Top 5 Promotional Product Trends to Streamline Your Marketing Efforts

Promotional products are a powerful and effective marketing tool for small and large businesses, allowing them to connect with their existing and prospective customers. The purpose is to increase engagement, spread brand awareness, promote products/services, increase sales, and achieve higher returns on investments (ROIs). 

Promotional products allow consumers to interact with your brand at increased rates because these items provide your customers with memorable experiences. So, this translates to strengthened brand loyalty, word-of-mouth marketing, and boosted sales. That way, you can improve your business’s bottom line. Read on! 

The Importance of Promotional Products 

According to PPAI, 80% of consumers immediately respond to a brand when they receive a promotional product, even when they don’t know about the business. Research highlights that 90% of consumers recall the brand’s name when they receive a promotional product. 

Similarly, 70% of companies consider promotional products as a powerful marketing tool. Sage reports that 53% of consumers use a promotional product 1-2 times a week. In addition, 72% of people expect companies to giveaway quality promotional items because these directly influence their brands’ reputations. 

According to ASI Central, 85% of consumers recall the company when it gives away apparel items. Moreover, promotional products are more effective than reviews, generating more than 500% referrals. 

Over 60% of consumers search the brand online and look for their products/services after receiving promotional products. About 75% of people believe promotional products create memorable experiences. Moreover, promotional products are a simple, reliable, and affordable way to attract consumers to your brand. 

You can improve your business’s bottom line with an instant increase in brand recognition without breaking the bank. However, it is crucial to understand and stay current with the latest trends to get the most out of your marketing strategy.  

Promotional Product Trends 2021-2022

Promotional products allow consumers to see, associate, and recognize your brand. If you want people to become aware of your company, business, or eCommerce store, make sure you focus on the following promotional product trends for 2021-2022. That way, you can increase sales, generate higher ROIs, and stay competitive in the market. Continue reading! 

1. Virtual Event Giveaways

Virtual events are an excellent way to collect data and feedback from customers. You can analyze the data to gain insights and increase awareness of your brand. Many businesses believe that virtual events have limitations. 

However, you can turn these limitations into exceptional opportunities. For instance, when you develop a solid and thoughtful strategy, you can engage your target audience or attendees. 

Similarly, giveaways attract people, and virtual events are an excellent way to achieve your marketing goals. Remember, it is like a live event that creates a great first impression on the attendees. 

So, virtual event giveaways, such as journal and pen, water bottles, tea/coffee mugs, headphones, mousepads, screen cleaners, name tags, stress balls, and reading materials, can invite involvement with valuable follow-ups, leading to additional sales. 

You can also giveaway e-gift cards, free products from your brand, gift baskets, free online courses, tutorials, downloads, collectibles, autographed memorabilia, and branded merchandise. Make sure you host engaging and customer-oriented virtual events with these promotional items to improve your marketing efforts and increase sales. 

2. Eco-Friendly Items

A 2020 study shows that 46% of people trust a brand or company more when they receive eco-friendly promotional products. Not only do consumers prefer the company’s opinions, but they also remain loyal to the brand. All this leads to improved customer retention rates. Consumers are becoming more eco-consciousness in recent years.

Eco-friendly products showcase your company’s commitment to mitigating environmental problems and improvement of society’s wellbeing. In addition, recycled products used as promotional items can create a long-lasting impression on consumers. 

Therefore, we recommend including eco-friendly products from certified, organic, and sustainable brands in your promotional strategy to reach your target audience with a message of environmental awareness. 

Eco-friendly promotional items can increase your brand awareness and attract more customers. There are numerous environmentally-friendly products or items you can use for brand promotion. However, the trendiest ones in 2021-2022 are:

• Recycled journals 

• Eco-friendly paper notebooks 

• Backpack coolers 

• Lip balms

• Computer and laptop backpacks 

• Bamboo boxes and toothbrushes

• Fleece blankets made of recyclable materials 

3. Wireless Products

Many companies and eCommerce stores perform thorough research to know customers’ expectations in terms of promotional giveaways. Customers expect to receive high-quality and functional promotional items. Wireless products and accessories are trending in 2021, and successful brands giveaway these products to promote their business. 

Wireless and advanced, cutting-edge technology items are the future of promotional items. These products boost your promotional strategy, attract more customers, and increase sales. So, wireless products are ideal for businesses, eCommerce stores, and online shops in the B2B and B2C markets. Some items you can consider are: 

• Wireless chargers

• Wireless Speakers

• Wireless Charging Pad

• Wireless Power Bank

• Wireless Mouse

• Wireless tracker

• Wireless Microphone

4. Generational Marketing Items

Generational marketing has become an integral part of a company’s overall brand promotional strategy. It gives companies a competitive edge in the market and allows them to attract and maintain customers. 

When you analyze and understand the values of each generation, you can create customized marketing campaigns with promotional products relevant to each generation’s preferences. 

Besides, you must analyze purchasing habits, traits, behaviors, and shopping preferences of different generations, including baby boomers, generation X, millennials, and generation Z. 

Similarly, collect and analyze demographic and behavioral data to develop an effective marketing strategy tailored toward your specific needs and your customers’ preferences. Some of the best promotional products for generation X, millennials, and generation Z are:

Generation X

• Birthday gifts

• Holiday gifts 

• Employee welcome gifts

• Appreciation gifts

• Customer loyalty gifts

• Anniversary gifts

Millennials 

• Power Banks

• Sunglasses

• Eco-friendly products

• Drinking Bottles

• T-shirts

• Headphones

• Sports Bags

Generation Z

• Attachable camera lenses

• Cell phone wallets

• Wireless speakers

• Bluetooth headphones

• Wireless chargers 

• Tupperware

• Cutting boards

• Measuring cups

• Custom planners and calendars

5. Customized Products

Customized or personalized promotional items trigger positive emotions in consumers. A growing body of research evidence shows that consumers who receive a personalized item or gift feel happy, thankful, appreciated, special, connected, engaged, and impressed. 

Personalization is a unique marketing strategy because it leads to more customer engagement. Remember, the happier your customers, the more they purchase from your company or eCommerce store. 

So, customization is an essential element you should consider when giving away promotional items. That way, you will have repeat business, leading to increased sales and higher ROIs. 

Customized items increase your business perceived value, boost customer trust and satisfaction, allowing you to achieve your marketing goals. We recommend considering the following trendiest items for your brand promotion. 

• Custom bags 

• Personalized T-shirts

• Mugs and Cups

• Tote Bags

• Custom phone cases

• Personalized plates 

• Accessories

Final Words 

Promotional products are synonymous with increased brand awareness and recognition. The trendiest products given above can engage your customers’ senses, connect them to your brand, and encourage them to purchase your products/services. Until Next Time!

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