The goal of every marketing campaign - from distributing promotional items to updating social media pages - is to increase business. Unfortunately, without effective strategies, it's difficult for small business owners to attract consumers.
The most important feature of every marketing plan is the end goal. You should always have a target in mind when you introduce new advertisements. There are two primary benefits to having an specific goal - metrics and growth. You can effectively
Monday, December 31, 2012
Organizing a promotional event
Promotional events can help you direct consumer traffic to your business. Customers are frequently drawn to special events like discounts and promotional giveaways, and might be more inclined to make purchases if they're receiving a deal or a small gift.
An event is a break from the everyday routine and requires some special preparations. There are some basic considerations you should always make before holding a promotional event in your establishment.
Define your goals
It's
An event is a break from the everyday routine and requires some special preparations. There are some basic considerations you should always make before holding a promotional event in your establishment.
Define your goals
It's
Organizing a promotional event
Promotional events can help you direct consumer traffic to your business. Customers are frequently drawn to special events like discounts and promotional giveaways, and might be more inclined to make purchases if they're receiving a deal or a small gift.
An event is a break from the everyday routine and requires some special preparations. There are some basic considerations you should always make before holding a promotional event in your establishment.
Define your goals
It's
An event is a break from the everyday routine and requires some special preparations. There are some basic considerations you should always make before holding a promotional event in your establishment.
Define your goals
It's
Friday, December 28, 2012
Stretching a marketing budget
Small business marketing is essential, but it can be expensive. Bloomberg Businessweek recommends that companies in the service industry should spend more than 5 percent of their revenue on advertisements. The news source also notes that some start-ups frequently use up to 15 percent of their profit margins on marketing.
A well-honed marketing campaign doesn't have to break your budget. You can still be frugal and raise your business' visibility by developing creative distribution
A well-honed marketing campaign doesn't have to break your budget. You can still be frugal and raise your business' visibility by developing creative distribution
How to design a logo
Your logo is the most important feature on all your promotional items and advertisements. Without corporate imagery, consumers can't develop brand recognition, which hamstrings the effectiveness of your marketing materials.
Logo design isn't an exact science, and it is subject to aesthetic preferences. Remember, your logo should always have a professional appearance because it is a reflection of your business. If your company image seems amateurish, consumers may develop a negative
Logo design isn't an exact science, and it is subject to aesthetic preferences. Remember, your logo should always have a professional appearance because it is a reflection of your business. If your company image seems amateurish, consumers may develop a negative
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
The color of unique promotional productions
The goal of distributing unique promotional products is to raise a business' visibility. Consumers may use logo-emblazoned gifts in everyday situations and develop brand recognition, which can lead to new patronage.
To truly capitalize on the potential of branded items, small businesses must find ways to make their giveaways stand out from the competition. Color is one of the most important features when it comes to drawing attention to certain items and making logos memorable to
To truly capitalize on the potential of branded items, small businesses must find ways to make their giveaways stand out from the competition. Color is one of the most important features when it comes to drawing attention to certain items and making logos memorable to
Monday, December 24, 2012
Promotional gifts for winter
Winter isn't coming - it's here. The Old Farmer's Almanac writes that December 21 is the earliest first day of winter since 1896. Accuweather predicts that the season will be particularly stormy, and many states will see above-average snowfall and below-average temperatures.
Some consumers aren't prepared for the new season and will be caught off guard by the cold weather. Small business owners can distribute unique promotional products to help their customers enjoy the
Some consumers aren't prepared for the new season and will be caught off guard by the cold weather. Small business owners can distribute unique promotional products to help their customers enjoy the
It's (not) the end of the world as we know it
December 21 is the end of a major cycle in the Mayan Long Count Calendar, and some people believed it would also bring the end of the world. Fortunately, the prediction didn't come true. Alfonso Ek, a Mayan priest, told USA Today that the apocalypse wouldn't occur, but the message fell on a suprisingly sizable number of deaf ears.
Global annihilation is on many consumers' minds. The National Geographic Channel even produces a reality TV series titled "Doomsday
Global annihilation is on many consumers' minds. The National Geographic Channel even produces a reality TV series titled "Doomsday
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Promotional products by industry: Health & Beauty
The beauty industry is one of the most competitive and lucrative markets in the United States. Clients are loyal to their favorite spas and salons, even when times are tough financially. According to the Professional Beauty Association (PBA), only 130 businesses in the sector closed in 2008 and 2009 - the height of the recession.
Spa and salon owners should show appreciation for their customers to retain business. Personalized business gifts and letters can help establishments thank clients for
Spa and salon owners should show appreciation for their customers to retain business. Personalized business gifts and letters can help establishments thank clients for
Myron Employees Open Their Hearts This Holiday Season
The holidays are the season of giving, and Myron Corp. has celebrated that spirit by participating in the Angel Program for the last 10 years. The charity, which is sponsored by the Salvation Army, collects gifts for needy children who might not otherwise receive any presents for the holidays.
