Are you using your promo products to their fullest potential?

You could have the most beautiful and impressive branded merchandise, but if no one ever sees it, it won’t do your business any good! That’s why correct product positioning is absolutely essential for any promo line.

Businesses use loads of different strategies to showcase their promotional products, from direct advertising to clever product placement and social media posting. When choosing which methods to pursue, think about your own marketing goals - do you want to generate hype around your promo products themselves, or simply use your branded products as a way to direct attention to your business? Is your primary goal to gain new customers, or to strengthen relationships with your existing ones?

Once you’re prepared with a strong understanding of your goals and the resources you have available, use this list as a starting point to develop the perfect strategy for promoting your branded items:

1. Hold Staff Swag Days

If you have a physical location that your customers visit, why not give your staff some merch to wear on the job? This is a popular strategy among local restaurants and shops that are looking to promote their custom apparel.

You can hold “swag days” where your staff can wear your newest branded t-shirt or hat to work, or you can incorporate your branded apparel into their everyday uniforms. If your clothing features a catchy slogan, a trendy design, or serves as a sweet memento of their favorite spot, you’ll be surprised how many customers will ask their servers or cashiers if they can get some of your custom apparel for themselves*!

*Note that this strategy is most effective when you make sure your customers know that your merch is available for them by putting out a sign or store display.

2. Leverage Social Media

In addition to promoting your own products and services through social media, you should also incorporate some posts that feature your branded merch! You can post product features and host merch giveaways through your own social channels, or partner with influencers and local creators to reach an even wider audience.

3. Pop-Up Displays and Store Features

This one is quite simple, but also very important - at your physical location or at any events you attend, make sure there is room in your display to feature your promo products!

The more people see your branded merch, the more likely they are to want some for themselves - and when people use or wear your promo products, they spread awareness about your business! Making sure your promo is highly visible and attractive within your own storefront is the first step to set off this incredibly valuable chain-reaction.

4. Packaging Inserts

Whether they shop in-store or or order your products online, you can include small freebies with your customers’ purchased products. On a psychological level, free gifts make people feel good, and let your customers know that you care about them. On a marketing level, this is a great way to distribute your promotional products far and wide to people that are likely to use them and spread the word!

5. Sponsorships

Sponsor local events like community fairs, sports tournaments and fundraisers. Sponsorship opens up opportunities for prime logo placement, distribution of promotional products, and development of a strong brand presence in your community.

Product placement holds the key to a successful promotional campaign - pick a couple of these strategies for your next promo launch and watch what can happen when you put your promo in the spotlight!