subject: Promotional Giveaways [print this page] Promotional Giveaways Promotional Giveaways
Planning Promotional Giveaways
Promotional giveaways can be quite effective at getting out a message about your company. You will be amazed at what people will do in order to receive something valuable for free. Whether you are working to increase brand recognition or get word out about a new product or service, a giveaway works well.
The first step in planning a giveaway is defining your objective. You must know what it is you wish to accomplish, whether getting customers into your retail establishment, getting a representative into their homes, or simply getting the word out about your company. Once you have defined your goal, define your audience. This will help you choose the best possible products for your promotional giveaways.
Also, be sure to think about the logistics. If you will need to mail the items, choose something light and not too large. If you wish to hand-deliver an item, consider something that comes boxed attractively. If clients will pick up their prizes at your location, choose something that will make a nice display on a desk or table while awaiting its winner.
Make sure the items you choose are appropriate for your business. If you sell high-end items, like cars, you are not going to attract customers with a free pen or magnet. On the other hands, if you are a service-based business, some gifts, like desktop paperweights, will seem out of place. Match the item you offer in promotional giveaways to your business's image. Choosing a product that is in line with what your company offers will draw a small connection between your service and the product in the recipient's mind.
Finally, set your budget. Many companies set the budget at a per winner or attendee amount. Try to anticipate the number of recipients as you set your budget. You do not want to end up short on prizes during promotional giveaways. Sometimes you can limit the giveaway to help with your budget, such as by offering the promotional item to the first 500 visitors.
You will find that many promotional products are quite affordable. Sometimes you will do better to spend a little less and get something that matches your company's image, rather than spending your budgeted maximum just because you feel you need to do so.
