How to Select the Right Promo Items for Your Brand

Dear Shimmer, 
I’m looking to purchase some promotional products to include in my advertising mix, but there are so many options to consider, and I don’t know where to start. Do you have some tips on narrowing down my search? 
Sincerely, Paralyzed by Promo Possibilities

Dear Paralyzed, 
​You’re not wrong that there are a lot of options out there for you to choose from. It can be overwhelming if you don’t know what to look for or consider. I’ve got five things you can think about as you contemplate your decision, plus one more bonus consideration. 

1. What is the objective or goal you’re trying to accomplish? Thinking about the end result and what success looks like to you can knock out plenty of options already. Are you looking to reach a lot of people in a short amount of time? Maybe you want to reinforce brand values. Having a clear picture of your best result will give you an idea of where to start. 

2. Who are you trying to reach? Thinking about the demographics such as age, location, industry, access point and more will help narrow down options even further. I mean, you’re not going to give a child a decanter, but maybe you’d offer it up to a client you’ve done a lot of work for as an appreciation. The way you show up for a trade show audience might be different than if you were dropping in for a sales appointment one-on-one.

3. Is there a theme for your campaign or promotion? This will definitely narrow down the scope of the products you’ll be looking at. Whether it’s specific colors or an aesthetic you’re going for, you won’t be staring into the abyss of every product known to man. 

4. How do you want to give these products out? If you’re attending a tradeshow and trying to reach as many people as possible, maybe you will go with something on the more cost-effective and smaller side. Alternatively, if you’re looking to target a specific industry or provide client appreciation gifts, you’ll want something that can reach your audience on a more personal level. 

5. What is your budget? This is probably one of the bigger considerations you’ll look at. Even within the same product category price can range from inexpensive to luxury, so you’ll want to look at your budget per person or per item to get an idea of what you’ll be able to purchase. 

6. BONUS: What are your brand values? Think about what you want people to infer about your brand based on what you give them. If you stand for sustainability, try to source products that are eco-friendly or long lasting. Your organization’s values can create a roadmap on products to consider from the jump. 
Once you’ve thought through this exercise, you’ll have a much narrower scope of products to consider meaning you’ll be way less overwhelmed in the decision-making process. And hey, if the thought of sourcing these products, even after working through these questions, is overwhelming, we here at FrogTown Tees are happy to help find the best products for your campaign. 
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Until next time, keep it local and keep it custom – Shimmer 🐸