:: Logo Products Blog ::

With the tough economy, it’s that much more important to identify promotional products that can grow your business.  When I saw the DOW down another 300 points today, I wondered about how small business owners could best leverage their tightening advertising budgets.  There are plenty of fairly inexpensive ways to get your name out there, with quality products that don’t break the bank.  For example, imprinted pens and pencils come in a wide range of price points, yet provide a level of permanence for your advertising dollar.  Then again, what better way to acknowledge our challenging economy but with an imprinted piggy bank.  Whatever you decide to do, it’s important to remember that the best way to get business is to get your company’s name out there.  Advertising specialties are the perfect way to let everyone know about the services you provide. 

Imprinted pens can range in cost from over $100 per pen to only a few cents per item. A wide variety of pens can sometimes make picking a pen the toughest part of the process. Your goal should be to keep your imprint simple, easy to read and provide the information needed to the receiver. One key is to always add your telephone number and web address, not just your logo. I often receive pens imprinted with a person’s company name and the business logo, but no other information. Yes there is some value in branding your logo but you must make it easy for the user to find your business and contact you directly if needed.Promotional printed pens are a commonly used promotional tool. Make sure you find a product that stands out from the crowd. You do not want to be one of the “cup pens.” If you focus solely on price you might end up with an inferior product. Keep in mind that you can combine a beautiful metal pen with a matching mechanical pencil for a gift set that will make a perfect holiday hand out.Here are just a few great benefits from using the personalized pens. First they create goodwill with your clients and prospects. Second they invite new prospects to reciprocate the goodwill gained by giving a hand out by trying out your goods and services. Lastly it reminds your customers and prospects of who you are and your willingness to serve their needs.

The other night I went out to dinner with one of my grandsons to the Red Robin Restaurant. While waiting for our dinner I started counting all of the custom imprinted advertising specialties that they were using. My grandson was playing with the custom imprinted placemats and crayons while the server, who was wearing a custom embroidered golf shirt, brought our drinks that were in custom imprinted glasses that he placed on custom imprinted coasters that they were using to promote their specialty food items. The only thing that surprised me was that we were not given a custom imprinted pen to sign the check with.  The imprinted pen is essential to a company as an advertising specialty, and here they were missing out on such a great opportunity for publicity.  It does go to show how many possibilities there are for promotional products to be utilized.

We’re in the process of selling our house, which got me thinking about all the marketing materials that realtors distibute to generate business.  Twice today, I needed a pen and when I reached into my purse, I pulled out the custom imprinted pen that my realtor gave us when we signed our listing with her.  What a great item, I thought.  It’s a good pen, it’s practical, and it’s mobile.  It has her name, company information, and even her picture on it.  She’s also given us notepads, magnet calendars and other imprinted products.  It’s definitely a profession that requires a lot of self promotion to separate yourself from everyone else. 

As we travel around the world my wife and I like to see schools in what ever country we are visiting. What better way to show your appreciation to the school then giving the students custom imprinted pens or pencils with a thank you in English and in their language. Or consider supplying a school in your own community with custom imprinted pens and pencils for those students who can not afford then. Put your company’s custom imprint on them and they become the perfect advertising specialty or promotional product.

Promotional products distributors are benefiting from an industry that desperately needs help in promoting themselves. The Bic ballpoint pen is one example of a standard item that has great use for the individual Real Estate agent. The magnetic business card is another example of a tried and true promotional product.