We all know that the economy will slowly bounce back.  We all hear about government bail outs, waiting for things to turn around, etc but we are in control of our own destiny if we just put some good marketing into practice.  Many business owners feel frustrated or disappointed by their marketing results. Building a brand takes time, patience and lots of planning.  Business owners need to track and adjust only after results are proven.  Many times a new idea such as using tote bags instead of plastic bags won’t show immediate results or wane after an explosive start.  This doesn’t mean the idea should be viewed in a negative light.  Consumers need time to remember and trust a brand to ensure long-term loyalty.  If your promotions are stopped or promotional items are pulled before their time it could lead consumers into believing your business could do the same.

It’s important that customers know who you are and that they can depend on you.  Create a logo or look and stick with it.  Don’t change it; the idea of a logo is to create recognition.  If a potential buyer just starts to recognize you and then the logo changes they may feel it shows signs of weakness or lack of stability or worse yet they may over look your new logo because they don’t know it.  The most successful businesses today are companies that invested the time in their logo. Patience can be a difficult trait to master but all successful people have patience and persistence.

Become an expert in your community. Attending networking events is great but speaking at them, offering up your knowledge to help others succeed is better.  Have work shops or do classes that emphasize your special skills.  Consumers will turn to you for business if they know you have helped them in the past. If your first event isn’t overflowing, don’t give up, word of mouth will spread if you are knowledgable and the information is useful.  The key is to be persistent.

Track and adjust only as results are proven effective or ineffective.  You don’t want to change every month because it can cause confusion and frustration.  New promotions should be watched closely. Use a tracking system.  Be sure to ask new customers what brought them to you and log it.  Every business sees times of lighter traffic but that doesn’t mean a promotion or giveaway hasn’t worked.  When you start something make an expiration date, even if its only known within the company and let it go until that expiration date. Keep records and understand what they say.  If an idea doesn’t work, file it, don’t use it again; but be sure to let it run its course.

Promotional items are an important tool in your arsenal. Know your target audience. Work with in your budget to create value.  Pens, coffee mugs and water bottles are all popular but maybe you want to stand out.  Your brand calls for something more unique. People will remember when  business gives them tools of the trade, office products, home products or automotive items.  Studies show that people remember companies who give them useful promotional items. If you’re an automotive shop who wants to cater to women try tools such as screwdrivers in pink or white with a pink imprint.  Let them know you’re a shop who’ll treat them with the respect they deserve by reaching out to them.  You will create recognition and trust with this simple item.

Most importantly, you can do all the marketing, handing out promotional items, events, work shops, etc but you must be someone people will come back to, talk about and trust.  Be sure before you put any marketing plan into effect your business practices are top notch because as easily as good marketing can skyrocket you to the top, it will drop you to the bottom; destroying all your hard work.

Patience, understanding and planning will provide you with the tools you need to create a strong brand.  Combine that with cost effective promotional items that will keep your brand the focus of potential clients and you will create a lasting relationship that will ensure your success.

Need ideas?  Give EBSpromo a call.  Their customer service wants you to succeed!

1) Plan your product choices.  Its great to buy 1000 pens because they’re inexpensive and most people use the pens. There are many other choices that could strengthen your brand. Are you an musician? Media storage might be a better choice. Do you run a bar? What about considering Koozies? Realtor’s might find key chains or coffee mugs more directed toward a market that would increase their sales.

2) Plan your custom imprint.  It makes sense to put your contact information of course but what contact information and what other information should appear on your promotional item. EBS will always suggest a minimum of your web address on the smallest of imprint locations.  The rest of your contact information such as address, phone and emails can be located once on the web site. Also, a short phrase, usually your tag line. This will let people know what you are about.  Take EBS; our web address might not tell you exactly what we do but if you see the tag like, One Source for All Your Promotional Needs(R) it will make sense. Its not very effective to advertise if nobody knows why they should call you; are you an accountant? Consultant, etc.  Its also one more piece of information for recall.  A friend, coworker or loved one starts talking about a big project and your tag line pops into mine.  Finally, if you have the room on your item we suggest your logo.  There should always be a few versions of your logo; full color for digital processes, web appropriate and finally a black and white version; original vector are is almost always preferred.  Printing processes don’t always allow for full color decoration and you want to be sure that if available your space is filled with images that will be another reminder of your brand. Its also important not to clutter your imprint location.  If its too full of information sometimes your brand will get lost.