In 2011, Myron's employees donated enough gifts for over 350 children. More than 40 workers participated this year and gave multiple presents. The toys and gifts will be distributed later this week and
In 2011, Myron's employees donated enough gifts for over 350 children. More than 40 workers participated this year and gave multiple presents. The toys and gifts will be distributed later this week and
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
The Angel Program
The holidays are the season of giving, and Myron has celebrated that spirit by participating in the Angel Program for the last 10 years. The charity, which is sponsored by the Salvation Army, collects gifts for needy children who might not otherwise receive any presents for the holidays.
In 2011, Myron's employees donated enough gifts for over 350 children. More than 40 workers participated this year and gave multiple presents. The toys and gifts will be distributed later this week and
In 2011, Myron's employees donated enough gifts for over 350 children. More than 40 workers participated this year and gave multiple presents. The toys and gifts will be distributed later this week and
Using QR codes
Mobile marketing is becoming an increasingly important part of business. Consumers are going online via their smartphones and tablets, and companies must optimize their advertisements for these devices. Quick Response (QR) codes are digital watermarks that owners can print on almost any marketing tool to direct customers to web content.
QR codes are becoming increasingly popular. Biz Report recently wrote that Nellymoser, a company that developed a code-reading app, found that the response rate
QR codes are becoming increasingly popular. Biz Report recently wrote that Nellymoser, a company that developed a code-reading app, found that the response rate
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Attracting last-minute shoppers with promotional giveaways
The holiday season is almost over, which means that last-minute shoppers are looking for gifts. In a recent survey, Lands' End found that 30 percent of respondents didn't buy any presents during the first few weeks of December. Consumers who got an early start still have people to cross off their shopping lists - 79 percent of early birds still have gifts to purchase.
Effective advertising can help retailers attract last-minute shoppers and finish the holiday season strongly.
Effective advertising can help retailers attract last-minute shoppers and finish the holiday season strongly.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Promote healthy living during Family Fit Lifestyle Month
January is Family Fit Lifestyle Month, and small businesses can help their customers participate by distributing unique promotional products. Branded items can raise a company's visibility while helping consumers learn to lead healthy lifestyles.
Family Fit Lifestyle Month is important because childhood obesity is a growing concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of overweight children has tripled over the last 30 years. Parents are role
Family Fit Lifestyle Month is important because childhood obesity is a growing concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of overweight children has tripled over the last 30 years. Parents are role
Promote healthy living during Family Fit Lifestyle Month
January is Family Fit Lifestyle Month, and small businesses can help their customers participate by distributing unique promotional products. Branded items can raise a company's visibility while helping consumers learn to lead healthy lifestyles.
Family Fit Lifestyle Month is important because childhood obesity is a growing concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of overweight children has tripled over the last 30 years. Parents are role
Family Fit Lifestyle Month is important because childhood obesity is a growing concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of overweight children has tripled over the last 30 years. Parents are role
Friday, December 14, 2012
Celebrate March birthdays with birthstones and other zodiac-themed promotional products
Every month has specific themes and signs assigned to it by the varying different Zodiac symbols. The Western style focuses on birthstones and colors, while the Chinese Zodiac is centered around animals and philosophical traits and astrology based on the divination of the stars. A small business looking to take advantage of the popularity of horoscopes and other forms of personality predictions can use promotional products to reach out to a target audience.
While daily horoscopes are featured
While daily horoscopes are featured
The best advice of 2012
The holidays are a great time to reflect on the last 12 months. Small business owners especially should look back and see what marketing methods were effective in 2012 in order to continue them in 2013. Read on for a review of 10 of 2012's best tips so you can reach even higher levels of success next year.
Tips for blogs
January's best advice was geared toward making corporate blogs more effective. In an increasingly technocentric marketplace, businesses must use all available digital
Tips for blogs
January's best advice was geared toward making corporate blogs more effective. In an increasingly technocentric marketplace, businesses must use all available digital
Thursday, December 13, 2012
New Year's resolutions for small businesses
The new year is coming, and it's time to start thinking about resolutions. Small business owners aren't focused on traditional resolutions like getting in shape - they're preparing for 2013's challenges and applying the lessons they learned in 2012. The new year can be a highly successful time if owners establish clear goals for themselves and follow through.
Be active on social media
The Pew Internet and American Life Project recently estimated that 69 percent of all
Be active on social media
The Pew Internet and American Life Project recently estimated that 69 percent of all
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Attracting new gym members
New Year's Eve is rapidly approaching, and consumers are already making their resolutions. Losing weight and getting in shape is one of the most common resolutions. As a result, gyms frequently see an uptick in business during January. Men's Health recently reported that 12 percent of new gym members join fitness clubs during the first month of the year.
