Curious about how other companies are using promotional products to market their brand? According to a recent poll by the Advertising Specialty Institute, tee shirts are still trending at #1. (The average promotional tee shirt gets around 2,450 impressions!) Here’s a look at the 5 most popular promotional products, and tips for making yours stand out from the competition.
#1: Tee Shirts.
It’s no surprise that tee shirts landed at #1. Tee shirts are a big part of our business at JDA, where we house a full-fledged screen-printing department capable of printing over 3,000 shirts per shift. Tip from the Pros: Go with a high quality ringspun cotton shirt that people will wear over and over again, and stick to a one or two color logo on the front if you’re concerned about budget. Staff Picks: With it’s super soft feel and traditional fit, this District Made Tri Blend lands at the top of the list as everyone’s new favorite tee shirt. This Bella Canvas tee gets rave reviews from customers, too. Need a moisture-wicking tee ? The Competitor tee is designed to lock-in your logo color and prevent fading.
#2: Bags.
Although tee shirts outrank bags in popularity, one U.S.-based study by the Advertising Specialty Institute found that bags get double the impressions that tee shirts do. This is definitely something to consider when you’re thinking about where to spend your marketing dollars! Tip from the Pros: Think special features. If you had the choice between a plain grocery tote or one with an insulated liner and a zippered closure, which would you pick? Staff Picks: For tradeshows and events, this roomy non-woven tote is affordable, but loaded with little extras, including an adjustable shoulder strap, pockets and even a clear pouch to hold your business cards! If you’re looking for something ultra-portable, we love this water-resistant tote. It can hold up to 50 lbs of stuff yet it rolls up into this tiny little package when it’s not in use. For athletics, school or outdoor events, we’d go for this heavy duty nylon sports pack. (It’s comparable to a popular retail brand that is more than double the price!)
#3: Drinkware.
Take a look at the Yeti phenomenon and you’ll understand why drinkware ranks #3 in our list of the top 5 most popular promotional products. (Click here to check out our field test of the Yeti Rambler vs. branded tumblers.) Tip from the Pros: People expect more from their drinkware than ever, so go with double-walled or vacuum-insulated drinkware if you can. Staff Picks: This 30 oz tumbler comes with a straw and gift box, which makes for a great presentation. (The 20 oz version is great, too. If you’ve got a full color logo, check out this option.) Another staff favorite is this double wall insulated water bottle. The tough Tritan plastic, flip up spout and easy carry handle make this a great choice for athletes at any level. (For less than $7, this is a steal!)
#4: Writing Instruments.
Writing instruments are no doubt one of the most cost-effective ways to get your logo in front of lots of people. (Despite the rise of mobile technology in the marketing world, people still use good old-fashioned pens.) Tip from the Pros: You get what you pay for. Choose a pen with quality ink and a smooth writing flow. (Who wants their logo on a pen that doesn’t actually write?) Don’t worry… if you’ve got a budget, let us know and we’ll help you find the BEST possible writing instrument at a price you can afford! Staff Picks: If you need to get down and dirty with a budget-friendly pen, this is our top pick! It comes in eight different trim colors and even includes a rubber grip. This stylus pen is great for tech users, and it writes beautifully too. Don’t forget about highlighters, too! We’re currently reaching for these gel wax highlighters that won’t smear ink or bleed through paper. (Bonus: If you lose the cap, no worries! Gel wax won’t dry out like normal highlighters.)
#5: Polos/Sport Shirts.
From uniforms to high end golf shirts, polos are definitely the most popular wearable item other than tee shirts. Moisture-wicking performance polos are still dominating the market, with brands like Nike Golf and Under Armour leading the way. Tip from the Pros: Give your branded polos a new look with thermoseal, a high quality heat transfer that works well for full color logos or even 1 color logos. (We’ve already spotted this type of decoration on college football sidelines this year!) Staff Pick: Our sales team loves Nike Golf Dri-Fit polos! The Micro Pique has a super soft hand, and comes in men’s and ladies’ styles. If you need a serious workhorse that stands up to snags, stains and odors, this Snag-Proof Polo is your best bet.
Looking for ideas specific to YOUR brand? Contact us today!