Branding promotional gifts (Summary)2024-08-30

Unlike mass media advertising platforms (TV, radio, banners, billboards, etc.), which do not offer a tangible connection to consumers, promotional gifts provide long-lasting, continuous physical presence in the daily lives of your target group. Thus, they should primarily be considered as advertising mediums and only secondarily as gifts.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT GIFT

Choosing the appropriate gift is a crucial issue. For example, it would not be wise for a major sports brand to advertise in a handicraft magazine, even if some of its users engage in crafting during their free time. The same principle applies when selecting a promotional gift as an advertising platform. For example, you would not advertise your light switch brand on a baby bib aimed at electricians - instead, you would choose something more relevant to their field, like a tape measure, tool set, or baseball cap.

Selecting a promotional gift requires careful consideration, as its quality and branding should align with the services your company provides.

WHAT DOES THE BRANDING MEAN?

Businesses have used unique distinguishing marks to aid in selling their products since ancient times. In Pompeii, signs were found painted on walls to advertise the services of taverns and brothels. Medieval shop signs clearly identified the trades of artisans and were integral to the streetscape.

Is marketing an ancient craft? We have long known that a logo must be designed to become a true, distinctive symbol and a subconscious reminder of a company or product. This symbol encapsulates all the past experiences a consumer has had with the brand, reminding them of the company's behaviour, the characteristics of its products or services, and the emotions they evoke.

A logo represents a concept that goes beyond the physical product - whether jeans, a ballpoint pen, a building, or laundry detergent.

The role of a logo is especially important for services that do not materialize physically. For example, IBM no longer manufactures PCs - it now only provides software and solutions, making it crucial to have a logo and a carrier to display it, such as a promotional gift. For many companies, these items are the only tangible objects associated with the brand.

BRANDING IN PRACTICE: TYPES AND PROCESSES

The method of placing a logo or company slogan on a product depends on the material, color, and size of the item. Let's go over the most commonly used branding technologies:

Laser Engraving: A must for premium corporate gifts, where the design is burned into the product, which can be made of metal, wood, glass, PU, or faux leather. For more details, check out our blog post on engraving.

Screen Printing: A popular and effective technique for textiles, allowing for accurate color prints on T-shirts, canvas bags, and baseball caps. It's the ideal method for branding T-shirts. For fine line and small text graphics, transfer screen printing is a solution, where the print is made on paper and then ironed onto the material.

Embroidery: Known as the queen of branding technologies, embroidery is a sophisticated method for decorating textile products like sweaters, jackets, bags, polo shirts, and caps. It is also the preferred method for branding towels. The advantage of embroidery is its durability, though thread colors are limited to a specific range. It is especially worth considering for corporate Christmas gifts, as it adds a touch of class.

Mug Branding: This method is mainly used for ceramic and porcelain mugs but is also suitable for glassware. Mug decoration works well on anything that can be fired in a kiln.

Pad Printing: The go-to method for branding plastic ballpoint pens, keychains, water bottles, cups, small notebooks, or USB drives. Pad printing is perfect for fine line, detailed graphics. It is especially cost-effective for branding inexpensive items like pens. For branding balls and beach balls up to a maximum print size of about 8 cm, pad printing is also a suitable solution.

Screenround Printing or Laser Engraving: These methods are ideal for branding water bottles and allow for extensive graphics. For full-wrap branding on a sports bottle, choose one with a cylindrical shape.

Other branding methods include embossing, resin doming, UV printing, and sublimation.

TYPES OF PROMOTIONAL GIFTS

Businesses often wonder when to distribute branded promotional products. The key question is: what is the goal of this marketing tool - expanding brand awareness or increasing customer loyalty? Your goal will determine whether you should opt for mass promotional giveaways or premium gifts.

For example, branded pens can be given away at trade shows, included in conference packages, or placed on customer service counters. Logoed stress relievers, keychains, and notebooks are also suitable for these purposes.

Personal meetings, especially at the end of the year, are an opportunity for corporate Christmas gifting. Consider giving embossed wallets, engraved water bottles, screen-printed travel bags, or laptop bags. These gifts can strengthen the loyalty of both your employees and key clients. Make sure the gift truly conveys a premium feel, is useful, features your logo discreetly, and doesn't make the recipient uncomfortable with its value.

Don not forget your own employees: a corporate Christmas party could start with a thoughtful gift. Throughout the year, a T-shirt with a funny graphic, an engraved thermos, a durable beach bag, or a branded backpack can be great ideas, especially before the summer holidays.

ORDERING BRANDED ITEMS

If you have made it this far, you are halfway to ordering branded promotional gifts - a decision that is also beneficial from a marketing perspective. You have thought about what you want to achieve and how to make it happen.

So, what is the first step? How can you order branded promotional gifts, and what do you need?

In our distributor.golding.eu online store, you can get inspired and even calculate prices for branded items. When placing an order, send your logo in vector graphic format and, if possible, know the Pantone number of your logo.

Do not worry! We always create a visual draft before starting the branding process, ensuring you get exactly what you envisioned.

If you have not ordered from us before and do not have a dedicated contact person, reach out to our customer service team now by emailing export@reklamajandek.hu!

Image sources: Freepik and our own photos.