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From creative marketing ideas to tips on how to show employee appreciation, our blog gives you clear direction in aligning your promotional product campaign with your overall business goals. 

New Spring Products

Spring is here and our team is sharing our favorite new promotional products at great prices! Give your brand a fresh look this season. Shop now by clicking on each link below!


Stress Buster™

Frost Buddy® 40oz Thicc Buddy

Koozie® Boho Water Bottle Pouch

PACK-N-GO® PULLOVER

Shed Rain® Auto Open & Close Compact




New Branded Office Essentials

Office supplies are an essential part of business. You already buy mugs, pens, notebooks, etc. for your office. What better way to continue your branding throughout your entire office by imprinting all of your office essentials. Our team shares the newest branded office essentials for your company.




16.9 oz. Wren

16.9 oz double wall 18/8 stainless steel tumbler with copper vacuum insulation, push-on bamboo lid, soft straw, and powder coated finish

Quarry Stone Paper™ Ring Bound Notebook

Quarry Stone Paper™ Ring Bound Notebook - a resilient and sustainable option for your notes and sketches. Crafted from waterproof calcium carbonate (stone) 140-gram pages, this 7" x 9.75" notebook features 96 dotted pages and a dual spiral ring-bound design for flexibility and ease of use.

Spin Top Pen With Stylus

Reduce stress and boredom while taking notes with this handy pen! Made of aluminum, this pen features a fidget spinning top, plunger action mechanism and a stylus on top.

14 oz. Minolo - Classics

14 oz ceramic mug with glossy colored exterior and glossy colored interior. Comes in many colors!

40 Oz. Intrepid Stainless Steel Tumbler

Create a branded promotion with this Intrepid Tumbler! Made with a stainless steel interior and exterior, each tumbler features a 40 ounce capacity, handle, double wall, vacuum-insulated construction for insulation of hot or cold liquids, a screw-on, spill-resistant lid with straw hole and a 12" straw. 

24 oz owala freesip

24 oz double wall 18/8 stainless steel thermal bottle with copper vacuum insulation, dual-purpose threaded lid, push-button locking mechanism, sip opening, built-in straw, and powder coated finish

20 oz. Veil

20 oz double wall 18/8 stainless steel tumbler with vacuum insulation, threaded lid with textured grip and brushed stainless steel rim, soft straw, silicone base pad, and tinted finish

40 Oz. Intrepid Stainless Steel Tumbler

Create a branded promotion with this Intrepid Tumbler! Made with a stainless steel interior and exterior, each tumbler features a 40 ounce capacity, handle, double wall, vacuum-insulated construction for insulation of hot or cold liquids, a screw-on, spill-resistant lid with straw hole and a 12" straw.

Port Authority Matte Hip Pack

Port Authority Matte Hip Pack Smooth matte polyester with knitted cloth Zippered main compartment Dyed-to-match metal zipper pulls Interior pocket Dyed-to-match molded zipper.

Port Authority Ladies 3/4-Sleeve Textured Crepe Tunic

Port Authority Ladies 3/4-Sleeve Textured Crepe Tunic This beautifully draped tunic makes a statement with its longer length and accentuated gathers at the back yoke. 4.5-ounce, 100% polyester textured crepe Banded collar Covered placket Dyed-to-match faux shell buttons Deep Black buttons (Graphite) 3/4 sleeves with single-button cuffs Back yoke gathers Rounded drop tail hem.


Sport-Tek Halftime Long Sleeve Hoodie

Sport-Tek Halftime Long Sleeve Hoodie Show off your team spirit with this fashion-inspired hoodie. 4.5-ounce, 60/40 combed ring spun cotton/polyester Tear-away label 3-panel unlined hood Self neck tape Slightly forward shoulder seams Colorblock panels at top.

Port Authority C-FREE Double Knit 1/4-Zip

Port Authority C-FREE Double Knit 1/4-Zip Created to be carbon neutral with an earth-first attitude, this midweight 1/4-zip will stand out in any work or leisure wardrobe. Not only is it easy-to-wear and layerable, but it also boasts superior stretch, snag-resistance, moisture-wicking and UV ray-resistant performance.

