Working With Consultants
Here are some important questions you should ask your promotional products consultant:
Unique ServicesDepending on your needs, there are many different services that promotional products consultants offer. Just as your business or organization "specializes" in the unique advantages you provide, many consultants also specialize in industry, types of promotional programs, or the range of services they offer. Here are a few questions you may wish to ask:
Service "Standards"Although each consultant you'll meet is different in their style and perhaps the types of services he or she offers, there are some "basics" that most will employ in their business philosophy, such as:
DecisionsObjectives And AudienceThis is the most important step in your promotion. Your promotion may be aimed at a single objective, such as building traffic at your booth, or many objectives such as introducing a new product while building traffic and increasing sign-ups. No matter, as long as you know what those objectives are. Who is it you want to influence? It's important to target your market because one campaign rarely influences everybody. And one promotional product may not necessarily hit the target for all groups, though many do have universal appeal. BudgetingHow much do you want to spend per person reached by your promotion? What is the total expenditure you'll allow for the entire program? Themes And Tie-InsThemes and tie-ins give personality and flavor to your promotion. Let your imagination run free. Don't forget to check the calendar for holiday or special day tie-ins. Themes can be anything from a baseball motif to an animal mascot to a simple play-on-words to some other related component that best communicates your message in an attention-getting way that drives your message home over and over again. Your promotional products consultant can help you select the themes and tie-ins that would best fit your promotional needs. ProductsAppeal is a key word here, but appropriateness is also important. The items you choose should relate in some way to the theme of your campaign, to your target audience and even to the geographic areas you have targeted, but they must also appeal to your target audience. Your consultant can be very helpful in choosing just the right products to get you the results you desire. For an idea of all the available products, click here for a list of product categories in our PromoStore. DistributionHow will you get your promotional message into the hands of your target audience? WaysTo Distribute Promotional Products
PackagingNow that you know how you're presenting the promotional product, consider what you present it in. In some cases, you may not want any packaging at all -- say for baseball caps given out to production team members as the second prong of a safety program. But in other instances, especially for gift-giving purposes or direct mailings, you may want special packaging. Some products do come gift-boxed and ready to present. Some you may wish to attach to things, like letters, fliers or brochures. Or, for some, you may want extra-special packaging, such as gift-wrapping, gift cards, tagging, labelling or special mailing tubes, boxes, totes or cartons. Packaging can be used to enhance the perceived value of a promotional product, giving you more bang for your buck. Your consultant can advise you as to the best and most affordable options based on your objectives.CopyHere are some suggestions on what copy you should consider including on... You want to be careful not to "load" a small space with too much information. When in doubt, it is usually wiser to say less than more. At times, a simple illustration and a couple of words is sufficient. At other times, copy alone is best. Either way, what you say on the item that will be used over and over again -- an item that will often stand alone heralding your message -- is vital to your campaign being remembered. Here's what you might consider: Promotional Products
It depends on the product you choose, and the goal of your promotion, but here's a brief checklist of things you'll want to consider:
Awards
Remember, this is a commemorative piece that will be cherished by the individual and displayed proudly. The wording should act to freeze the individual's accomplishments in time, so the more specific you can make the award, the better. However, depending on the item that you choose -- a watch versus a plaque -- you may have strict copy limitations. Your consultant can help you streamline your sentiments when there's a small imprint area. Here are some things you should consider:
Business GiftsThere are many ways business gifts are used... as thank-yous for past business, in promotions to generate future business, as an incentive for referrals, etc. Usually messages on business gifts, especially high-end ones, are a bit more subtle than traditional forms of promotions. They usually include the company logo and sometimes slogan, and on very special occasions, the recipient's name or initials. It all depends on the products, the purpose and the budget. But here's what you might want to consider:
Need To Know About Artwork
Camera-Ready ArtCamera-ready artwork is artwork that's ready for the camera that captures the dots and density of your artwork and then translates it into a screen, mold or laser template, or whatever based on the imprinting method being used. No matter what color you'd like your imprint to be, the type, artwork and graphic materials should be a very high black-and-white (B&W) contrast ready to be photographed on a process camera. Specific instructions should accompany the artwork. Photos are submitted separately. What You Need To SupplyIf you are supplying your artwork on paper, you'll want to follow these guidelines to ensure your imprint looks as clear and crisp as possible:
What camera-ready artwork is not
Most Consultants Can Prepare Artwork For You If you need help preparing artwork, contact your consultant. Many have art services in-house, or have reliable freelancers to be sure your message is done properly for the imprinted medium, and on-time.
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