When you attend an event, it is normal to receive a pen or a water bottle, etc when you visit a business’ stand. If your item is the same thing that everyone else is giving away, chances are its going to end up in landfill or not remembered - It’s the sad and harsh reality of the situation we need to change. You need to get creative and give things away that emphasise your brand values, is interactive or that is a useful to the recipient. Think items like silly socks, fidget toys for the desk, a claw machine to pick your prize or spin wheels. The list goes on; think outside of the box when developing your giveaways for a lasting impression.
There are two key parts to this. Firstly, your branded collateral should be simple and clear to identify who you are. Let’s think of flyers or brochures – gone are the days of people lining up to get the latest physical 30-page brochure. People want convenience and are a lot more eco-conscious. Reduce your brochures to one-pagers that clearly showcase who you are and what you are trying to educate about, with a clear CTA to get people to act. It’s simpler, better for the environment and costs you less in printing.
Secondly, business cards are the perfect way to utilise multiple senses at once to create a lasting impression. You might create a different edge, finish or use an embossed logo on your business cards so when people are handed one and touch, they will indirectly remember your brand from igniting the touch sense. Bold colours / fonts are great but always ensure the information is simple to read, absorb and remember.
How often do you see businesses holding a giveaway or collaborating with other businesses to bring a mega-giveaway and all you have to do is like, comment and share? While this method is proven to be a digital advertising must-do (especially for B2C businesses), the opportunity is often missed to amplify the experience and integrate more emotional touchpoints. When someone wins a giveaway, they are on a dopamine high – but how are you going to create a lasting impression on the winner outside of a prize?
If the prize is physical, think about adding in a branded thank you card expressing how supporting your business is appreciated. You could also add branded accessories like a few of your event branded items like a pen, or get customised ribbon to wrap your gift in.
If you are giving away a digital gift card or something similar, get your winners address and post them a handwritten thank you card to enhance the experience, so they have something in their hands to remember.
You’re a new hire and on your first day, you receive an onboarding gift. It includes a pen, notebook, fidget toy for the desk, a coffee mug and key business information – all branded of course plus a handwritten note from the manager or director expressing how excited they are you are joining the team. Your first day just went from exciting to feeling valued and like you are already part of the team. These small moments almost always lead to increased staff retention and productivity.
Showing your clients appreciation for their commitment to working with you is a great way to kickstart the relationship from the go. You could get them a bottle of wine, chocolates, a gift hamper – anything really. Include something personable or a branded note to tie it all together and make the customer feel valued for being your client. You can also include instructions for your key onboarding documentation with this gift so it ties together nicely and encourages the client to complete their onboarding efficiently.
Christmas, easter, key sporting events – you name it and you can gift for it. Sending key clients a Christmas hamper is always something that is greatly appreciated. This also applies to your internal staff. Hand-selected hampers based on individual personality and handwritten cards are a wonderful touch for end of year thanks. It says “I listen, I care and I am grateful you are here”. Easter is a great time for community engagement and a giveaway of some sort like guess the number of eggs or running a digital drive to win. Depending on your business and your values, you may purchase corporate sporting tickets and invite key clients or host football tipping competitions to get your community involved with your business more.