Port Authority Ladies C-FREE Double Knit Full-Zip

Port Authority Ladies C-FREE Double Knit Full-Zip Created to be carbon neutral with an earth-first attitude, this midweight full-zip will stand out in any work or leisure wardrobe. Not only is it easy-to-wear and layerable, but it also boasts superior stretch, snag-resistant, moisture-wicking and UV ray resistant performance. 



Our Best Seller Trucker Cap

Let's talk about the perfect trucker cap. The one that is adjustable, full of color options, and fits everyone's head. Our favorite trucker cap style paired with our quality, detailed embroidery is a sure match! This Richardson branded cap will make any logo stand out.


Here are some reasons that caps make the best promotional giveway regardless of the industry you are in! 


#1: Caps are universal! Over 41% of consumers own some type of promotional cap/headwear.

#2: The average logo'd cap delivers more than 3,310 impressions over its lifetime - that is ALOT of potential customers seeing your logo!

#3: Caps are truly customizable. You can choose from many stock options or go completely custom. (Did you know our 3DCap line can take the cap vision you have and make it a reality?!)







4 PINK Products for Breast Cancer Awareness Month


October is just around the corner and it's all about Breast Cancer Awareness. Check out our favorite pink products!



Shop our top 4 pink items here:

Frost - 20 oz. Tumbler

Trendy Belt Bag

Small Round Cold/Hot Gel Pack

Sport-Tek Pom Pom Beanie






Steps to planning a successful company golf tournament

Winter has finally left, the grass is greener, and the sun is starting to show her face more often. This means that golf season is in full swing and it’s time to plan a company golf outing for your employees or customers. Company golf outings are a great way to tell your employees or customers that you appreciate them by planning a fun, engaging event full of prizes and your brand!




In order to plan a successful golf tournament, you need to consider the following. 


Choose a venue that is familiar with golf outings and can accommodate your group size. The course is important, but you also need to consider the banquet or club house size. Another factor to consider with the venue is if the staff has experience with company golf outings and how much they help plan the event. Having a knowledgeable team working with you will only make your event more successful. 


The menu and catering options. 

When planning a company golf outing you need to make sure you have food and beverages for all participants. Our suggestion would be to pick a venue that provides on-site catering options. This makes your job easier and the food and beverages will be quickly accessible. If your venue does not have food options, make sure you are allowed to cater your own food/beverages from an outside vendor. 


Determine the format of your golf game. 

We suggest using the scramble format. This is the most popular format that company’s use for a golf outing. Not sure what a scramble is? A scramble divides each team into four players. Each member of the team hits their own ball throughout the match; however, the best shot from the first stroke is used by each player. This allows all types of skilled golfers the chance to have fun and win!


Purchase gifts and prizes.

It is important to have branded gifts ready and handed out to each participant at the start of the tournament. The best items to consider for each participant include, our Protowels Rally Towel, Divot Tool With Bottle Opener, and Pocket Coolie. Each one of these gifts can be used during the tournament and promote your brand! You should also consider having prizes for the winning group(s). Consider our Two-tone Mesh Back Cap and Can Cooler Sleeve


Wear your brand during the event. 

Make sure your staff and company representatives are wearing the same color and styled apparel. This helps your participants know who you are and who to ask for help. Our Nike Dri-Fit Crosshatch Polo is available in a variety of colors and has a women’s companion style available.


Golf outings are fun and the perfect event to plan for your next company outing. Just remember to consider these topics before teeing off!



How to Choose a Promotional Product for Your Next Company Event

Spring brings a sense of freshness and light that you only feel after enduring a long winter. It’s as if the energy shifts and people are eager to clean, purge, open the windows, and enjoy the sunny days. It is similar in business. That same energy is felt no matter the industry. People are ready to get out and network, close on a deal, and dive into new, creative ideas. With the excitement of spring comes company outings, sponsorship opportunities, and business networking events. These events almost always need company donations and gifts.



