water bottles

Jan

2023

Your Buying Guide to Branded Water Bottles

Expanding your promotional marketing efforts doesn’t have to be hard. In this buying guide, we will fill you in on how to pick the branded water bottle that will fit your marketing efforts, your brand and your budget.

Branded water bottles are a useful marketing tool for businesses and organizations. They can be imprinted with your company logo or message and given out as promotional items at events, trade shows, or as part of a marketing campaign.

One of the best parts of customized water bottles is that they are functional! So you can expect your employees, customers and partners to carry them as they tackle life’s daily challenges.

So how can you get started on choosing and customizing branded water bottles? That’s where Pinnacle is here to help. This buying guide will assist you in finding the right custom water bottles to fit your brand!

Benefits of Customized Water Bottles

You may be thinking to yourself “why should I choose custom water bottles as a brand strategy?” — a valid question. According to the PPAI Research 2019 Consumer Study, eight out of ten people like getting promotional products. And seven out of ten wish they received promotional products more often.

And while that study may just look at promotional products overall, a 2022 ASI Ad Impressions Study found that drinkware was the number-one most influential promotional category in the Southeast, Midwest and Pacific regions of the United States.

Water bottles and other drinkware are starting to become a status symbol, with many of the top retail brands such as YETI and S’Well embracing the promotional marketing potential and selling bulk custom water bottles — so you can add your logo to top-name brands to help boost your brand reputation.

Here are some more benefits to using promotional water bottles as part of a marketing strategy:

#1 They are practical

Most people know the benefits of staying hydrated, but many people still struggle with drinking enough water. This means branded water bottles are something that people use on a daily basis, so they are likely to get a lot of use and visibility.

#2 They are portable

Customized water bottles can be easily carried around and people will take them with them wherever they go. This can help to increase the reach of your marketing message.

#3 They are customizable

Branded water bottles can be customized with a wide range of colors, designs and messages. So you can create a look that matches your brand and promotes your business.

#4 They are cost-effective

One of the best benefits of custom water bottles is that these items are relatively inexpensive marketing tools, especially when you consider the potential reach and impact of your message.

At Pinnacle Promotions, we understand that big promotional projects need an extra hand. Reach out to us at 877.300.2007 and let us help you with your corporate gifts, kits or events with the best branded water bottles to make the right impression™.

Choosing the Right Custom Water Bottle

After looking at the benefits, it’s time to choose the right branded water bottle for your organization. That means first assessing your “why” behind purchasing customized water bottles.

One example of when it might be appropriate to give out branded water bottles is at a trade show or conference. Attending these events can be a great way for businesses to network and promote their products or services to a large audience.

By giving out custom water bottles at a trade show or conference, businesses can help attendees stay hydrated while also promoting their brand. Attendees are likely to use water bottles throughout the event, which can help to increase the visibility of the company’s message.

In addition to giving out the water bottles at the event itself, businesses could also consider sending them out in advance as part of a conference or trade show registration package. This can help to generate excitement and anticipation for the event and can also serve as a reminder to attendees to bring water bottles with them to the event.

Six things to remember when buying customized water bottles:

#1 Quality

Choose a reputable brand that is known for producing high-quality, customizable water bottles. You want your branded water bottles to be durable and long-lasting, so they will continue to promote your brand for a long time.

#2 Capacity

Decide how much water you want your water bottles to hold. Options range from small bottles that hold around 12 ounces to large bottles that hold 32 ounces or more. Consider your target audience and the types of activities they will use the water bottles for when making this decision.

# 3 Material

Water bottles can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, stainless steel, aluminum and glass. Plastic bottles are generally the most affordable option, but they may not be as durable as other materials. Stainless steel and aluminum bottles are more expensive, but they are also more durable and can keep drinks colder for longer periods of time.

#4 Customization

Consider what type of customization options are available for the water bottles you are considering. Think about how to customize water bottles. Can you choose from a range of colors and designs? Can you add your own logo or message? The more customization options you have, the better you will be able to make the water bottles fit with your brand.

#5 Price

Your budget when choosing branded water bottles will be a very important factor in your overall decision. Remember that you may need to order a large number of custom water bottles, so you’ll want to find a balance between cost and quality.

#6 Lead time

It is so crucial to have enough lead time to ensure you get your customized water bottle in time for your upcoming event. You must invest enough time for your water bottles to be produced and shipped. Customized water bottles can take several weeks to produce, so plan accordingly. There are some choices for 24 Hour Rush, but keep in mind that means that the product will be produced 24 hours after you’ve sent and approved your order.