3) Plan your demographic. Sure the original thought of pens can be handed out all over town; everyone loves free pens.  When you’re marketing plan involves items like tote bags, travel mugs, media storage and other more directed marketing give aways you want to be sure that the people you target are seeing your message.  If you’re a young dj its important to focus your budget on people in an area that your audience would be located.  If you’re a financial advisor its more important to plan the distribution of your promotional items in areas where your potential clients would be found.

4) Track.  Finally, its very important to know that your marketing plan is working (or not).  When new customers call you should ask how they heard about you.  If you find that nobody is saying anything about your promotional items it might be time to rethink the distribution, OR if everyone is talking about them, it might be time to up the order and have a few college kids get more out to future clients. I don’t suggest giving up. Marketing is like the tide ebb and flow are a part of the way things work.  A consumer won’t coming running to you the minute they get their promotional item. People need to trust and the continued exposure is what will drive new business in your direction.

Promotional items are one of the most important, cost effective tools in your marketing aresenal but if you don’t have a plan you might as well be just throwing your budget out the window.  Plan and track thoughtfully and you’ll see the benefits in new customers.

Today, with news of slowly improving unemployment numbers and the potentially stablizing economy many of our bigger companies have started slaughtering us with new television advertising, coupons and promotions. You’re a small business though; your budget is still tight. Pulling out thousands of dollars for a commercial, newspaper ad or radio spot just isn’t covered….yet.

I’m here to say, you don’t need thousands of dollars to reach your audience. Promotional items are the foot soldier of your marketing plan. These items work tirelessly 24 hours a day 7 days a week reaching new consumers at a fraction of the cost you would pay for television, newspaper or radio advertising. A simple tote bag or inexpensive pen will reach hundreds of people and even better multiple times a day.  Consumers need to trust a name and if they are seeing your name around town before they ever see a newspaper ad it creates a sense of familiarity that only multiplies the affect of traditional media.

Take a look around the big guys use promotional items as a part of their branding aresenal and its one thing that’s not out of your reach as a small business owner!  They have experts telling them what works so take their lead and work a cost effective item like a key tag into your budget.  A recent study of business travelers reported that 71% had recalled receiving a promotional item in the last 12 months and 33% actually still had the item with them at the time of the survey.  That is incredible marketing.

I know today’s climate has made us all weary of spending any money but consumers are reaching out for new providers as their favorites have closed or moved and they just can’t find you if they don’t know you exist.  Today promotional items could be the lifeline your business needs to begin attracting new customers.

Check out EBSpromo for the most competitive pricing on whatever you could imagine OR speak to a friendly representative to get new ideas.

That being said we have put together a list of the top five items we suggest for 2012.

5)Pens.  Everyone uses a pen at some point during the day and studies show that 86% of people with promotional pens remember the names of the business printed on the pen. They’re one of the most inexpensive items which means you can get 1000 and stay within your budget. Pens also get passed around, left in restaraunts, etc so you’re doubling or even tripling your audience.

4)Lanyards. Schools, businesses, healthcare facilities and more use lanyards every single day.  They’re practical and last a long time.  You can get attachments for house/car keys, phones, ids or key cards for entery. Many attractions, sports venues and event facilities offer them.  They make a great souvenir as well as a convenient place to store tickets, back stage passes, etc.

3)Drinkware, sports bottles. Everyone loves their sports bottles and with the new environmental consciousness people are bringing water rather than buying bottled.  Gyms, schools, spas all love to use water bottles because they’re so practical.

But drinkware doesn’t stop at sport bottles. Coffee mugs and travel mugs are some of the most popular promotional products we sell.  They’re popular with doctors, realtor, banks and more because they know the receiver will use them. Each use is an impression which is a reminder to customers of your business.

2)Calendars.  Where else can you get 12 guaranteed months of exposure for just one low price.

