Top 20 Promotional Products to Grow Brand Loyalty

A robust marketing strategy often incorporates promotional products. Contrary to what many people assume, they are not merely gifts but a reflection of the company giving them out.

Nowadays, pens, T-shirts, calendars, magnets, notepads, and tote bags are some of the most popular swag products. However, almost anything that helps consumers remember your brand could become branded giveaways.

A 2019 case study published by the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) has shown that consumers are almost 2.5 times more likely to think positively about tangible branded items than ads. However, the most impactful and memorable giveaways and freebies are “everyday essentials” or functional items. If not, they could quickly end up in the trash bin.

Here are the top promotional products that can help promote your business and boost brand loyalty. The list includes the bestselling items from UPrinting and the freebies most preferred by consumers, according to the PPAI Research survey.

1. First aid kits: They provide branding opportunities while emphasizing your concern for the well-being of your customers. You don’t have to be in the medical or health industry to hand them out. They are perfect for corporate gatherings, trade shows, and other events focused on health and safety.
2. Auto accessories: Aluminum pen-style tool kits, expandable auto organizers, and other car-related promotional items are great for brands in the automotive industry. Many companies also use them as gifts to show appreciation to their employees and customers.
3. Tote bags: They are the perfect swag for brands wanting to align with sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Plus, they are reusable and practical items that can help boost brand visibility and recall.
4. Pens: Promotional pens are versatile and cost-effective marketing tools suitable for trade shows, conferences, product launches, seminars, and community events.
5. Tumblers: These practical items are used as corporate gifts for customers and employees, prizes in raffles or contests, and freebies at tradeshows and events.
6. Water bottles: These reusable promotional products are perfect for brands looking for eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic bottles. These versatile branded items are also suitable for outdoor events and festivals.
7. Calendars: Promotional calendars are perfect giveaways if you want all-year-round brand exposure. Use them to share company information, highlight special offers, and promote seasonal sales.
8. Power banks: They offer long-term brand visibility since people often use them for extended periods. Plus, they are perfect for companies looking for promotional items that reflect their high-quality services
9. Portable speakers: They make excellent gifts for clients and employees, allowing you to show your appreciation to those who continuously support your business. You can also include them in welcome kits or use them as prizes in raffles and contests.
10. USB sticks: Although they are versatile and functional swag, they are particularly useful at tradeshows and corporate events where you need to distribute digital brochures and presentations.
11. Keychains: If you’re looking for affordable and practical promotional items that people will likely use daily, keychains are an excellent choice. They are popular at tradeshows and business fairs.
12. Custom stationery: Sticky pads, notepads, notebooks, and other similar items used for business correspondence can help reinforce brand identity.
13. Apparel: Handing out branded T-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, and hats is a great way to provide customers and attendees with memorable and practical items. These can also serve as uniforms to create a professional look for staff.
14. Sunglasses: Promotional shades are suitable for brands in the sports and recreation industry. They are also popular giveaways at concerts, sporting events, company outings, and festivals.
15. Bookmarks: Use these versatile and affordable promotional items to announce special offers, promote products and services, and hand out contact information to potential customers.
16. Stress balls: They make effective promotional items for health- and wellness-related businesses. Many companies also include them in employee welcome kits to demonstrate their commitment to creating a positive work environment.
17. Hand sanitizers: These are perfect for tradeshows, fairs, and other similar events where a large crowd is expected to attend.
18. Fridge magnets: If you’re looking for promotional items that offer daily brand visibility, you’ll never go wrong with custom fridge magnets. You can use them to promote your products or design them to look like business cards.
19. Tape measures: They are the perfect promotional items for brands in certain industries, such as construction, home improvement, and real estate. Many companies also include them in client welcome kits and sample bags.
20. Mugs: If you’re looking for daily brand visibility and long-lasting promotional items, promotional mugs are the way to go. Use them as corporate gifts and event freebies.

Define your target audience.

When choosing a promotional product, consider the recipients’ age, key interests, and other relevant factors. The goal is to give them something functional, valuable, and well-made.

Consider your budget.

Business-to-consumer brands often allocate 5-10% of their revenue to their marketing efforts, which typically include giving away branded merch. The idea is to pick the most cost-effective product that delivers the highest ROI.

List down your favorite products.

Write down your favorite promotional products and compare them until you find the one that best suits your brand and the audience’s needs. Other key factors that you should also consider are the design, distribution method, printing technique, and occasion.

Consider the distribution options.

The swag should complement your brand identity and fit the occasion. The good news is that many business events—such as holiday parties, tradeshows, product launches, grand openings, and festivals—present unique opportunities. You can also use digital media to distribute your branded items through contests, and encourage people to like, share, and tag their friends.

Picking the “right” promotional product (which should be well-made and useful to the recipient) is one way to maintain a customer’s positive feeling toward your brand despite the presence of other competitors and changes in the market environment.

A carefully selected swag can also help your brand reach people you may not have considered.

According to the Global Advertising Specialties Impressions Study, promotional products remain in the recipient’s possession for an average of seven months.

We hope our list of top swag products can help you choose those that align with your brand and fit the needs of your target audience.

Functional promotional items or “everyday essentials” should always be a part of a solid marketing strategy, as they can help improve brand visibility, recall, and customer loyalty.

Check out UPrinting’s Top Sellers to get an idea of popular promotional products that brands love using and customers appreciate receiving.