For promoting a business or brand, businesses usually get countless options available, including promotional products and traditional advertising. They are two popular methods that are used by businesses for promoting brands, products, and services. Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, and of which choosing the right one has a major significant impact on the marketing efforts of a business.
Many individuals and businesses make the mistake of considering promotional products and traditional advertising the same. But the fact is they are two very different marketing strategies that businesses can use to reach their target customers. Knowing the difference between both helps businesses decide which marketing strategy they must use to achieve their goals. Let’s explore the difference between promotional products and traditional advertising and discuss which one is more effective.
On the other side, traditional advertising is delivered through a variety of channels such as radio, TV, and billboards. Some common things that make promotional products different and more effective than traditional advertising are listed below.
Tangible & Useful
Promotional products are popular, tangible items that are imprinted with the logo or message of a brand. They are given away by the brand to their target customers. These products are a physical representation of a brand that can be held as well as used by recipients. They range from custom wet wipes, hand sanitizers, cleaning wipes, and more. They are more than just a business message.
The use of promotional products helps businesses interact with their target audience and deliver their message at less cost. This makes promotional products more memorable as well as effective in building brand awareness and loyalty. They are useful items that the receivers can use for different purposes and also multiple times.
Longer Lifespan
Another thing that differentiates promotional products and traditional advertising is the lifespan. Promotional products undoubtedly have a longer lifespan than traditional advertising.
Where traditional advertisements last 15-30 seconds, a promotional high-quality product can last for months or even years. The longer lifespan of these products ensures businesses that their brand message will be seen repeatedly by their target customers, increasing their brand recall and recognition. Promotional products are also easy to pass on to other people. When they are passed on to other people they increase the reach of the brand message.
Targeted Marketing
Many businesses prefer using promotional products over traditional advertising because they are easy to target a specific audience. These features of these products make them more effective in reaching as well as engaging with the target audience.
With traditional advertising, it becomes tough for businesses to cover their target audience and deliver their message only to them. For example, a company that offers customized hand sanitizer can give away promotional hand sanitizer at hospitals, healthcare centers, etc. This targeted marketing approach helps businesses ensure that their brand message is seen by those who are most likely to be interested in the product or service.
Cost-Effective
Promotional products are often more cost-effective than traditional advertising. The use of them for promoting the brand or product or service, helps businesses save more. While an advertisement or promotion through a TV ad or billboard may require a significant investment, these products can be produced in bulk as well as distributed to a large audience at a lower cost per impression.
Ordering a customized promotional product in bulk helps businesses add information to the products that not only just cost them within their budget but also helps them achieve their goals at less cost. This feature of these products makes them a cost-effective way to build brand awareness and promote a brand message.
Personal Connection
Promotional products help businesses create a personal connection with their target customers. These products build a connection between the brand and the recipient. Unlike traditional advertising, which is often impersonal, businesses can use these products as gifts, or giveaways to create a positive emotional connection with their target audience. This personal connection further helps businesses increase the loyalty of customers toward their brand.
A promotional product that is useful to the recipient, will be loved and used frequently by the receiver. With this, these products help businesses ensure that their brand message will be seen and remembered by their target customers.
Final Thoughts
Promotional products are different and more effective than traditional advertising because they are tangible, cost-effective, useful, can be targeted, create a personal connection, and have a longer lifespan. Choosing these products over traditional advertising help businesses promote their message, save more, build brand awareness, and achieve their goals in a meaningful way.
