5 Most Common Myths About Promotional Products

An article by By Patrick Black @ Perfect Imprints. All rights reserved.

There are many myths regarding the use of promotional products, the effectiveness of promotional products, and who from whom to buy promotional products. In this article, you will learn the truth about promotional products so that you can discard the many common myths about promotional products marketing.

Myth # 1: All promotional products distributors are created equal. 

This statement is definitely false. The majority of promotional product distributors are simply "order takers." The simple truth is that they take your money and offer no real guidance with your promotional products marketing campaign. There are so many different factors to consider when ordering promotional items so it is vital that you purchase your promotional items from a professional to help make your marketing campaign successful. Using a promotional products consultant expert cost you no more than using a fly by night distributor, so why not take advantage of the knowledge of a professional.

Myth # 2: Small businesses can not afford promotional products. 

This statement can't be further from the truth. The purchase of promotional items is an investment and NOT an expense. However, your promotional products marketing campaign must be well-planned with the help of a promotional products consultant. If managed properly with the guidance of a promotional products consultant, the return from a promotional products campaign can bring in hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of sales, even in a down economy. In the same way that small businesses spend advertising dollars on print ads, television ads, radio ads, and billboards, you can create a much more effective marketing campaign through the use of promotional products.

Myth # 3: You can't track the results of a promotional products marketing campaign. 

This statement is also false. Keep in mind there is a difference between promotional products giveaways and promotions. Giveaways are intended to be given out in mass quantities and help to increase brand awareness. When using promotional products as promotions, you strategically give away the items to select people and require an action. The action may be to come by for a free gift or it may have a promotional code that is good for a free product or discount. With promotions, you CAN track the results of your promotional products marketing campaign. Solicit the help of a promotional products consultant with help on this issue.

Myth # 4: During tough financial times, promotional products marketing should be cut before other forms of marketing. 

This is a classic misunderstanding and a big marketing mistake. Research has proven that promotional products marketing is much more effective than television ads, radio ads, and print ads. Using promotional products in conjunction with other advertising media increases the effectiveness even more. With any form of marketing, you must track the effectiveness of the advertising to determine what works and what doesn't work for your business. There is no single formula that fits all businesses.

Myth #5: Cheaper is better. 

This is usually false when talking about promotional products. Cheaper is typically not better simply because when a recipient receives a "cheap" promotional item, they usually discard it almost immediately. However, in contrast, when they receive something of value and something useful, they will keep that item, often for years. The longer the recipients keep your promotional product, the greater value it is to you or your business. Not only is that one recipient constantly seeing your advertisement, but everyone else around them is also exposed. Therefore, one item can influence hundreds or thousands of people. You don't have to use premium items; you should, however, use useful promotional items. The best promotional items are the ones that the recipient will use on a daily basis. This does take some forethought about your target audience.

In summary, promotional products can be a very beneficial marketing method if used properly. It is paramount that you speak with a promotional products marketing consultant who is knowledgeable and helpful. These professionals can help send your marketing campaign over the top and help increase your sales and grow your business. Remember that promotional products should be an investment and not an expense.