When selecting a promotional product for your next company outing or sponsored event, follow this simple tip to make sure your brand and message is a sure hit. 


Always consider the type of event and understand your audience. 

 

This is extremely important when choosing a promotional gift to donate or giveaway. We always ask our clients what type of event they are planning a promotional item for and what are the goals/marketing initiatives with this item. For example, when you think of golf outings or employee appreciation cookouts, drinkware is always a good option. Logo’d tumblers and water bottles make sense on a golf course. Our Haven 16.9 oz double wall 18/8 stainless steel tumbler or Contigo Ashland 2.0 water bottle make great options to give to every participant in your outing. 


Along with spring events, there are many opportunities for donations and sponsorships. These types of products usually are given away during a raffle. We usually suggest our technology category for prizes. The Cylinder Shape Speaker or Glide Ergonomic Gliding Wrist Rest are two options to add into any raffle. 


Finally, we can’t forget about apparel and headwear. Make sure your employees and customers are decked out in logo’d apparel for any spring event they attend!  Here are some of our new spring apparel and headwear that any logo will look great on!


Flexfit 110 Melange Trucker Mesh Snapback Cap

Ogio Command ¼ Snap Long Sleeve Pullover

OGIO Ladies Command Long Sleeve Scoop Neck Shirt

Charles River Colored Block Pack-n-Go Pullover Jacket

Charles River Classic Solid Pullover


So now that you have chosen your item, it’s time to think about the design. We get asked often how to utilize the product and design to maximize exposure and message. Our quick response: get creative with the design. Choose an item that gives you a good imprint size. For events, it is completely acceptable to have a catchy, fun phrase. These events are made to be relaxed and inviting. The best part about working with our team is that we can help you bring your company’s personality out for any of these events. 


Introducing a Timeless Brand - Brooks Brothers

The classic iconic American brand that has dressed US Presidents, movie stars, and investors on wall-street for centuries can now be a staple at your company. Brooks Brothers provides a full tailored, quality-cut, and fashionable apparel that is timeless. 


Brooks Brothers apparel isn’t just another retail brand coming into our industry, it is backed by time-tested quality and state-of-the-art design in every piece. Top that with our in-house embroidery decoration capabilities to create branded apparel that can be worn for years to come. 


A look inside the Brooks Brothers 2023 Brand Lookbook.


On-Point Pinpoint: Stay sharp from morning to night in the iconic wrinkle-free dress shirts, with just a bit of stretch added to a classic fit.


Your New Nailhead: Brooks Brothers nailhead dress shirts strike the balance between polished wrinkle-free professionalism and relaxed business-casual style.


A pattern of style: Make a statement with subtle blended patterns that finish off a polished look.


The casual oxford: An essential staple of prep style, embodying the off-duty professional look whether you dress it up or keep it casual.


Laid-Back Luxury: Soft satin with a matte feel lends an easy, elegant touch to your wardrobe.


Many polos to pick: A classic pique in an iconic silhouette – the pima cotton polo fits in with stylish sophistication no matter how you wear it.


The classic sweater and quarter-zip pieces: Soft double knit fabric brings a polished feeling to comfortable favorites, perfect for year-round layering.


Click here to view the entire Brooks Brothers 2023 Lookbook.

Celebrating Employee Appreciation Day the Right Way

We are living in an ever-changing world where the Great Resignation has rocked every industry. Companies and employers are scrambling to not only hire employees but to keep employees. The idea of investing in quality employees has never been more important. After all, the top reasons good employees quit a job really does come down to being undervalued and not feeling appreciated.  According to a survey done by Nerd Wallet, the following are the top 5 reasons employers lose good employees.



  1. Lack of respect or trust 

  2. Low pay

  3. Poor company culture

  4. Feeling underworked and underappreciated 

  5. Bad managers


It is really simple. To get loyal, happy employees you have to make them feel valued. If you give an employee respect and control on projects, they feel valued. If you pay them well, they feel valued. If you create a company culture that is overall positive, they feel valued. If you don’t overwork them and give them time-off, they feel valued. If you make good people, good managers, everyone wins. 


