Not Your Typical Mobile Marketing

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Calling all trade show exhibitors!  Looking for eye-catching, yet cost-effective display options for your booth or exhibit table?

We’ve got the perfect solution for you: Table Top X-Stand and Retractable Banners.

Did you notice one key phrase there? ….Table Top! No more lugging around gigantic floor banners, stands and cases. (Your back will thank you.)

We like to call these two products mobile marketing because the huge display area allows you to market you Table Top X-Stand & Retractable Bannerbrand but is still small enough to take everywhere.

Another advantage: the graphics can be changed out easily – a great cost effective way to update your change your message to fit the occasion.  Now companies with numerous products, events or services to advertise have the ability to do just that with these lightweight, low cost, and easily transportable banners and stands.

We are sure that you will love these two mobile marketing products. For more great trade show and exhibit ideas, give us a call. We’re here to help you find solutions which will bring you the results you need.

Can You Feel It? Media for ALL the Senses.

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Do you have a prized possession to show off an achievement? Whether it be a graduation diploma, a trophy for dominating the third grade spelling bee, celebrating a five-year anniversary at work with cake, or maybe even a Super Bowl Championship ring – all of these gifts are items which trigger emotion.  We might never get rid of that third grade trophy because it takes us down memory lane back to that glorious moment, right down to the feel of the sweater on our back.

These trophies, these awards, these simple little items are Sensory Media.

According to Jae M. Rang, author of Sensory Media, “Sensory media does two things: it anchors the ‘feel-good’ emotion and it rewards the participants with a gift.”  When you hold sensory media – also known as a promotional product – you hold the brand.

Promotional products are responsive and tangible items.  They can create or recreate an entire brand.  If done correctly, sensory media can encourage, honor, influence, educate, and acknowledge everyone involved.

 Senses (for blog)

Companies have one goal in mind when purchasing promotional products: they want to be memorable.

Rang explains, “The reality is promotional products are a very human form of media. We’re sensory beings―we see, hear, smell, taste, touch―so ‘sensory media’ aligns so well with us. The products, as well as the messaging, represent the brand and are interactive in nature making them very impressionable.”

Sensory media demands interaction.  You can eat it, write with it, wear it, smell it, and play with it.  It is a constant reminder that it is much more than a branding tool and can be used to create an unforgettable foundation.

It’s time to move our perceptions of promotional products from the often-called “swag” or “trinkets” to the real, purposeful media and result-driven marketing it truly creates.

 

Best Reactions – High Value Items

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What difference does the perceived value of a promotional product make on the end user? If the item is perceived to be of high value, does that translate also to their view of the giver? Does it influence their behavior and attitudes, or does it not matter?

Those are just a few of the questions asked, and answered, in a research study conducted by P.P.A.I. (Promotional Products Association International) in December 2011.

When it comes to items with a perceived value of $25 or more, the study revealed the following:

Why do you think the company or organization gave you this item?

  • 23% – To make me aware of the company and it’s products or services
  • 28% – To thank me for doing business with them, and to continue doing so

What did you perceive the reason for being given this item?

  • 31% – As a business gift
  • 38% – As a form of advertising
  • 40% – As an incentive

Were you more receptive to the company and it’s objectives after receiving this item?

  • 27% – Significantly more receptive
  • 44% – Somewhat more receptive

What categories of products are most popular to receive?

  • 58% – Items that can be consumed
  • 50% – Items that can be worn
  • 46% – Items associated with digital communication
  • 46% – Items that help collect or convey things

How long do you keep your favorite products?

  • 60% – Three years or more:  high value products (over $25)
  • 42% – One year or less:  low value products

What makes an item worth holding onto (Very or Extremely Important)?

  • 69% – Usefulness
  • 59% – Quality
  • 52% – Attractiveness

So what can be concluded from this study?  A few key points stand out:

  • Recipients were more receptive if they perceived the item to be high value.
  • Having an item imprinted with a logo did not deter from it, as long as it was a useful item.
  • Apparel and food gifts are most appreciated by recipients.
  • Useful items will be kept the longest.
  • A high-value item is typically perceived to cost between $25-$50.

The entire research study is available at this link:  High End/Low End

Package It Right – 3 Tips for Presenting Your Gift

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So you’ve selected the perfect gift item to give to your customers, team or staff. You’ve paid attention to every detail – item selection, color, imprint area, decorating method and cost. Everything’s been ordered, proofed and approved, and you’re just awaiting it’s arrival at your door.

Except…could you possibly be forgetting something that can help really impact the presentation of the gift? How are you planning to present it to the recipients? Pull the items out of the shipping box they came in? Grab them from a pile?

How about a custom box or container instead? You spent all this time getting the item just right, don’t you want the packaging to be just as important and impactful?

Packaging doesn’t just have to be a gift wrapped box. Think outside of the box for some unique ways to present your gift:

1.  Tumblers and Sports Bottles
Yes, that’s right, tumblers! Large tumblers can make great packaging for smaller items, and can even fit smaller rolled-up tshirts. Of course, they make great containers for smaller items, such as candies, desk accessories, pens, lip balms and golf balls and tees.

