This blog post was originally published in June 2016 and has since been modified to incorporate current research on how promotional products work.
Advertisers spent almost $29 billion in 2019 on promotional products. But, what did advertisers get out of those billions? It turns out, the marketing ROI (return on investment) is quite clear. From wooing new customers to staying top-of-mind with existing customers, promotional products work. Need more proof? Consider these jaw-dropping facts that explain just how promotional products work.
1. Advertisers spell success S-W-A-G.
When posing the question, “Do promotional products work?” a great place to start looking for answers is in customer preferences. When asked to rate forms of advertising from most to least liked, promotional products were rated the most highly regarded form of advertising (PDF).
2. Promotional products convert
When it comes to converting leads, promotional products have a lot of influence. In fact, 83% of consumers are more likely to do business with a brand (PDF) after receiving a promotional item. Can you say marketing ROI?
3. Smiles start with promo products
People love getting gifts. And that’s where promo products really hit their stride. When polled, 8 out of 10 consumers say they enjoy receiving promotional products. Clearly, those good vibes deliver.
4. Promotional items lead in cost-per-impression
If you’re wondering if you can afford to brand with promotional products, you’ll love these stats. Promotional products have an incredibly reasonable cost per impression (PDF):
- 2/10 of a cent for bags
- 3/10 of a cent for hats
- 7/10 of a cent for USB drives
That’s far less than other advertising channels. To compare, Twitter® costs $5.76 for 1,000 impressions—and Twitter® is the least expensive social media channel to advertise on.
5. Promotional products are incredibly effective
Not only are promotional products the most highly regarded form of advertising, but spanning generations from Gen Z to Baby Boomers, promo products are ranked as the most effective form of advertising (PDF). Higher than online, print or mobile.
Promo products are powerhouses
Any way you slice it, once you know how well promotional products work, you’ll want to try them for yourself. And as the research above demonstrates, these handy little giveaways generate leads and turn prospects into customers.
Not sure where to start? Check out this article on the most effective promotional items.