It’s 100 percent true that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Also true is that it takes five to seven impressions before someone remembers your brand. Imagine you’ve just given a sales presentation filled with facts, figures and stories that detail the pain points your potential customer is experiencing, as well as how your product or service can resolve those pain points. How do you get your customer to remember your company’s name and solutions a week, month or year from now? One of the best ways to keep your company top-of-mind is with creative leave-behinds.
Creative leave-behind ideas and how to use them
A leave-behind is an item that is left with a customer to remind them who you are.
In B2C situations, a leave-behind is usually a reminder of the work the company can, or has, performed. For example, a creative leave-behind idea for a company that paints houses could be an Inkbend Standard Special Shapes – Paint Brush with their name and contact information on it.
In B2B situations, a presenting company will frequently use a printed leave-behind, like a Tri-Fold Brochure. The brochure usually lays out the most critical points of their presentation, including how their product or service is different from other companies. It will also include stories that illustrate problems they’ve solved, plus references and contact information.
Regardless of what your business does, creative leave-behinds have one critical function: to remind customers that your expertise is the solution to their problem.
Not your ordinary business card
While business cards are a great way to pass along your contact information, it’s all too easy for them to get lost or recycled. Instead, remind customers of your brand with a unique business card, like a 10-in-1 Emergency Tool Card. This creative leave behind features wrenches, a screwdriver and several other tools in one compact card. A business card chocolate treat will leave a sweet taste in their mouths and a sweet impression of your brand in their minds.
The Slide Card Micro USB Drive – 8GB is the perfect corporate gift. Since it’s the size of a business card, it can fit almost anywhere. That makes it an ideal way to keep your contact information in a customer’s desk or wallet. Plus, USB drives are a popular gift with consumers, with 56% of people (PDF) saying they prefer a USB drive to a power bank.
Great presentations deserve great presentation
Studies show buyers view an average of 13 pieces of content before deciding on a vendor. What does this mean? A great leave-behind provides the information potential customers need when they need it.
The Bright Start Meeting Padfolio can serve as an eye-catching cover for any important literature and contact information you wish to leave behind. It also gives those you’re presenting to a convenient place to take notes.
Besides leaving folders and portfolios, think about how you can get creative with leave-behinds. An Earth pen is a great handout around Earth Day or for companies with a focus on sustainability. By leaving a pen unlike anything your competitors have given, you’ll easily stay top-of-mind. Sometimes deciding on a new vendor can be stressful for your potential client. After your presentation, leave them with a dollar sign stress reliever. It’s a friendly reminder to stay calm, plus a little hint that you can help give a boost to their ROI.
Playful planners
According to the Advertising Specialty Institute, calendars make around 850 impressions a year. And because they’re often displayed in homes and offices, calendars make for an excellent promotional item.
The Puzzling Planner is a thoughtful gift that combines the functionality of a calendar with fun brain games like Sudoku, word searches and crossword puzzles on every page. Every time your potential customer opens their new planner, they’ll be reminded of your brand.
Unique-looking notepads
A notepad is an ideal giveaway for customers who want to take notes during your presentation or keep your contact information handy. A Bic® Color-in Notepad offers a creative twist on the standard scratchpad. Jot notes or tap their creative side while coloring. Bottle-shaped Post-it® Notes are uniquely shaped to help your customer remember to contact you when they need your services.
Stand-out stickers
Stickers are an ideal leave-behind for small businesses looking for a budget-friendly giveaway. The Webcam Spy Blocker Tattoos offer 16 different decals to fill with your logo or contact information. The Full Color Static Decal easily attaches to mirrors, displays or car windows. Every time they see it, they’ll be reminded of your message.
The best leave-behind is a unique leave-behind
Creative leave-behinds can be the difference between getting a sale or not. By offering useful and memorable promotional products, you can remind your customers you’re there when they need you. For more helpful tips, read Creative leave-behind ideas to get ahead in business.