2.  Totes and Bags
An obvious choice, right? With so many sizes, shapes and colors, finding the match for your gift should be no problem. Larger bags make great packaging for multiple items also. And the nice thing about a bag for gift packaging, it’s reusable and appreciated on it’s own as part of the gift.

 

3.  Custom Boxes and Cans
Don’t be afraid of custom box packaging. By dropping your own graphics and design into pre-made templates, custom boxes can be a very affordable and unique presentation. And with a wide variety of shapes and sizes, your options are limitless.

 

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Make ‘Em Look – 3 Tradeshow Tricks

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You’ve got your trade show exhibit booth reserved, you’ve got your handouts printed, giveaways ordered, and raffle or other draw prepared. But how are you going to catch the attention of everyone who passes by your booth? What’s going to make them stop and take a second look before heading off to that eye-catching booth they see down the aisle?

Exhibitor Online has twelve tricks for table top displays, here’s three top ones:

 

One Big Image

 

Using one large image on your display will create a focal point which will be much more likely to draw people in. You only have a one or two second window to grab someone’s attention, so a single, attention-grabbing image will help pull them out of the aisle and into your booth.

Get Rid of Unnecessary Text

 

Use too much text and nobody’s going to read it. Don’t use enough, and they won’t know what you’re about. According to experts, about 10 words along with your logo are a good balance. Focus on the benefit you provide, not on details.

 

Use Simple, Clean Fonts

 

Make your words easy to read from the aisle. A sans serif font like Helvetica or Myriad, large enough to be readable from several feet away. A good rule of thumb is that your headline should be 4 inches tall or more.

When it comes down to it, the goal of a tradeshow booth is to generate interest to create awareness of your organization or to grow your business. None of that will happen if your booth doesn’t draw attention.

 

Still King – Printed Calendars

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In a world dominated by electronic devices, does anyone still use an old-fashioned printed calendar?

You bet they do!

The printed calendar still holds an important place in both homes and businesses, which creates an advertising opportunity with great ROI.

Just a few stats, according to a 2011 PPAI study:

1981 – 98% of homes & 100% of businesses had a printed calendar.
30 years later: – 79% of homes & 78% of businesses still had printed calendars.

1981 – 70% of home and 80% of business calendars contained advertising.
30 years later: – 61% of home and 76% of business calendars were still marketing products.

1981 – Every home had nearly 4 calendars and every business had 2.5 calendars.
30 years later: – Homes had 3 and businesses had 2.

As you can see, over the course of 30 years, not a lot changed. Sure, numbers on printed calendars have gone down, but they are still used in a high percentage of homes and businesses.

Looking to reinforce your organization’s name and service or mission? With a calendar, the average person will look at that calendar, and your imprint, 2 – 10 times PER DAY.

Let’s take an average of those, at 6 times per day, times 5 business days per week, times 50 weeks per year (we’ll subtract 2 weeks of vacation time!). That makes 1500 impressions per year. 1500 times your customers will see your name and logo. Pretty good use of advertising dollars, huh?!

If you spend an average of $3.00 per calendar, that less than 1¢ per impression, per year! It’s hard to beat that stat with any other type of advertising or marketing.

 

It’s the Experience – Maui Jim

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Looking for an innovative, fun experience for a golf event, corporate meeting, or employee appreciation? The Maui Jim Fitting Experience brings a great product and an even better experience to your location.

Maui Jim brings in their expertly-trained employees who assist with fitting and selection.

Options start with a minimum of 100 pairs. The glasses retain the Maui Jim logo, with options for custom imprinting the cases with your imprint.

Take a look at the video below to see what a great experience and memory it creates for it’s recipients.

The Maui Jim Experience is just another type of promotional marketing service from The Creative J, and a great example of how the right experience leaves the best impression.

Tradeshow Planning

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Tradeshow

We’re almost to that season… No, not Christmas and the holidays, but Tradeshow Season. Winter and spring seem to be primetime for tradeshows. If you plan to exhibit at an upcoming tradeshow, here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:.

1.  Set A Goal – What do you plan to gain by exhibiting?
You spend a lot of time, money and energy planning for a tradeshow. Make sure you have measurable goals defined. You’ll be able to clearly track and measure your results in relation to the goals you set. Most goals are going to be either sales or communication related. Such as:

