I attended a seminar recently that focused on marketing your business in the digital age. I always like to attend these types of events to keep up with the latest trends, because you never know if you will find a new way to approach a campaign for a client.
One of the areas that all the speakers agreed upon was that traditional media and promotions are not dead. That traditional media still works well and even excels when used in conjunction with a social and digital media campaign. And based on some of the promotions we’ve been a part of, the promotional products arena is poised for an even larger part of the proverbial media budget pie. Why? In this very digital world people are still very visual and experiential, if not more so.
One of our clients just launched a new domain extension for local websites. You’d think this is the perfect exclusive digital media campaign. However, we convinced them that they needed a non-digital presence as well. They would be sponsoring events (we did a great table top booth, table throw) and would need something to hand out to remind people of the new option. We suggested the silicone phone wallet that attaches to the back of most smart phones. Big success. They did a bright lime green (matched their logo) and I see them on phones all the time! The client was thrilled because not only did they make sales, they know they are getting continued exposure on the backs of many phones.
Technology Items are Hot!
The digital phenomenon is a great opportunity that continues to grow with all the new technology products entering the market. Have you seen the new Virtual Reality headsets? A number of the top suppliers have them already and they range from cardboard versions to plastic. I have already delivered an order. Clients are developing apps to showcase their product or services so why not give them the opportunity to bring it directly to their target customers?
I think it’s particularly well suited for real estate developers and commercial brokers. They could develop a tour app of their latest project that could be viewed in the comfort of their offices in 3D! I recommended VR to one of my tourism clients and, lo and behold, they were already developing an app of their vacation hotspot. Originally the app was only going to be promoted for download but it was easy for them to see the value of having VR headsets at trade shows to guide travel agents through the 3D experience.
That’s just one example of how technology is really taking hold. Think about it – just a couple of years ago the biggest “tech” item available was a USB flash drive (remember when you could get one at 250MB? Basically obsolete now). I had someone tell me not too long ago that they would never give USBs away again. Personally, I think that’s not the smartest comment because they still are very useful and we have many clients ordering the 8GB options with data already uploaded.
Drones, Selfie Sticks, Speakers, and More
So USB’s are not dead, but there are many exciting new options. What about drones? Now, personally I haven’t sold them yet and they are getting better in our industry. One was recently was introduced that includes a camera function. I think I will have a better opportunity with that one than just the one that flies around, but that’s just the type of clients I have.
Selfie sticks also remain hot. We’ve had a variety of clients that have taken advantage of them. One ordered selfie sticks for the Human Resources department in each of their offices around the country (more than 150) so that when they have local events they can take pictures and upload them to the company’s website. And it could easily be used by different departments within the same location – another opportunity for sales. Selfie sticks are great for board or employee retreats, sales forces on the go (think about them interacting with clients), the options are endless.
So now when clients are looking for something “new” I say they need to look at technology. It’s what’s hot right now. And on the top of that list is sound and power. There are some great options for just about every budget level. You just need to be careful and understand the differences between each. Sometimes the lesser expensive option truly is not worth the money.
When we present sound we look at the varied options and what might be the right fit for our client (or their clients). There are earbuds (wireless and not), headphones (wireless, Bluetooth and not, noise reducing), vibration speakers, Bluetooth speakers, wireless speakers, waterproof speakers – those that work with your smartphone, tablet and can be used as a hands-free device for mobile calls.
As a matter of fact, we just did a large order of Bluetooth speakers for a hotel that is undergoing renovations. They are giving them to guests that need to make conference calls while their conference facilities are reduced. We also have clients that use the Bluetooth speakers spread around conference facilities to play their presentation in multiple locations instead of having the expense of hotel speakers.
And now that everyone has multiple devices the power bank or charger is something that everyone needs and uses. Power banks come in all shapes (you can even custom design one), sizes and power to fit just about any logo and budget. You can have a power bank that can charge one device once, or one that charges multiple devices at once over and over again. Just make sure you understand the options because there really is a difference.
We have recommended power banks to companies with large sales forces on the go, as board retreat gifts, turn-down gifts for conferences (no more attendees sitting on the floor next to a plug!) and as donor gifts for non-profits. There really is a fit for every budget and occasion.
Technology doesn’t stop there. Don’t forget about the fitness craze. We’ve now got the activity watches. We just completed an order for an upcoming loyalty event for clients. They wanted something unique and the new activity tracker fit the bill.
Danette Gossett is the founder of Gossett Marketing, co-founder of Promotions Resource LLC and co-author of the best-selling book "Transform" with Brian Tracy. Danette utilizes her more than 30 years of advertising agency and corporate marketing experience to develop effective promotional campaigns and products for her clients. Visit GossettMktg.com or SalesPromo.org and follow us on twitter @MarketngTidbits.
I could go on and on about tech options (think folding keyboards, accessories and more) but what we should all recognize is that technology is a great tool for expanding a social media campaign for our clients and extending the brand awareness every time the item is used.