People keep promotional products for various reasons, and the effectiveness of using promotional products as a marketing strategy has been well-documented. Here are some reasons why people keep promo products:
Usefulness: Promotional products that serve a practical purpose tend to be retained for longer periods. Items like pens, notepads, keychains, water bottles, and tote bags can be used in everyday life, making them valuable to recipients.
Branding and Recognition: Promotional products often display a company's logo, slogan, or contact information. By keeping and using these items, recipients inadvertently reinforce brand recognition and recall, even if it's on a subconscious level.
Positive Associations: If a promotional product is associated with a positive experience or event, the recipient may be more likely to keep it as a memento or reminder of that experience.
Gifting and Sentimental Value: Sometimes, promotional products are given as gifts, and recipients may keep them due to sentimental value or as a token of appreciation.
Cost-Effective Advertising: For businesses, promotional products can be a cost-effective method of advertising compared to traditional marketing channels like TV or print ads. They provide tangible, long-lasting exposure to the brand.
Freebies: People often enjoy receiving free items, and promotional products are essentially free gifts given to potential customers or clients, making them more likely to hold onto them.
Word-of-Mouth and Sharing: If someone receives a promotional product they don't need, they may pass it along to a friend or family member who could use it, thus extending the product's life and potential reach.
Novelty: Unusual or unique promotional products can pique curiosity and motivate people to keep them due to their novelty or collectible value.
Useful in Multiple Settings: Certain promotional products, like USB drives or phone accessories, can be used both at home and in professional settings, increasing their retention value.
Reciprocity: The principle of reciprocity plays a role here – when a company gives something to a potential customer, it can trigger a sense of obligation, making the recipient more likely to consider that company when making a purchasing decision.
Promotional products can be an effective way for businesses to build brand awareness, foster positive brand associations, and potentially increase customer loyalty, all while providing recipients with useful and enjoyable items.