So, how does this relate to Employee Appreciation Day you ask? What better way to celebrate your employees than on the day dedicated to them! We are giving you gift ideas that you can hand out to all of your employees as a ‘Thank You!”.


Branding Tip: Instead of just printing your logo on the gifts, include an appreciation message on them as well like, “Thank you for investing in us!” or “You are valued!”


Here are our top employee appreciation gift ideas.


Neo Non-Woven Journal

12 oz. Braxton Stainless Steel Mug

All Access Cooler Bag

Tuscany Sticky Notes

Eco-Friendly Products To Celebrate Earth Day

Did you know, April 22 is designated as Earth Day? It is a global initiative to raise awareness to protect Earth's natural resources for future generations to come. Before we get into the perfect promotional items to get in preparation of this global celebration for your company, we took a look at some of the coolest facts about our planet.


In NASA’s 10 Interesting things about Earth, we found some awesome facts about Earth that we had to share.


 

  • -Earth is not flat, but it's not perfectly round either.
  • -The days are getting longer. Days used to last around 21.9 hours, not 24 hours! Say, what?!
  • -There weren't always several continents. Have you heard of the tectonic plates?
  • -During Earth's icy times, scientists believe Earth nearly or completely froze several times. Brrr… and we thought this winter has been cold!
  • -The driest place in the world — the Atacama Desert in northern Chile -  is next to the biggest body of water — the Pacific Ocean. Pretty ironic!
  • -Earth's gravity isn't uniform - we can thank mountains and rivers for this!
  • -In the past, sea levels were very different.
  • -Our sun has a voracious appetite…they call it the Red Giant!
  • -The moon is not Earth's only companion. Did you know there are two other buddies out there?
  • -It's not just an old wives' tale: under the right conditions, the calm before the storm really does exist.  We don't want to be in the calm or the storm.

Now that we have learned a little science and can appreciate the complexity of our great planet, let’s take a look at the celebration aspect of Earth Day. Everyone loves celebrating and what better way than to honor the beauty and majestic place we call home. It is important for brands to join global initiatives if it fits within their scope of values and missions. Earth Day is a great way to support a cause and provide products that support the cause, too. We share our top 5 eco-friendly promotional products that will make Earth Day 2023 the best one yet!


The perfect eco-friendly office item: Hawken - Recycled Journal and Kraft Pen Set


Need a cooler or lunch bag option? Take a look at our Natural Woven Paper Cooler Lunch Bag or Saturn Jumbo Non-Woven Bag


Drinkware always hits the mark, especially for every coffee and tea lover! Our Costa Rica 16 oz Wheat Plastic Tumbler is eco-friendly and comes in many great Earth tones!


Lastly, we can’t forget about our Silicone Drinking Straw in Case! This is a great branded giveaway that will surely be appreciated on Earth Day!


Need some eco-friendly apparel options? Check out some of our favorites.

Allmade Women's Tri-Blend T-Shirt

Allmade Unisex Tri-Blend T-Shirt

District Re-Fleece Hoodie


How to Wear Your Brand at Your Next Trade Show

We recently shared all about our tips and tricks to choosing a successful trade show giveaway, but we can't forget the importance of wearing your brand. You are representing your product, your company, and yourself. Make sure that your team's logo'd apparel is "trade show ready". 


Here are our 4 quick tips to choosing the right apparel for your brand.


#1: Think about your brand. What colors are in our logo and marketing material? 

#2: Understand your industry and what is appropriate to wear at the show. 

#3: Make sure your team coordinates with each other and doesn't clash with your display. 

#4: Find apparel that is comfortable and professional. 


Don't worry, we've done the work for you! Check out some of our NEW apparel that will be perfect for any show. 


