The Following statistics show conclusive evidence;

Key findings:
• Promotional merchandise can deliver a higher or equal ROI than TV, radio, outdoor and print advertising
• 66% of respondents said they could remember the brand on the promotional product they received during the last year
• 79% said they were likely to do business with the company in the future
• 8 out of 10 (84 per cent) respondents said that a branded promotional gift increases brand awareness
• Over three quarters (87 per cent) of recipients said they kept a promotional gift for longer than 12 months
• Over half (56 per cent) of respondents said their opinion of the brand/company was more favourable after receiving the promotional product

The first ever in-depth independent national survey into the power of promotional merchandise in Ireland questioned businessmen and women about their behavioural trends and preferences for different promotional gifts.

 
One of the most significant findings of the survey is that Promotional Products can deliver a higher ROI than radio and outdoor advertising and a ROI that is equal to TV and print advertising. The cost per impression for a mug is €0.001, a mid-range pen €0.001, a calendar €0.004, a USB stick €0.005 and an umbrella €0.003. With an average cost per impression of €0.003, these figures compare extremely favourably with the cost per impression of other media with TV coming in at €0.008, radio at €0.003 and advertising hoardings at €0.003.

 
These figures show that promotional merchandise is a highly cost-effective form of promotion which gives a ROI that is higher or equal to all other forms of media. The survey also examined how much the respondents opinion changed after receiving a promotional item, giving a measure of how such products can affect feelings, perceptions and buying activity. Over half (56 per cent) of respondents said they felt more favourable towards the brand/company. When asked how much more or less likely they were to do business with the company in the future after receiving the promotional item over three-quarters (79 per cent) said they were more likely. Evidence of the link between Promotional Items, branding and sales. Promotional merchandise influences purchases and repeat exposure to a brand has a positive effect on how business people react to that brand.

 
While over four-fifths (84 per cent) of respondents stated that a branded promotional gift increases awareness of the brand, 63 per cent of respondents said they preferred to receive a promotional gift with logo branding on and 37 per cent indicated that they prefer to receive an unbranded gift. Nearly half (45 per cent) of people surveyed would most like to receive a USB stick, while 39 per cent would like a pen, 39 per cent an electrical item and 36 per cent a mug. The reasons for these choices are clear, as when asked what types of promotional gift they found most useful over half (64 per cent) stated a USB stick, 61 per cent a writing instrument and 54 per cent a mug.

Usefulness is one of the core reasons for people retaining promotional merchandise and is a key factor in it being used time and time again, providing an ongoing reminder of the brand that gave it. 18 per cent of respondents stated that they had kept a mug for the longest period of time, 15 per cent a USB stick and 12 per cent a pen, with around one-third (33 per cent) indicating they had kept an item for between one and two years and 30 per cent between three and four years, highlighting that around 87 per cent off recipients had kept a promotional item for longer than 12 months. The impact of promotional merchandise on the recipient is shown by the items that respondents remember receiving in the last 12 months, with 44 per cent recalling receiving a pen, 34 per cent a mug and 31 per cent a calendar, with USB sticks and Sticky Notes coming in at 22 per cent and 18 per cent respectively.

 
The results of the survey unequivocally demonstrate the value that should be placed on promotional products as a key part of the marketing mix. Not only do promotional products make positive impressions on all those who see them, but the message is reinforced every time the product is used and contributes to the user’s needs and wellbeing. No other form of media can give the advertiser such a close tie between the benefits to the user and the brand and message. The findings also provide information that can help marketers tailor their promotional products even more specifically in order to make their promotional spend still more effective.

Kevin Daly & Eamon Dempsey of Taste Catering enjoying the Ireland Vs. Scotland 6 nations Rugby match.

Watch this space for our next promotion.

This is precisely the reason why print materials and ads are so important in building a brand and identity. It allows you to communicate your intentions, promises as well as the quality of your products and services, with the benefit of adding an emotional factor that connects with your customers.

Here are some points to observe when approaching Print Materials for your business concerns.

Use catalogue and brochure materials to relay information to your niche

Your print ads and materials must market your business in an innovative way that it grabs the attention of your customers, who have the specific needs you cater to. Niche markets are specialised markets with highly specific needs, often ignored by the mass production of large corporations. This is where you come in.

Niche markets are often small markets, but have people who are willing to pay a premium for your services and products. Make your marketing approach more personal by offering brochures, leaflets and other small-scale print materials that can be filled with information and tips about your services and products.

