How to Reach a Target Audience

17
May
2012

Nationwide Promotional Items, Part 4: Southeast

Welcome to the fourth and final edition in our blog series featuring promotional product ideas for each of the regions of the United States. The previous three weeks have focused on West Coast promotional products, Midwestern promotional products, and Northeast promotional products and this week let’s turn our attention to Southeast promotional items.

Peach stress ball
For insightful information about which promotional products have been proven most effective in all of the major regions of the U.S., wander over to “Coast to Coast: Hot Promotional Products for Every Region.”

Though I wasn’t born and raised in the South (Maryland represent), I’ve lived in Atlanta for nearly ten years now and consider myself to be pretty familiar with all things Southern.

Since Pinnacle is headquartered in Atlanta, we’ll start here. Home of the world’s busiest airport, weary travelers might appreciate Atlanta Promotional Products including items that make traveling easy. From Luggage Tags to travel cases to earphones, travelers who pass through Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport will appreciate items that make their travels a little smoother.  Atlanta also has a very active population.  The Peachtree Road Race and the Atlanta Marathon are both very popular road races in the Atlanta area. Promotional products such as dri-fit t-shirts and water bottles are very useful to those training for a race.  For those who prefer walking over running, Atlanta also provides plenty of places for that too.  Piedmont Park, Chastain Park and the Silver Comet Trail are all great places to get exercise in and a promotional pedometer would help walkers see how many steps they took.

The Research Triangle is composed of three North Carolina cities – Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. Encompassing as many as 13 counties (depending on what’s included) and including over 2 million people, the Research Triangle is home to three main Universities – North Carolina State University, Duke University and UNC Chapel Hill. Students from these schools make up a large percentage of the population in the area and would enjoy Raleigh-Durham Promotional Products. From traditional school supplies such as pens, notebooks and calculators to more modern supplies such as a USB drive or a tablet case, promotional products are always popular with students. Whether it’s the Wolfpack, the Blue Devils or the Tarheels that you pull for, college sports are extremely popular in the Raleigh-Durham area and promotional products such as megaphones, can coolers or stadium seat cushions will promote your brand to all those sports fans.

New Orleans is consistently ranked as one of the top places to visit in the United States. And with events such as Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, there’s good reason. If you happen to be in New Orleans for one of these city-wide parties, perhaps some New Orleans Promotional Products will come in handy. Everyone is familiar with the Mardi Gras parties that occur on Bourbon Street and all over the city. Party-throwers would find custom drinkware useful, as well as custom noisemakers like cowbells or clappers that they could use during the parade. While Mardi Gras is loud and crazy (in a good way!), Jazz Fest is a little more laid back. There are 12 music stages and tents and fans may want to use promotional blankets or folding chairs to stake out their perfect spot for listening to the music.

Didn’t see your Southeastern city mentioned above? Visit Pinnacle’s Geography Center for promotional product recommendations for other American cities!

Posted by Lee in How to Reach a Target Audience, 0 comments
23
Apr
2012

Nationwide Promotional Items, Part 3: Northeast

Welcome to the third edition in my blog series featuring promotional product ideas for each of the distinctive regions of the United States. The previous two weeks have focused on West Coast promotional products and Midwestern promotional products, and this week’s theme is promo items for the Northeast.

Take a look at “Coast to Coast: Hot Promotional Products for Every Region” for useful information pertaining to practical promotional product categories for all of the major parts of the country.

For many people, the first major city to come to mind when discussing the Northeast is New York City. “The Big Apple” (see apple stress reliever image at the beginning of this post!) is home to Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and a plethora of other notable sights and attractions. New Yorkers are known for their fast-paced lifestyles, distinct accents, and cosmopolitan style, so what better choice for New York promotional products than a swanky custom watch? Unisex or gender specific selections can be found on our website and personalized with your brand’s logo, and recipients will have no excuse for being late with such a practical gift adorning their wrist each and every day. Travel items are also well-received by New Yorkers (and Northeasterners, in general), as other major cities are just a stone’s throw away. Suitcases, carry-on bags, and laptop and tablet cases make fantastic promotional items to residents in this region of the country.

In Philadelphia, as is the case with many other Northeastern cities, the winters are harsh and frigid. For desired end users who spend a significant portion of time in this city, consider Philadelphia promotional products like windbreakers, jackets, scarves, gloves, or ice scrapers to help them brave the cold. Or, opt for promo items with historical significance to highlight Philly’s significance to American heritage. For example, a banner promotional pen featuring scroll-like designs and your brand’s marketing message can allude to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which occurred in Philadelphia in 1776, or a fully functioning bell with an engraved tagline and logo can align nicely with a Liberty Bell themed campaign.