Ladies:

Brooks Brothers® Women’s Wrinkle-Free Stretch Pinpoint Shirt

Brooks Brothers® Women's Open-Neck Satin Blouse

Nike Ladies Dri-Fit Solid Icon Pique Modern Fit Polo


Mens:

Brooks Brothers® Wrinkle-Free Stretch Pinpoint Shirt

Brooks Brothers® Wrinkle-Free Stretch Nailhead Shirt

Van Heusen Ultra Wrinkle Free Shirt

Van Heusen Pinpoint Oxford Shirt

Nike Dri-Fit Vapor Block Polo Shirt

Nike Dri-Fit Solid Icon Pique Modern Fit Polo


Need help with your promotional giveaways? Check out How to Choose a Successful Trade Show Giveaway!




How to Choose a Successful Trade Show Giveaway

What are some good promotional products we can use for our upcoming trade shows? It’s the #1 question our team has been asked recently with Q1 ramping up and trade show season on every company’s mind.


So, how do we help our customers narrow down a product search with thousands of options out there? Do we just suggest all the newest products out there for Q1? No. Do we give the same options that EVERY trade show exhibitor is going to be handing out? Absolutely not.


Our goal is to make sure we are providing promotional product ideas that are right for our customers and align with their marketing initiatives at every show. 


Step 1: Understand the industry and company’s goals. 


The very first step in our product selection for our customers is to truly understand the intent of the show and exactly what our customer is trying to accomplish. Is their goal to get their name out there to anyone attending? Is the team there to touch base with their current clients and deepen the relationships? Is the main goal to gain more sales?

Asking these questions helps our product specialists gauge the type of item that may be appropriate. For instance, you are not going to spend $5-$7 on a giveaway item if you are just trying to get your name out there. You are going to want to focus on a lower cost item that you can buy a higher quantity in that is still a quality giveaway. The worst thing in the world to hear from our clients is that they noticed that many of their giveaways ended up in the trash can at the show. An item similar to the Rubber Tape Measure Keychain is a perfect item for this situation. It is low cost, but still a very useful item for potential leads. 


Step 2: Identify the audience.


The next step in choosing the right promotional item to bring with you to a show is identifying your audience. At every trade show, it is common to meet new people and potential business; however you can’t forget about your current customers. We always suggest bringing a few promotional product options with you to a show. The main reason is to make sure you can give your customers a logo’d item that is valuable. You don't want to give them an inexpensive giveaway and send them on their way. You want to make sure they leave feeling appreciated and excited to continue to work with you. You know the saying… A happy wife is a happy life. That is the same in business! Giving current customers a 3D embroidered cap or Tactical Ultra Bright Cree LED Flashlight, shows your customers you value them. 



Step 3: Think about the logistics. 


The last thing we ask our clients is all about logistics. How are these items getting to the show? Are you packing the items with the booth material that is being delivered to the convention center? Do you have to pack the items in your luggage? This is an extremely important question, because we never want to make the fun part of the show become the biggest pain. Tradeshow giveaways are fun to choose and pass out during shows. We don't want our customers having extra stress over the logistics of these items. Knowing this ahead of time will allow us to give options that will easily get to the show. If you are packing the promotional products with you or your shipping space is tight, consider an item that is small like the Credit Card Shape Bottle Opener. A product every attendee can bring home from the show and is super light-weight and thin to pack!


No matter what item you choose to hand out at your next tradeshow, following these 3 steps will help you identify your goal for the show, choose the perfect promotional item, and get your brand in the hands of the right people.


Check out How to Wear Your Brand at Your Next Trade Show.

Fall Trade Show Season Has Arrived: Are You Prepared

Exhibitors put months of thought and preparation into making each trade show they attend a success. Companies fork out a chunk of their yearly budget to get in front of potential clients. Gaining new leads, catching up with current clients and building partnerships take strategy in order to get any ROI.

With these 4 preparation tips you are sure to attract potential leads to your booth and business.