Promotional advertising can help gyms capitalize on consumers' increased interest in fitness. Holding events and distributing
Promotional advertising can help gyms capitalize on consumers' increased interest in fitness. Holding events and distributing
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Giving personal gifts
The holidays are the perfect time to say thanks to your clients by giving personalized business gifts. Custom presents are usually appreciated because they include a special touch. Mike Linderman, former chairman of the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), said that customers prefer to see personal identifiers.
"People like seeing their own name above all else," Linderman told The New York Times.
It's especially important to do something special for your clients
"People like seeing their own name above all else," Linderman told The New York Times.
It's especially important to do something special for your clients
Get organized for the new year with promotional calendars
New Year's Eve is only weeks away. Consumers will soon begin buying calendars so they can stay organized during 2013, even though digital calendars are readily available on their computers and phones. Laurence Prince, a printer from London, likened the popularity of paper calendars to greeting cards, even in this increasingly techno-centric age.
"It think it's immortal. When e-cards came out, everyone said they were going to be the death of the greetings card business. But people
"It think it's immortal. When e-cards came out, everyone said they were going to be the death of the greetings card business. But people
Monday, December 10, 2012
Celebrating Financial Wellness Month
As the economy struggles to reach a sustainable recovery, it's important that consumers budget appropriately. In that spirit, January is Financial Wellness Month, and financial institutions can distribute unique promotional products to help their customers celebrate and fiscally prepare themselves for 2013.
According to LiveScience, getting out of debt is one of the most common new year's resolutions. Businesses can assist customers by giving away branded tools that simplify financial
According to LiveScience, getting out of debt is one of the most common new year's resolutions. Businesses can assist customers by giving away branded tools that simplify financial
Friday, December 7, 2012
January is National Blood Donor Month
January has been known as National Blood Donor Month since 1970, according to the American Red Cross. The month is meant to celebrate those who have donated over the last year and encourage others to contribute during the next 12 months.
Doctors and small business owners can participate by motivating consumers to make donations in January. Promotional giveaways can target would-be benefactors who need extra incentives and raise awareness for blood drives during the rest of the year.
Blood
Doctors and small business owners can participate by motivating consumers to make donations in January. Promotional giveaways can target would-be benefactors who need extra incentives and raise awareness for blood drives during the rest of the year.
Blood
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Great tech gifts for the holidays
Small business owners have an uphill battle when it comes to giving gifts during the holiday season, as everyone has different items on their wish lists. Sometimes the best strategy is to give presents that every recipient can use, like tech products.
According to the Ketchum Digital Life Index, consumers want gadgets that simplify their lives. You can give your clients and employees small devices that make many basic tasks easier. Below are some trendy tech gifts for everyone on your holiday
According to the Ketchum Digital Life Index, consumers want gadgets that simplify their lives. You can give your clients and employees small devices that make many basic tasks easier. Below are some trendy tech gifts for everyone on your holiday
Tips for business greeting cards
Sending greeting cards is a holiday tradition that small business owners can easily participate in. Personalized letters can help companies stand out as more establishments start to rely on digital channels like email. Tom Foti, manager of direct mail and periodicals with the United States Postal Service, recently acknowledged the wide gap that exists between the physical and electronic mail that consumers receive from companies.
"The average household receives only two pieces of direct
"The average household receives only two pieces of direct
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Promotional items and re-gifting
Some holiday shoppers don't have enough money or time to buy presents for all of their loved ones and resort to re-gifting. In a recent survey, CreditDonkey found that 83 percent of respondents believe that re-gifting is an acceptable holiday practice.
A small business owner can raise visibility for an establishment by distributing unique promotional products that would make great gifts. The Baltimore chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA) points out that consumers would
A small business owner can raise visibility for an establishment by distributing unique promotional products that would make great gifts. The Baltimore chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA) points out that consumers would
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Reward valued contributors this holiday season
The holidays are the season of giving, and you should find presents to thank employees for their outstanding efforts over the last year. Giving your staffers personalized business gifts can help you show your appreciation and reinforce the bonds you share.
Some of the best presents are the ones that have everyday functionality around the workplace. Your employees likely don't want to spend their hard-earned dollars on necessities, so give gifts that help around the office.
Starting off
Some of the best presents are the ones that have everyday functionality around the workplace. Your employees likely don't want to spend their hard-earned dollars on necessities, so give gifts that help around the office.
Starting off
Monday, December 3, 2012
Potential promotional opportunity days in January
With the holiday season in full swing, it's time for business owners to start thinking about next year. It's important that companies develop marketing strategies in advance so that their competitors don't gain promotional advantages.
January doesn't have large holidays like Thanksgiving, but there are still celebratory days that you can include with your advertising efforts. Capitalizing on these days can help you start the year off right and build momentum for the next 11
January doesn't have large holidays like Thanksgiving, but there are still celebratory days that you can include with your advertising efforts. Capitalizing on these days can help you start the year off right and build momentum for the next 11