1)Tote bags or drawstring back packs.  Today drawstring back packs are one of the most popular items you’ll find.  Think about this; When big sports companies like Nike are doing it…there’s something to it right?  These back packs are used daily by school kids, gym members, commuters and more.  They’re convenient and very practical.  Many have extra pockets on the outside to store train passes, money or tickets and even a slot to put ear buds through so you can listen to music.

Tote bags are being used more and more these days.  Shoppers are using reusable bags for groceries or departments stores instead of continuing to collect plastic bags.  They are taken on trains, buses, airplanes, boats and with each trip they’re exposed to hundreds of people! Tote bags are one of the most practical, appreciated promotional items in the marketing industry.

Again, the most popular items may not always work for your style, budget or industry.  You may be looking for something unique to stand out like a bobble head.  Maybe you’re in a creative industry like music or art and you’d like to see your art on computer mousepads or cell phone cases or a dog tag. No matter what kind of business, budget or style you have there’s a promotional item that will help grow your business.

Call EBS today at 800-783-5179 to discuss your ideas or ask for theirs.  2012 is a year of growth for small business and every single marketing tool you can conquer will put you one step closer to your own personal success story.

Experts say that 2012 is the year of BRANDING; creating or building on a beacon consumers can depend on and trust.  One of the most cost effective ways of getting the most impressions is promotional items such as key tags, tote bags, water bottles, etc.  Practical items are used regularly increasing potenial contact in stores, on public transportation, in office settings and more.  No television ad or radio spot can say that.

Today’s savvy and technologically connected consumers have a healthy amount of distrust toward business and politics.  They’re looking for partners in their ventures.  Someone they can connect with, that they can trust.  Business owners need to be authentic and relatable for the consumers to trust them.  More than ever its important to understand that recognition takes time and impressions.  A consumer can see your name or brand up to twenty times before they’ll even remember it much less think about trusting you.  The additional impressions from a small every day item such as a travel mug can catapult your brand to the front of the pack because they recognize you, see your name every day and when the time comes they know where to go.  Its not to say that the day someone receives your freebie they’re going to stop in but it is to say that the more they see your brand the more likely they’ll call on you when the time is right.

Building solid strong relationships with consumers is work. It can’t be done overnight but allowing the value of advertising specialties is an investment in your business’ future.  EBSpromo can show you promotional items that will fit your budget, style and industry.  Make the investment to grow your business in 2012.

Did you know that people can’t and won’t process new information until its been seen seven times?  How much would you have to pay to get that kind of exposure with television, radio or newspaper?  What about using promotional items such as key tags, pens or coffee mugs.  The importance of using cost effective and practical items is impressions.  If you are spending hundreds or thousands on television or radio it would make sense to include some other steps, increasing your impressions and making the most of the media. Items like key tags, tote bags, ball caps and USB drives are used daily increasing your brand recognition without spending thousands of dollars. Plus it allows you to target your market because you are in control of how they are handled.

Its important to use more than one type of marketing.  Include vendor space at local trade shows, become a member in a local BNI or Chamber of Commerce and use promotional items to improve your chances of consumers remembering you.  As a small business it’s important to work at getting the kind of brand recognition but using promotional products is working smarter.

EBSpromo is One Source for All Your Promotional Needs.

Studies show that consumers won’t even begin to recognize your name until 17+ impressions. Getting inexpensive items like key tags, license plate frames and kickstand plates around your town can increase the impressions without the expense of newspaper ads or television spots which can be extremely high. If you participate in or even host bike nights in your community there is a perfect opportunity for handing out give-aways to potential customers. Items such as nylon drawstring backpacks, key tags, license plate frames, calendars, ball caps, t-shirts and even pressure gauges or small tools can help remind a consumer that they need your services when the time comes, remember consumers need to be reminded many times to change their habits. Encourage a visit by including a coupon or special offer with your item. You can print them and include them IN your item or why not have them bring the bag, key tag or kickstand plate in for that savings. Another popular method of using specialty products like kickstand plates is to sell them at a low price. Items like kickstand plates especially can be sought after and if riders see them while out they will seek you out by the information provided or ask the owner where they got theirs. This creates a marketing tool that pays for itself while working 24/7 on your brand recognition.

