When you say “promotional products,” consumers will pay attention faster than a squirrel sees acorns. Give it some thought. You recall when someone gave you a nice pen, a neat mug, or perhaps a funky tote bag with a business logo on it. Who throws away a free water bottle? That’s for sure not the average individual. More bonuses!
People like things that are free. But something else is going on. Getting a free gift feels like a personal thing. You’re not just a number in a database. You are being asked to join a relationship. All of a sudden, a boring deal turns into something special. That’s like giving your brand a high-five every time someone buys that thing.
Imagine you operate a car dealership. You provide consumers branded keychains instead of boring business cards. Every time a consumer picks up their keys, they see your name. These small connective points are nearly always there. Plastic pens can persist for years longer than digital ads! Every time that pen moves across a page, the user thinks of your company’s taglines. That type of real-world stickiness is what digital marketers hope for.
Points schemes aren’t the only thing that build customer loyalty. It’s all about feelings. A free calendar or USB drive are small things that show the customer you care. People want to be recognized, even in small ways. These little presents make satisfied customers even more likely to become raving fans. They might even talk about you over coffee with a pal. Word of mouth spreads like wildfire. A cool product could be what you need to get started.
Retention isn’t only about people buying things again. It’s the light that comes on when someone feels remembered. Have you ever witnessed someone open a present at a trade show? Their smile is bigger than a pancake. It’s only a t-shirt or a power bank, but all of a sudden your brand is the star of the show. A surprise gift shakes up the routine.