Outdoor advertising should stir emotions

Consumers want to create a personal connection between them and the products and services they use and hire. So as a business, your brand must convey a set of values and beliefs your customers can relate to.

When conceptualising billboards, posters and other materials that focus on images, it’s a must that you resonate emotional content. The approach is totally up to you; your materials can either connect with a subculture, personal problems or common situations experienced by your audience.

One-on-one print materials must build your credibility

One of the main goals of a branding campaign is to establish your business’ credibility and reputation for professionalism. This is particularly important when it comes to one-on-one marketing, something which must be highly personal.

Again, customers and clients wants to be treated in a special way, so this must extend to your personal Marketing Print Materials, such as postcards, letterheads and calling cards.

That said, here are some tips to help you find a reliable and trustworthy printing copy to handle your business’ printing needs.

1.       Check for Expertise

Needless to say, it’s imperative that a printing company have the technical expertise and insider knowledge of the printing industry. An ideal printing company should knows the ins and outs of the printing industry, which helps them provide the best services possible for your specific needs.

2.       See if they’re up to date on industry news and developments

With printing solutions today more dependent on technology than ever, new technological advancements could bring about new ways for print jobs to be carried out. That said, it’s a must that a printing company stay updated with the printing industry’s latest development. Whether it’s news on new software, new printing technologies, or graphic design trends, a good Printing Company should be aware of them.

3.       Graphic Design

Although it’s rare for a company—even a small business—not to have someone who’s good, or at the very least, decent, with graphic design, printing companies can help you by providing the services of their design team. If you’re a novice at the print marketing game, a good design team can provide you with insight into how things should be done and how marketing materials should be created.

4.       Check for equipment

While it’s likely that you may not know all that much about printing equipment, it doesn’t hurt to check if a printing shop has the printing equipment to deliver a plethora of printing solutions. Obviously, the better the equipment a printing shop has, the better their prints will be.

5.       Keep an eye out for professional staff

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that we’ve included this tip. A printing shop’s level of professionalism must consistently be high during the entire printing process. But even before you sign a contract with them, it’s important to note if they are professional in their outlook and willing to help you with your needs.

6.       Personalised work is best

The problem most people have with printing companies today is that oftentimes, they get boring, pre-made Print Solutions and graphic designs that don’t take into account their requirements. A personal touch with your prints is important, and your printing shop must be able to grasp this.

In conclusion, the best thing you can do is do your homework beforehand. Compare everything from customer reviews, portfolio, clientele and more. Find that balance between value for money, and excellent printing work. Good luck!

Watch this space for our next exciting promotion.

Pictured: Kevin Daly of Taste Catering (www.tastecatering.ie) being presented with his Tickets by Wayne O’Neil Account Director, Print World.

Win Two Tickets for Ireland Vs Scotland on 10/03/2012

When you place any order at Promo World before 29/02/2012

To be in with a chance to win this fantastic price and avail of this wonderful offer!

For more information, please visit www.promoworld.ie

Tel:     00353 1 6160066

Email: sales@promoworld.ie

Promotional Paper Products can give you the medium to advertise your brand! Whether it be through the use of Promotional Sticky Notes, Sticky Pads, Promotional & Corporate Gift Boxes or Wiro Pad Covers, Promotional Paper Products & Paper Print can be a great way to leverage your brands awareness & communicate your marketing message simply and cost effectively.

For more information – Visit http://www.excellenceonpaper.com/

Don’t forget, promotional paper WORKS !!

                                                                                         Could be a nice idea for a mobile operator???

Every time you visit a Mobile phone shop you might have noticed that the Sales assistant always has to scribble onto any odd piece of paper that’s sitting on the counter. Thats where Sticky Notes & Postit Notes come in handy. These Sticky Notes & paper products can be branded accordingly, in creative and colourful formats and can enhance the customer experience.

They can also be custom made, personalised and units can be branded in corporate colours and obviously the paper and refills can be branded too!!

For more information visit – http://www.printworld.ie/sticky-notes/
Call Print World @ 1800 36777

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UFSYJOuQl4&feature=related

3 gone !! – Watch this space for our next exciting promotion.

Like us on Facebook and place a print order to enter this months draw!

Pictured: Linda Doran – Lynch Interact Ltd. & Michael Altman, Account Director, Print World.