trends survey, 40 percent of 18-24 year old respondents and 54 percent of 25-39 year olds said they drink coffee daily. These statistics represent gains over 2010's numbers, which demonstrates the beverage's growing popularity.
Coffee is a staple in almost every industry, as employees often need extra energy to finish their work. National Geographic reports

Small Business Marketing Blog

USB drives help people work on the move

Companies ask their employees to commit a great deal of time and effort to their jobs and daily tasks. According to Live Science, half of the American workforce brings their work home so they don't fall behind. While not every business requires its staff to do so, many employees are logging extra hours remotely to prevent their overall job performance from suffering.
Companies can help employees who work from various location by giving them USB flash drives. With these small storage units,

Small Business Marketing Blog

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Increasing business with incentives

Customers have reduced their spending in order to save money and avoid financial hardships as the economy struggles to fully recover. Small business owners need to motivate their patrons to come back to establishments and start shopping again.
This can be difficult for some independent operations that can't afford to slash prices to appeal to budget-conscious consumers. Offering incentives for purchases can help stores convince clients to make purchases again because they don't want

Small Business Marketing Blog

Monday, October 8, 2012

October is National Dental Hygiene Month

Every month is a time to increase visibility for various causes and health risks, and October is National Dental Hygiene Month. The American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) wants to encourage good oral health by educating patients about dental diseases and the importance of regularly seeing a doctor.
Hygienists should promote this cause and inform clients about illnesses and steps to avoid them. Creating awareness and encouraging patients to schedule appointments is difficult without

Small Business Marketing Blog

Friday, October 5, 2012

Small business promotion ideas

October is Self-Promotion Month, and small business owners should take this time to develop effective marketing campaigns that generate high returns and create long-term brand awareness. Companies can provide information about their goods and services to effectively advertise to consumers.
Every marketing platform can be used to increase visibility and customer outreach. There are plenty of opportunities for establishments to create interest throughout the month. In-store events and promotional

Small Business Marketing Blog

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Expanding a real estate agency

Real estate has always been a very competitive industry. Companies are struggling against other firms for clients and agents need to raise their own visibility in order to increase business.
The Houston Chronicle recommends marketing tools such as promotional products to reach out to prospective clients. These gifts create an advertising presence among potential consumers and also provide agencies with an advantage over competitors through potential lead generation.
While not everyone may be

Small Business Marketing Blog

Get people active around Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is getting closer, and families can't wait to eat all of their favorite foods once the holiday arrives. Everyone has a dish that they can't say no to multiple helpings of, whether it's turkey or pumpkin pie or anything in between.
Though the myth of significant holiday weight gain has been debunked by doctors, CNN reports that the average American packs on an additional two pounds over Thanksgiving weekend. People can also develop poor eating habits that last all

Small Business Marketing Blog

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Expanding a real estate agency

Real estate has always been a very competitive industry. Companies are struggling against other firms for clients and agents need to raise their own visibility in order to increase business.
The Houston Chronicle recommends marketing tools such as promotional products to reach out to prospective clients. These gifts create an advertising presence among potential consumers and also provide agencies with an advantage over competitors through potential lead generation.
While not everyone may be

Small Business Marketing Blog

Promote Child Health Day

October 1 is Child Health Day in the United States. President Coolidge instituted the observance day in 1928, and it was moved from spring to autumn in 1960. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, the holiday's purpose is to create visibility for children's health issues.
Child Health Day may not be widely known, but creating awareness for it might be an opportunity for healthcare professionals to raise their practices' visibility. Doctors could giveaway

Small Business Marketing Blog

Promote Child Health Day

October 1 is Child Health Day in the United States. President Coolidge instituted the observance day in 1928, and it was moved from spring to autumn in 1960. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, the holiday's purpose is to create visibility for children's health issues.
Child Health Day may not be widely known, but creating awareness for it might be an opportunity for healthcare professionals to raise their practices' visibility. Doctors could giveaway

Small Business Marketing Blog

Promotional advertising for Thanksgiving

The holiday season is almost here and it's time for companies to start preparing to tie their advertisements with the annual celebrations. Thanksgiving is over a month away, but if small business owners want their establishments to have relevant ads ready for the end of November, now is the time to start brainstorming and producing marketing content.
The ideal advertisement for Thanksgiving is a commercial during NFL broadcasts. AdAge reported that NBC Sports Group's executive vice

Small Business Marketing Blog

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

The importance of employee recognition

Employees make sure a business is operating efficiently on a day-to-day basis. Hiring and developing a strong staff might help a business improve its returns because of the high level of service quality customers receive. Retaining the best employees may make the difference in a company seeking consistent excellence in the workplace.
Staff members may grow frustrated with employers and start looking for opportunities elsewhere if their efforts are not recognized regularly. Showing appreciation

Small Business Marketing Blog

Why promotional pens are so effective

Promotional giveaways are meant to raise a business' profile by placing an advertisement in a consumer's possession. If a company gives gifts that aren't functional, they may be discarded or ignored.
Promo items that have long lifespans can be used regularly by recipients and might be more likely to raise brand awareness because of their constant presence.
Everyday people have to write things down - students have to take notes in class, office workers need to fill out paperwork

Small Business Marketing Blog

Creating loyal bank clients

Amidst economic uncertainty, consumer confidence in banks has sunk to unprecedented lows. According to Gallup's 2012 confidence survey, published in July, only 21 percent of Americans are confident in their financial institutions. The banking industry had the third lowest rating, coming in ahead of Congress' 13 percent and Health Maintenance Organizations' (HMOs) 19 percent.
With record unconfidence, it's difficult for banks to retain their clients. Some consumers have grown

Small Business Marketing Blog

Monday, October 1, 2012

Supporting Red Ribbon Week

October presents many opportunities to promote good health and raise awareness for worthy causes. For example, Red Ribbon Week was instituted in 1988 by the U.S. Senate to focus on substance abuse prevention, treatment and violence.
The National Family Partnership campaigns to raise awareness of drug use and the violent crimes associated with it. October 23-31 has been designated by the U.S. government as the official week to heighten visibility for this cause. Red Ribbon Week focuses on

Small Business Marketing Blog

3 October holidays for promotional giveaways

Halloween may be the most popular holiday in October, but it isn't the only one. There are many other, minor holidays laced throughout the month, meant to celebrate history and raise awareness of important individuals and causes. Small business owners can likewise raise their company's profile by taking advantage of some of these lesser-known days. Giving away promotional products throughout the month increases visibility for a brand and usually last well beyond the 31st.
World

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Capitalizing on November's minor holidays

Each month brings new holidays small business owners can capitalize on by giving out promotional products. Since some of these days aren't widely-known, companies who advertise on them won't have as much competition for consumers' attention. These opportunities give establishments an edge over organizations that did not take advantage of the holidays.
Thanksgiving isn't the only festive day in November - the month is full of awareness, celebration and remembrance holidays.

Small Business Marketing Blog