  • Sales related – showcase your products and services, find the decision makers, influence customer attitudes, open doors for future sales calls
  • Communication related – meet your customers, establish your company image, learn new industry trends, gather information about competitors, obtain feedback
For example, your goal might be to talk with at least 50 people of which you can qualify at least 10 prospects for future business.
2.  Staff Your Booth with Trained People
Staff should be well-trained on your product or services, friendly, and well presented. They should also understand your goals for the tradeshow and their role in achieving those goals. They need to come across as friendly and knowledgeable to anyone who stops at your booth.
3.  Create a Budget
Draw up a budget so that costs can be kept in check. Don’t forget to include display items and giveaways, such as banners, tablecloths, promotional materials and dining.
4.  Create an Eye-Catching and Effective Display
You won’t reach your goals if nobody stops at your booth, so it’s vital to have an eye-catching and inviting display.
  • Shoot for a high traffic location – look for locations near entrances, concessions, restrooms or near major exhibitors. Avoid dead-end aisles, obstructive columns, loading docks or other low traffic areas.
  • Appeal to the senses – display your products or services in a variety of ways so that attendees can see, touch, hear or taste them. Use colorful visuals, employ background music or sound, offer demonstrations.
  • Keep it simple – don’t go overwhelm with your graphics or “stuff”. One large photo or graphic that can be seen from down the aisle may have a greater impact than many smaller graphics. Use a catchy or simple slogan which readily identifies your business.
  • Gimmicks work – Drive traffic to your booth with contests and giveaways. Offer incentives or rewards to attendees who bring others back to your booth. Give out crazy hats or bags that will be seen all over the show floor.

Booth

5.  Promote Your Presence
No matter how good your booth looks, it will fail if nobody shows up. Strong pre-show promotion is a must. Studies show that 76% of all show attendees arrive with an agenda. You need to ensure that your booth is part of their agenda.
  • Call top customers and prospects, let them know where to find you at the show or set up meetings.
  • Send out mailings – include a small giveaway with the mailing to increase awareness. A simple magnet, card, or contest piece will keep you top of mind and is proven to increase attendance.
  • Email one or two reminders before the show.
6.  Be Approachable and Generate Leads
Being proactive at your booth will generate more conversations and thus more leads. Be proactive by initiating the conversation with the visitor. Use good opening questions such as:
  • “What brings you to the show this year?”
  • “What caught your eye in our booth?”
  • “Have you found what you’re looking for at the show this year?”
Generate qualified leads by determining the following about your booth visitors:
  • What role does this prospect play in the decision making?
  • Can they use your product or services in their company or department?
  • How long do they need in order to make a decision?
  • Are there any obstacles to your company conducting business with this person?
  • Gather their contact information
7.  Plan Your Followup Strategy
Decide on your followup strategy before the show. You’ll be able to reach out to the contacts you made while the show is still fresh in their minds.
  • Make followup a priority – it’s your number 1 task to make sure your tradeshow was successful.
  • Create a mailing before the show that’s ready to send out as soon as the show is over.
  • Qualify leads during the show – rank your leads while at the show and contact the hottest ones immediately upon your return to work.
  • Keep your promises – make sure you followup on any promises you made at your booth.
This is just a brief overview of some things to consider before exhibiting at a tradeshow. For some creative ideas for exhibit display items, giveaways, and traffic generators, contact your rep at The Creative J.Unknown

Tumblers 101

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We’ve all seen those popular tumblers – you know, the ones that are usually acrylic with a screw-on lid and straw?

Did you ever wonder what the difference is between the price points you see and the product materials?

Well, even if you didn’t wonder, here’s a quick run-down on what to look for when shopping for tumblers!

Material
Tumblers are made in a variety of materials, which leads to the wide price ranges you find them advertised. Keep in mind that a very low cost tumbler may be made of materials that don’t hold up well and will warp or chip easily.

Polypropylene – this is the low-cost alternative to the other available materials. Normally these tumblers will have a snap on lid and the material is softer and more flexible than the others. It also does not hold up in the high heat of a dishwasher and will warp.
16oz Price Range:  $1.89 – $2.50

Acrylic – a strong, clear material, but still prone to chipping if dropped, but is less prone to scratching than polycarbonate. 16oz Price Range:  $2.99 – $4.50


Polycarbonate – the biggest item to note on polycarbonates is that they contain BPA – a chemical which can be toxic. Most manufacturers have quit making drinkware using polycarbonate due to this. Polycarbonate is extremely resistant to breakage and is often marketed as “unbreakable.” However, it is easy to scratch and will yellow over time.16oz Price Range:  Generally not available due to BPA issues

SAN – this plastic is an acrylic blend and is more stable and durable for hot and cold liquids as compared to acrylic. Acrylic can craze when switching between extreme temps, while SAN will not. 16oz Price Range:  $5.50 – $7.50

Tritan™ – this newer material offers clear advantages over polycarbonate and other materials. It’s BPA free, won’t add odor or taste to liquids, is dishwasher safe, resists degradation, cracking and has great clarity. It is, however, the most expensive option.16oz Price Range:  $8.50 – $10.50

Double or Single Wall
Single wall tumblers will be less expensive, but you trade cost for performance. With a double wall tumbler, you add more insulation, keeping your drink cooler, longer, while also preventing the walls from sweating when ice or very cold drinks are used. If you’ve ever had a drink sweat and drip on your desk, you’ll know why double wall tumblers are much nicer to use.

The Creative J staff can help you navigate through all the intricacies of drinkware. Just give us a call and we’ll help you find the perfect tumbler for your budget and needs.