Everyone loves free stuff. People would do some insane things for them, and that’s exactly why big companies love giving away their products for free. They understand the potential ROI that giveaways can bring. After all, brand recognition is the difference between a company that thrives and one that merely survives.
Don’t think you can compete with the big guys because of your tiny budget? No problem. Giveaways are all about choosing the right products that promote your business and provide value to consumers at the same time. If you’re stuck on ideas, here are five of the most useful and cost-effective gifts to give away at your next event.
1) Custom T-shirts
Wanna hear of a genius marketing move that’ll get your brand out there with minimal cost and effort? Custom t-shirts. Seriously, people (especially men) love free shirts. And who wouldn’t?
T-shirts let your customers do the marketing for you. It’s quite simple: The more t-shirts you give out, the more people will wear them, leading to more interest in your business and more opportunities for you.
If there’s one common theme in almost every event out there, it’s food. And too often, it’s smelly food. Sure, those onion fries and garlic bread might smell amazing, but what’s not amazing is garlic breath.
Thank goodness for tongue scrapers. They’re small enough to fit inside your pocket and work fast so that users can run to the restroom, scrape their tongue, and return to your event in no time with fresh breath. The best part? They’re only $1. So save your event from the embarrassment of being known as “the dragon breath event,” and give away some tongue scrapers.
3) Portable Phone Chargers
The average American checks his/her smartphone up to 80 times a day. 80 times. We use them for everything – directions, fitness, social media, photos, job search...and even sex.
What this means is that just about everyone needs a recharge or two throughout the day. Take advantage of this opportunity to create brand awareness by giving away promotional portable phone chargers. This gift combines form, function, and convenience – and your customers will love you for them.
4) Custom Calendar
People might be using their smartphones more, but that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy crossing off days until a wedding anniversary or a tropical vacation. Calendars occupy important parts in homes and offices, and much like portable phone chargers, they are great functional gifts that will keep your brand visible all 365 days of the year.
5) Reusable Totes
Want to promote your brand long-term and feel good about going green at the same time? Branded reusable totes are just the eco-friendly swag you’ll want to give away at your next event. Not only can they be carried just about anywhere and last for years, they send a message to your consumers that you care about the environment.
Giveaway items at your event can be great marketing tools that will generate business leads and help attendees remember your company long after the show. Picking the right items can be challenging especially when you’re on a budget, but by focusing on a combination of brand promotion, functionality, and convenience, you’ll be sure to wow your attendees and run a successful event.