Let the Promotional Professionals Help

Now you have all the tools you need to find the right branded water bottle that best fits your brand. You can take these tools with you as you begin to review your event, budget and custom water bottles!

Here’s our 1-2-3 for choosing branded water bottles:

If you’re considering using branded water bottles as part of your marketing strategy, there are a few things to keep in mind:

#1 Choose a high-quality water bottle: You want your custom water bottles to be durable and long-lasting, so choose a brand and model with a good reputation for quality.

#2 Customize the design: Make sure that your branded water bottles reflect your brand and include a clear and visible message or logo.

#3 Consider the timing: Consider when and where you will give out your customized water bottles. For example, if you’re attending a trade show, you might want to have them on hand to give out to attendees.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to tackle your next project alone. At Pinnacle Promotions, we have experienced professionals who can assess your brand needs and offer the right solution for you. We can even put together virtual IdeaKits™ full of custom water bottles or other promotional swag that will make your next promotional project a hit!

Overall, it’s important to do your research and choose a reputable supplier that can provide high-quality promotional water bottles at a reasonable price.

Aug

2022

Your Field Guide to Branded Water Bottles

Why you should invest in branded water bottles for your next marketing campaign.

The late summer is a perfect time for all kinds of outdoor activities — hiking, camping, baseball, tennis, kayaking and the list goes on. One of the critical things to remember about all these fun outdoor adventures is to always stay hydrated. That’s where the importance of branded water bottles comes in.

Imagine this. You’ve given a trusted partner a high-quality, YETI water bottle customized with your company logo on it. One of their team members, Susan, carries this with her daily — to the office, out to the baseball field to watch her kids’ games or on fun family camping trips. Everywhere Susan goes, that custom water bottle goes with her.

Susan gets stopped by strangers asking where she got her water bottle. She then goes on to share her experience with partnering with your organization. She explains how this thoughtful gift reaffirms that your company cares about her business.

Not only does this story show that your company logo will be seen and appreciated, but it also highlights that the custom water bottle you choose makes a difference!

What Are Branded Water Bottles?

Branded water bottle on counter with healthy lunch

Branded water bottles are simply that — water bottles you can customize with your business’ unique logo. How to choose custom water bottles is a different story, however. With so many choices, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. That’s why we are here to guide you toward making the right choice for your customers and employees.

Let’s break down what choices you have for customizable water bottles.

Plastic Water Bottles

First up is plastic water bottles. Reusable plastic water bottles have been a staple for brand possibilities since they became widely available in the 50s. What makes plastic water bottles appealing is that they are lightweight and durable. There are a variety of plastics that these bottles can be made with, including BPA-free plastic, recycled PET, polyethylene and polystyrene.

Stainless Steel Water Bottles

Stainless steel water bottles make great plastic alternatives as they do not leach chemicals but are still durable and relatively lightweight. These water bottles are hot-liquid-friendly, and most are insulated — which means drinks will maintain temperature for several hours.

Aluminum Water Bottles

Next up are aluminum water bottles. These bottles are lightweight and less expensive than their stainless steel counterparts. However, because aluminum can leach into liquids, these tend to have a thin BPA plastic liner. They are also not as durable as plastic or stainless steel and can be easily dented.

Glass Water Bottles

Ah, glass — one of the oldest forms of water bottles! A true classic, glass water bottles are an excellent choice for those concerned about chemical leaching. However, the glass water bottle is heavy and highly breakable. The good news, though, is that most are dishwasher safe, and many are sold with protective covers — which makes an excellent place for brand imprinting.

Ceramic Water Bottles

Ceramic water bottles are eco-friendly, recyclable and dishwasher safe. These bottles are a bit harder to source but are becoming more popular for those seeking a sustainable option.

Eco-Friendly Water Bottles

Finally, eco-friendly water bottles. These water bottles utilize each of the above materials, usually recycled into a functioning water bottle that is better for the environment. The durability and weight will depend on what materials are used.

Common Water Bottle Features

Hand holding plastic custom water bottle

While the materials of a water bottle are essential for obvious reasons, the features could really make or break a lasting impression on your customer or employee. Here are some of the most common features we see with branded water bottles.

Single Wall

Single wall water bottles are lightweight and only have one layer, meaning drinks typically lose temperature throughout the day and are prone to condensation.