Boston is another popular city in the Northeast which boasts strong historic ties. From the Boston Common, which is America’s oldest public park, to the Paul Revere House and even Fenway Park, there is no shortage of historic landmarks in the capital city of Massachusetts. For “Bean Town” audiences, think about promotional gifts like pedicure kits, branded with your company’s name and logo, to soothe tired tourists’ feet after they participate in some of the city’s fascinating walking tours. Additionally, the education market is a particularly influential industry in Boston, as prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT call the city home. Appeal to students and professors alike with Boston promotional products like notebooks, pens, binders, and planners.

Didn’t see your Northeastern city mentioned above? Visit Pinnacle’s Geography Center for promotional product recommendations for other American cities, and visit our blog again next Monday for the fourth and final installment of our Nationwide Promotional Items series!

Posted by Admin in How to Reach a Target Audience, 0 comments
16
Apr
2012

Nationwide Promotional Items, Part 2: Midwest

Welcome to the second edition in my blog series featuring promotional product ideas for each of the distinctive regions of the United States. Last week’s post focused on West Coast promotional products and this week’s theme is promo items for the Midwestern states.

If you don’t want to wait another minute to learn about top promo picks for your region, take a look at “Coast to Coast: Hot Promotional Products for Every Region” for useful information pertaining to practical promotional product categories for all of the major parts of the country.

Let’s start our tour of Midwestern promotional products in the region’s most populous city, Chicago. With over 2.5 million residents, Chicago, Illinois is home to a plethora of exciting attractions. If you are a business headquartered in Cook County, consider baseball-themed Chicago promotional products to appeal to the city’s die-hard Cubs fans or cold weather apparel, like sweaters, beanies, and gloves, to ensure that end users are appropriately dressed during the area’s frigid, long winters. Imprinted ice scrapers are certain to come in handy, too, as Chicago dwellers take to the roads in inclement weather.

The second most populous city in the Midwest is Indianapolis, Indiana. Indianapolis is a bustling metropolis located in the exact center of Indiana. Although most people are familiar with the city because it is home to the annual Indianapolis 500 automobile race, Indianapolis is a rapidly growing industrial hub, easily accessible from other midwestern cities like Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, and St. Louis via a web of several inter-state highways. Indianapolis promotional products like branded race cars or bumper stickers tie together nicely with the city’s obsession with car racing, or think about crafting marketing campaigns which relate to each of Marion County’s six historic districts. Assorted entertainment options, restaurants, and nightspots are unique to each district, such as the Indianapolis Zoo in Canal and White River State Park.

Next, let’s discuss Columbus promotional products. Founded in 1812, Ohio’s capital city pays homage to its namesake, Christopher Columbus, in a number of ways. In fact, a replica of the Santa Maria resides on the banks of the downtown riverfront to remind residents and visitors of Columbus, Ohio of its rich history. During the summer months, outdoor festivals occur often, including the Jazz and Ribs Festival and Ohio State Fair, and fall in Columbus means the beginning of football season, giving businesses and schools ample reason to invest in Columbus promotional products and spirit accessories. Additionally, Columbus is a national leader in healthcare and scientific research. Promotional items like hand sanitizers, medical badges and clipboards, or first aid kits are fantastic ideas to capture the attention of researchers, doctors, and medical workers in this city.

Like Indianapolis, Ohio’s fourth most populous city has close ties to the automotive industry. Detroit is home to General Motors, Fort Motor Company, and Chrysler, among a slew of other Fortune 500 companies. Auto related Detroit promotional products, such as key chains, bumper stickers, and auto emergency kits are ideal for dwellers of this Midwestern hot spot. Gambling is also popular in Detroit, as the first luxury casino resort to exist outside of Las Vegas, the MGM Grand Detroit, was constructed in the city’s downtown area. Creative promotions to play on the popularity of gambling in Detroit include scratch-off cards, dice stress relievers, and even poker sets.

Kansas City is another fast-growing city located in the Midwest. From renowned history museums to jazz clubs and restaurants, Kansas City boasts an eclectic mix of activities for people of all ages. Kansas City jazz, which arose during the 1930s, draws heavily from the Blues genre. Whether your business decides to incorporate musical influences or historical treasures into your Kansas City promotional products, we predict that they will be met with warm reception.

