You are certainly not alone if the thought of how to spend an advertising budget leaves you in a cold sweat. Even the relatively small field of promotional products has a bewildering array of choices for the emerging or established business alike.
There are an amazing array of ways to waste money, probably more ways than you have money to spend, but buying corporate branded gifts is a sure fire way to use that money effectively. There are no shortage of hungry marketing or advertising companies who would be only too happy to spend your money for you. To make the most of often limited budgets, you have to consider the reach and attractiveness of each item. Will it appeal or be used by your target market? Does the item say the right thing about your company? Is it likely to lead to more business or increased sales? If the answer is no to any of these then the item isn’t for you.
These gifts can be anything from our personalized mugs, note-pads, pens, pencils and shirts. All of them are very good at both promoting the company and offering value to the recipient. In the end, the person receiving the gift may not use the item for contacting you, but they will use the item and there will be an element of goodwill between you.
ThoughtMechanics are shaking up the somewhat tired stationery world with their custom offerings like these custom pencils. While not the most earth shattering of marketing innovations, a branded pencil is a subtle way of marketing your company without being in anyone’s face. It could almost be classed as subliminal advertising, with the message being conveyed every time the pencil is used, and without the user even realizing it.
Not everybody uses pencils so the target market has to be considered carefully. Many manual trades use them, as do couriers, artists, architects and designers. If any of these form your target market then ThoughtMechanics custom pencils should be next on your shopping list.
You don’t have to give them all away either. They can be used around your own office to consolidate your own brand as well as for general use. Having them in areas where clients will visit are a great way of subtly giving them some without blatantly marketing yourself. Often they will just help themselves!
It isn’t all about business either. Customized or personalized stationery is a great way to go back to school or college. Nobody would ever be able to steal your stuff again. It’s a great way to set yourself apart, start new trends or just be cool.
You have to do it right though otherwise you could look seriously uncool. Choose the right design, the right text and take care of what the design will say about you.
Whatever you use it for, wherever it ends up, a custom pencil from ThoughtMechanics is a great way to get the marketing or personalization ball rolling.