Double Wall

Double wall bottles have an insulating second layer, usually filled with foam or air, that helps keep drinks cold or hot and prevents sweating.

Vacuum-Sealed

Vacuum-sealed water bottles have double walls with vacuum-sealed air to help reduce the transfer of cold or hot temperatures.

Screw-Top

Screw-top water bottles are some of the most common types of water bottle lids, especially on stainless steel water bottles. These have to be opened by unscrewing the top — which can be a hindrance if you are in a hurry! Screw-top lids also offer a wider drinking area and are easier to clean.

Flip-Top

Flip-top water bottles have a straw feature that can pop-up for quick access. These are great for sports or exercising as the flip-top makes it less likely to leak. But flip-tops may not be the best choice if you are a gulper.

Sport Cap

Sports cap water bottles have an easy, one-way valve that opens automatically when the bottle is squeezed. These are a common choice for plastic water bottles made with soft, flexible materials. These water bottles are great for athletes who need a quick sip before heading back onto the field or court.

Why Invest in Custom Water Bottles?

Metal branded water bottle on desk with laptop

So we know a little more about the types of branded water bottles. Now let’s explore why you should invest in them as a promotional marketing strategy.

The Brand Benefits of Custom Water Bottles

Promotional marketing should be integral to your overall sales and marketing strategy. Yes, even in this digital age. In fact, according to the PPAI Research 2019 Consumer Study, eight out of ten people like getting promotional products. And seven out of ten wish they received promotional products more often.

That same study also found that, on average, consumers keep their drinkware items for a year — indicating that people like functional, high-quality promotional drinkware. It also found that 84% of baby boomers own promotional drinkware and 71% of Gen X’ers are more likely to do business with an advisor with promotional drinkware.

How Much Should You Spend on Customized Water Bottles

With those statistics in your back pocket, you may wonder how much you should spend on custom water bottles. This, of course, comes down to your marketing and advertising budget. But a good rule of thumb is to look into last year’s sales, compare them to projected sales for this year and decide on the percentage that makes the most sense for your organization.

Coming back to the 2022 ASI Ad Impressions Study, 70% of consumers keep promotional drinkware that is high-quality and useful — so you may want to keep that in mind when you begin brainstorming your next branded water bottle purchase.

How to Customize Branded Water Bottles

Glass customized water bottle with yoga mat and tennis shoes

Once you have landed on your next promotional water bottle of choice, we can begin the production phase. You have a few options for imprint methods and customization areas.

Imprint Methods

There are three primary methods for imprinting your logo on a water bottle — screen printing, full-color prints and laser engraving.

Screen Printing

With screen printing, ink is painted directly onto the bottle using a silk screen. Because the ink is mixed manually, screen printing yields a higher-quality imprint that will match your brand logo colors exactly. It is also a more budget-friendly option. Remember, however, that screen prints will wear down over time after several washes.

Full-Color Printing

Full-color printing is a digital process using cyan, magenta, yellow and black. This method is much quicker to produce than screen printing, but since the colors are limited, brand logo colors may not exactly match. This print is also more likely to wear down over time after several washes.

Laser Engraving

Finally, laser engraving uses lasers to cut your design into the bottle — providing a high-end finish that does not fade over time. This is a popular choice for stainless steel water bottles!

Customization Areas

You want to choose the best possible location on your custom water bottles to ensure brand exposure. Thankfully, water bottles offer a decent amount of logo “real estate.” Your logo can be printed as a standard front imprint, on both the front and back, as a full wrap or on the water bottle’s lid.

Pinnacle Promotions Can Help With Your Next Big Project

And there you have it! You can now confidently go forward and find the branded water bottle that best fits your company’s needs. No matter what water bottle you choose, you can feel confident that you are making an excellent choice for your promotional marketing efforts.

At Pinnacle Promotions, we know a thing or two about promotional marketing. No matter what your campaign needs are, we have the solution. Call us at 877.300.2007 and give us the scoop on that next big project — we can assist with IdeaKits™, corporate gifts or even your very own Company Store!

Written by Chrissy Petrone

Content Marketing Specialist

Jan

2013

Trying to Drink More Water

On the scale of non-healthy to healthy, I definitely veer towards the healthy side. I workout 4-5 times a week, I eat a mostly vegetarian diet (with some fish and seafood on occasion) and I get 8 hours of sleep a night. But there’s one thing that I am absolutely terrible at: drinking water.

photo credit: Jenn Durfey
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