Working with a promotional products company, like EBSpromo can be a lifesaver when it comes to finding specialty items that would be appropriate for a motorcycle shop or dealership as well as unique ideas for using your advertising specialty items. Many traditional print shops just don’t have the ability to provide such a broad spectrum of products and if they do chances are they are buying from someone like EBS and marking the price up for their profits.

Call and explain your needs to the customer service agent, many times specialty items won’t be listed on a website but you don’t want to miss out on a great opportunity to have a unique give away to pass out at bike night because you did not ask the professionals.

Schools and boosters are some of our most active customers.  They have a great grasp on how important promotional items can be to team spirit!  We all remember being in school and buying the foam hands, t-shirts or sweatshirts with our school mascot on them.  Today sports teams have access to many great items that will help build awareness and spirit from pom poms to stadium seating and sport bottles at a price that won’t break the bank.

Check out any big event and the teams have a multitude of products such as sport bottles, lanyards and lapel pins.  Teams know the importance of impressions, that seeing the team name builds excitement and brand recognition! I visited the New England Patriots “Patriots Place” and was inundated by the team products…silly bands, band aides, cups, apparel, tote bags, bar stools, clocks, and more! Smart management knows that a well marketed team can sell their advertising to exicted fans.  Today NFL jerseys can sell for $65 and more!

Sport teams in  motorcycle racing and swimming could benefit from the merchandising tactics of the biggest professional sports teams.  Visiting events such as the Daytona season opener for the AMA races provide clues to successful marketing.  Key rings, pens, matches, tote bags and apparel can be found for free at each tent in the FanZones surrounding the venue.  Team sponsors take this opportunity to reach new customers and athletes take the opportunity to reach a new audience with their sponsors customers, its a win win situation for teams and sponsors when promotional products provide constant reminders of the venture.

Could your team benefit from new fans? Who couldn’t.  How about sponsorship?  Providing memoribilia is not a new concept for team sports but today being an athlete, racer or rider is a business venture as much as it is a sport. The money goes where the fans are and the fans go where they are drawn to and engaged. Look at NASCAR merchandising for some smart marketing tactics. Those teams have dye cast replica cars, ball caps, lanyards and more all spreading the spirit of NASCAR across the country. Every event has their fan zone with team trailers set up with shirts, key rings, cups and more. Riders sign autographs and take pictures with their fans. You see fans walking around with bags of merchandise, they paid for and its advertising for NASCAR and riders! Not only are they getting inexpensive marketing but it is paid for by the target audience…brilliant.

Sponsors and fans are no different than customers.  They remember what they see. A consumer will only remember a business name after 22 impressions.  Providing a cost effective, practical promotional item increases the impression count without the expense of television, radio or newspaper advertising.

EBS is One Source for All Your Promotional Needs.  Visit our website or call us today for ideas to help increase your teams visibility and sponsorship.

Let EBS help you make 2012 a prosperous year for improving brand recognition and customer retention.

Here are some promotional item categories to help kick-off the new year…

• Pens & Pencils – everyone uses them
• Awards & Recognition – show your appreciation
• Coffee Mugs – for that quick pick-me-up
• Automotive Safety – not everyone telecommutes
• Awareness Items – spread the word

We have thousands of products to choose from at EBSpromo.com, but only list a portion of advertising specialties on our site. If you cannot find what you’re looking for, contact us for personal care. We look forward to assisting you.

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Many employees look forward to the big Christmas party and their bonus. When given a choice many would appreciate a token, a small gift over the Christmas party; something they can take home, show off, and of course use.

How can your business give promotional items without it seeming like marketing or advertising? By purchasing items you know your employees would appreciate that are within your budget, but don’t be cheap. Items like travel mugs, tumblers, computer bags or quality desk accessories are just a few that people have mentioned. Use a subtle, elegant decoration methods such as debossing. Sure you want your name on it but to put a full color image blazing across the item shows your intentions are toward advertising rather than appreciation.

The party is fun but in the end employers and employees realize it is one night. A tasteful gift will be held on to and even cherished for years to come, spreading your name all along.