Advertising novelties? Do they Really Work?

Advertising novelties - a fancy name for calendars, pens, jar openers, key chains, stress balls, anything that has your business' name on it that you give away to existing and potential customers. Some companies swear by them and others wouldn't think of putting their name on an item only to be tossed in a side drawer that never sees the light of day again. Which begs the question: are they worth it? Or is it just a waste of money that could be better spent somewhere else?

Over the years, I have worked for companies who have taken both sides of this argument. One was an extremely successful financial institution that would no sooner put its name on a coffee mug or pen than put its name on the side of a city bus in a high-density neighborhood. Too schmaltzy, the boss would say. Too low-class. "What kind of business wastes its money putting a name and logo on cheap pens?" (Yes, that was actually the topic of a conversation I had with him one time.)

But, if you are a fan of the advertising novelty, and are ready to blast your business name and logo on something, the question begs, "which one to spend money on?" The answer to that is usually found within your advertising budget. Usually, pens are the least expensive of all the novelties and the one most used. But a novelty, by definition, is something that arouses curiosity in a subject. So, if you are going to a trade show, or benefits fair, you would want to give away something that is going to be unique amongst the other goodies that people pick up and throw in their bag as they pass by your table.

If you just want to have SOMETHING to give away, so people will stop at your table, then by all means, pens, pencils, and post-it notes make good giveaways because they are things people will most likely use at their desks. But if you want something unique, you are really only limited by your imagination and budget, as there are many companies out there who print logos on just about everything from temporary tattoos to sporting equipment to jewelry to luggage!

In my experience, the best giveaway I have ever done was the item used to put other giveaways in: THE BAG. Right now I have a client who's using the eco-friendly tote bags at every event they're attending. And because of its size (huge), people are clamoring for them because they can take them home and use them for carrying groceries, school supplies, whatever. Now that's novelty money well-spent. When people are running to your table because you have the coolest giveaway - what more can you ask for?

The one danger in using novelty items for advertising is that, if you're not careful, the emphasis becomes the novelty and not the product you're selling. Be sure to use the novelty as a way to get your foot in the door and try to close the deal!

So if your budget allows, try using a novelty item for an upcoming event, or to just have on hand to give customers as they walk through your doors. They can turn out to be a very effective tool for your business, even if all they do is put a smile on your customer's face.

Copywright  2009 www.plusonemarketingsolutions.media.officelive.com