Didn’t see your Midwestern city mentioned above? Visit Pinnacle’s Geography Center for write-ups about other American cities and promotional product recommendations for each one, and visit our blog again next Monday for Part 3 of our Nationwide Promotional Items series!

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09
Apr
2012

Nationwide Promotional Items, Part 1: West Coast

Smart promotional product companies know that one size doesn’t fit all. As with any marketing campaign, the 4Ps (price, place, product, promotion) play an integral role in determining what strategy should be employed to achieve optimal results. This series of blog posts focuses on the “place” component of this popular framework and each entry will include promo product ideas for cities within distinct regions of the United States.

If you simply can’t wait to see the suggestions for your region in an upcoming post, check out “Coast to Coast: Hot Promotional Products for Every Region” for insightful information about promotional product preferences in all of the major parts of the country.

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Posted by Admin in How to Reach a Target Audience, 0 comments
26
Mar
2012

The Low-Down on Loyalty Programs

“Loyalty” is one of these buzz words that marketers cannot escape.

In the most literal sense of the word, “loyalty” implies that a person or group of people is faithful to another person, country, group, or cause. For the business world, “loyalty” alludes to the fact that a brand’s customers will choose its offerings, despite being faced with a slew of competing choices. Whether customers remain loyal because of low prices, convenience, superior service, and/or exceptional products or services, some element that they weight heavily in the purchasing process stands out in their minds and warrants a commitment.

Think about the last time you took a vacation. How many opportunities did you have to sign up for loyalty programs from the time that your trip started ‘til your safe return home? From air travel loyalty programs to car rental loyalty programs and hotel stay rewards, the vast majority of travel and hospitality providers offer some kind of incentive program for repeat customers. Granted, these large corporations have the luxury of enormous volumes of data about their clients and skilled analysts with the know-how to analyze that data. For smaller companies with access to far less data and limited analytical resources, the elaborate loyalty programs manned by these powerhouses may be impossible to replicate.

However, a loyalty program does not need to be complex in order to drive repeat business. The tiers of a loyalty program can be based on factors as straightforward as “dollars spent in a given year” or “number of purchases in a given month.” Any way you can segment your customers could be the foundation for a loyalty program, and you can even start as small as a birthday reward program (see my post about Birthday Benefits)- all you need is record of your customers’ birthday months and days.

Offering rebates, rewards points, exclusive events, promotional giveaways and educational resources can also help you to increase customer loyalty. For optimal results, keep it simple; chances are good that your end users already belong to a number of other loyalty programs. Your program will resonate in their minds if you communicate clearly what the requirements are and how opting in now will benefit them in the long-run.

By dedicating time, energy, and money to building a loyalty program, your company will be one step closer to retaining loyal customers who will support and advocate for your brand in a highly competitive global marketplace.

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05
Mar
2012

The Only Foolproof Way to Prevent Losing Your Favorite Promotional Pen…

Okay, folks. Show of hands: have you ever found yourself frustrated, annoyed, or even angry because your favorite writing utensil has mysteriously “disappeared?” I know I have experienced all of the above emotions throughout my time in the workforce, and according to a recent survey conducted by Paper Mate, 100 percent of respondents actually ‘fessed up to having swiped a pen from a coworker. Even Czech president Vaclac Klaus was caught “stealing” a promotional pen from a news conference in Chile last year (see our post from April 2011 for more information)!

Additional shocking results from Paper Mate’s study: out of the 1,000 Americans interviewed as part of the phone survey, 22% admitted to stealing pens deliberately!

So, why, with the extreme number of pen thefts, are writing instruments consistently ranked as the second largest category in the promotional product world?

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06
Dec
2011

Treat VIPs to Exclusive Events, Perks, & Promotional Giveaways This Holiday Season

Irresistible truffles
Creative Commons License photo credit: ParisSharing

V.I.P… “Very Important Person,” or for the purposes of this blog post, “Very Important Prospect.” Who doesn’t enjoy feeling wanted and appreciated? Particularly around the holidays, when mass marketing permeates consumers’ mailboxes, inboxes, and minds, crafty marketers understand that segmentation can mean the difference between a stellar campaign and a mediocre one. By isolating the prospects who exhibit the characteristics of current valued customers and demonstrating through your promotional giveaways campaign how badly you want their business, you stand a much greater chance of securing their loyalty.

As a cardholder at a popular national department store, I was invited, along with a guest, to attend a “Private Shopping Event” Sunday night. Personalized invitation in hand, I approached the door after regular business hours to take part in the exclusive activity.

