One of the most exciting cities for startups is London, with a vibrant and competitive ambience throughout this cosmopolitan city. Thousands and thousands of new ventures are launched each year, and every one of these startups aims to build brand awareness and to stand out from the crowd. An often overlooked tool for strong and long-lasting brand awareness is corporate gifts. Platforms like Gift Campaign offer a wide variety of options that help companies create memorable corporate gifts that leave an impression. Branded gifts not only serve as memorable items for potential customers, but they also provide a considerable return on investment. In this article, we’ll discuss how promotional products can help startups stand out in such a competitive city like London.
The unique power of promotional gifts
Promotional products are so powerful because they’re palpable and long-lasting, creating numerous brand impressions for the foreseeable future. Unlike other forms of advertising, such as digital ads, a well-designed promotional item will make a difference over a longer period of time. Pens, tote bags, notebooks, or gadgets will be used over and over again by employees and customers, which in turn will advertise your brand for longer periods of time. Every time someone uses your promotional gifts, they will be reminded of your brand, and it is very likely that it will create new impressions every day. Here’s how branded products can strategically boost brand awareness for startups:
- They make a lasting first impression
The first impression is key in any business relationship, especially for startups. A thoughtful, branded product can set a memorable tone and establish a positive association from the beginning. For instance, at trade shows, launch events, or community gatherings, a unique promotional item can draw attention and create curiosity about the brand. - They encourage word-of-mouth marketing
When a corporate gift is eye-catching, high-quality, or unique, people are likely to talk about it. If a London startup hands out eco-friendly tote bags, for instance, customers might use them frequently and talk about their sustainability. This creates organic word-of-mouth promotion, a powerful tool that many startups can leverage without additional costs. At events and community gatherings, a distinctive promotional item can effectively capture attention and spark interest in the brand.
How startups can leverage corporate gifts
For a startup based in London, every marketing campaign has to aim for high impact in combination with reasonable expenditure. By incorporating corporate gifts into a broader brand strategy, startups can leverage this balance. Here are some ideas where you can use promotional products for maximum influence:
- Product launches and events
London is a place bustling with countless business expos, networking events, startup competitions, and trade fairs, providing perfect opportunities to showcase your brand. Startups can benefit from these events by offering promotional gifts that resonate with attendees. For example, if a tech startup is exhibiting at an industry event, branded speakers or portable chargers could be extremely relevant and appreciated, leaving a memorable and positive impression. - Direct mail campaigns
Even in a digital-first world, physical mail can stand out, especially when paired with a valuable item. Startups can send a small promotional product—like a pen or a notebook—along with a personalised note to select prospects or clients. This approach is particularly effective in B2B relationships, as it signals thoughtfulness and attention to detail. - Customer appreciation gifts
Startups aim to build loyalty from the start, and showing appreciation through a small, branded gift is an ideal way to achieve this. For example, a branded mug or an eco-friendly water bottle can be an effective gift for initial clients, early adopters, or key stakeholders. Customers will feel appreciated and thankful as a result of corporate gifts, in turn translating to positive reviews and referrals for startups.
Choosing the right corporate gifts
Not all promotional items are equal, and choosing the right product is absolutely essential for a good return on investment. Here we break down how to choose the right merchandise for your startup:
- Utility and relevance
Choose branded items that align with the startup’s industry and customer needs. For example, an environmental startup might find success with an eco-friendly thermos or a notebook made from cork. A fintech startup could opt to gift branded wallets or phone holders. - Brand alignment
The product should reflect the brand’s personality and values. For a wellness-focused brand, items like branded water bottles, yoga mats, or wellness journals align with health-conscious customers and reinforce the brand’s commitment to well-being. This creates a consistent, trustworthy brand image that resonates with the target audience and strengthens the startup’s position in the wellness market. - Quality over quantity
When it comes to corporate gifts, it’s often better to invest in fewer, high-quality items than a larger number of cheaper products. A quality product reflects positively on the brand, showing customers that the startup is trustworthy and reliable. High-quality products are also likely to be kept and used for longer, therefore, translating to more long-term visibility for the brand.
Measuring the impact of branded products
Although tracking the direct impact of promotional products on brand awareness can be complex, there are effective ways to measure their success:
- Customer feedback
Startups can ask for feedback on the products they distribute, gathering insights on whether customers found them useful, memorable, and of good quality. Positive responses indicate that the products are making a good impression. - Engagement and redemption rates
When a promotional item includes a call-to-action, such as a QR code or discount code, startups can accurately track how many people engage with the offer. This approach can help measure interest and engagement levels generated by the branded product. - Social media mentions and hashtags
Encouraging recipients to share photos of the promotional item on social media with a smart, branded hashtag can be a great way to boost brand awareness. This creates additional visibility but also allows startups to track how often their products are being shared and discussed on social media.