Salespeople manned the door to check peoples’ names off the guest list, and a station was set up for guests to receive empty cosmetic jars for complimentary makeup samples and other promotional giveaways. From the moment I walked in the door, I felt like a true VIP. A fully stocked bar had been erected on one side of the store, and the champagne flowed until late into the night. Decadent sweets, like popsicles, cake pops, and candy, were available throughout the shop’s various departments. The kicker? For the entire duration of the event, shoppers received 10x the rewards points on our store credit cards! It took a great deal of restraint not to splurge on unnecessary holiday gifts for loved ones (and myself!), but as a marketer, I kept reminding myself of the objectives of the event- 1) for the store to make money, 2) to secure loyalty of existing customers, and 3) to encourage prospects to open their own credit cards with the store.

While most of the attendees walked away with arms full of shopping bags, I was content to take home my one small purchase, along with a handbag full of party favors and several store-branded bottles of water. The experience alone was enough to guarantee my loyalty to the store for a long time to come, and I learned a valuable lesson about the power of VIP treatment. I was certainly not the invitee who spent the most over the previous calendar year, but I have been a long-time customer and appreciate perks like exclusive events.

It may seem easier to identify top-tier clients based on historic buying patterns, but taking the extra time to study customers with the potential to become top-tier clients may be well worth the investment. Nurturing those relationships can lead to the creation of brand ambassadors who not only frequent your store themselves, but who sing your praises to their friends, family, and colleagues, in turn driving a continuous flow of prospects right to your doorstep.

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26
Sep
2011

Have You Ordered Your Breast Cancer Awareness Promotional Items Yet?


Creative Commons License photo credit: smthcriminal29

Curious about the recent surge in pink products and breast cancer awareness promotional items? Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) is only a few days away, and organizations including the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and others are busily preparing for annual walks and fundraising drives. In 2011, it is estimated that 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will develop among American women alone. Additionally, 39,520 breast cancer deaths are anticipated by year’s end. It is the most common cancer in women worldwide.

The likelihood that several employees and/or customers of your business have been affected by breast cancer in some way is high, as hundreds of thousands of Americans suffer from the disease themselves, know someone who is currently or has battled it, or have lost a loved one to it. Your brand can support awareness and fundraising efforts in a number of ways. From forming a team to participate in a local breast cancer walk to selling breast cancer awareness promotional items at your store with proceeds going to breast cancer research, any action you choose to take will make a difference. For more Breast Cancer Awareness Month promotional ideas, check out Kim’s “Think Pink!” blog post in our archives.

Although now is an ideal time to capitalize on Breast Cancer Awareness Month, don’t forget about the plethora of other individuals and groups in need of resources in your community and beyond. “Cause marketing” is a popular approach to corporate social responsibility, and sends a stronger message than a simple monetary donation.

By encouraging your organization to partner with a deserving non-profit organization, both parties can reap the benefits of increased awareness and improved brand perception. According to the Cone Millennial Cause Study in 2006, 89% of Americans between the ages of 13 and 25 responded that they would be willing to switch from one brand to another brand with a comparable product and price if the latter brand was associated with a “good cause.” A non-profit organization aligned with a for-profit business stands to benefit from exposure to a new audience (the for-profit brand’s customer base), as well as financial backing and exposure via previously untapped marketing channels.

So what are you waiting for? We can’t wait to hear about your upcoming cause marketing initiatives and help you find the perfect promotional items to complement your ideas!

Posted by Admin in How to Reach a Target Audience, 1 comment
19
Sep
2011

POLL: Which Promotional Fitness Accessories Do Gym-Goers Like Best?

Byron cleaning
Creative Commons License photo credit: jontunn

Gyms, health clubs, and personal training companies are a dime a dozen. So what differentiates one fitness option from another? While it can be tough for consumers to decide between signing with one gym versus another and price is often a key consideration, marketing and promotional fitness accessories can play a large role in attracting members/clients to a particular choice and securing their loyalty.

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17
Aug
2011

Atlanta Eateries Can Use Business Card Magnets to Promote New Airport Locations


Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, one of the biggest and busiest air transit locations in the country, is hoping to give travelers a better taste of Atlanta by encouraging local restaurateurs to open eateries throughout the terminals.

As part of the initiative, the airport has decided to distribute over 100 new contracts to qualifying food and beverage vendors. Richard Blais, the Kinjo brothers (of MF Sushi), and Shaun Doty (of YEAH! Burger) are just a few of the big name local chefs competing for their chance to help add quality and “southern flair” to Hartsfield-Jackson.

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Posted by Admin in How to Reach a Target Audience, 0 comments