Tip 1: Get to know your audience

Every trade show is different and draws in a different crowd. Understanding what type of attendees will be walking the exhibit floor is key to attracting them to your booth. Your message will be different for the head of purchasing or an executive than it would be an entry-level candidate.

Know your audience. Most trade shows have an attendee list available prior to the show. Get your hands on a copy and reach out to the attendees you want to meet at the show.

Tip 2: Drive people to your booth

Pre-show marketing is extremely important in driving traffic to your booth during exhibit hours. Let your audience know you are at the show and that visiting your booth is worth their time. Try setting up one-on-one appointments during the show so your potential leads feel they have your undivided attention.

Tip 3: Get creative with your giveaways

Make sure you have promotional products to hand to any potential lead. Your company logo and your contact information should be on each product you hand them. You want each of your leads to be able to easily contact you when the show is over. Keep in mind when picking a trade show giveaway, make sure your giveaway is different and useful. You don’t want to spend all this money on a low budget item that will just be toss into the trashcan. Make sure your quality leads leave with a nice product they will use more than once! Here are some creative product ideas for your next trade show.

The Custom Precision Stylus/Pen/LED Light is a quality pen that will become the attendees’ favorite writing instrument. Although a bit more expensive, this quality, multi-purpose pen is sure to impress attendees.

16 oz. Double Lid Hot/Cold Tumbler comes in 8 different bright colors. Place some candy and your business card in the tumbler for a nice presentation.

Our Performance Quick Series cap is a trendy, quality cap that everyone will love. Choose from a variety of color options and embroidery locations to make a truly custom cap no other vendor will have!


In need of some new branded trade show and conference supplies? Look no further than right here!


How to Brand Holiday Gifts For Employees and Clients

We all want to give our customers and employees an end-of-the-year gift to show gratitude for their business and service. We want to give them a valuable gift that they find useful.  If you just wrap your most recent promo piece in holiday wrapping paper and hand it over you may come off as lazy or overly aggressive to your clients.

Branding holiday gifts for customers and employees without being overtly promotional can be challenging; however, with these subtle branding tips your customers and clients will be excited and appreciative.


Tips on branding holiday gifts

Find a product that has a stamping or deboss imprint option

Stamping or deboss decoration is traditionally on leather or simulated leather. The logo is depressed (debossed) onto the material surface utilizing heat, pressure and/or radio frequency. A crisp debossed logo adds a high perceived and lasting value to everyday items.  Our Pedova Soft Bound JournalBook, Isaac Mizrahi™ Sloan Computer Bag or Hampton 15 oz Tumbler are perfect products with a deboss imprint option.

Choose a tone on tone thread color with embroidered apparel

A nice embroidered apparel piece makes a perfect holiday gift for your employees or top clients. When it comes to the embroidery of your apparel, try a tone on tone thread color. Choosing a thread color that is a shade or two darker than the apparel piece is a subtle way to add your brand. Try adding your logo to a popular retail brand like Under Armour, Nike or Adidas and everyone will want one!

Personalize Your Gift

Adding an employee’s initials or name will add extra meaning behind the gift. Especially when giving the same gift to multiple people in an organization, personalization helps differentiate each gift. Our Tervis Water Bottle allows you to add cool art and personalization to each drinkware.

Now that you know how to brand promotional products in a subtle way, giving holiday gifts to your employees and customers will be a breeze.

Need help finding that perfect holiday gift that stands out? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide or call a product specialist at 1-877-634-3499 for creative ideas to say thank you this holiday season.


The perfect products for under 2.00

Can you buy a nice gift for under $2?

It seems difficult nowadays, but it’s actually quite possible and can be a lot of fun. Buy your stressed-out co-worker a coffee. Tell someone thank you for a job well done with a candy bar. Pay-it forward at lunch by treating a stranger to dessert.

The gift of giving doesn’t need to be expensive. Make it fun, make it something useful or enjoyable and you’re sure to put a smile on someone’s face.

Use this same philosophy when you are selecting promotional items that must fit a budget. Add a little fun, get creative or simply just say, “thank you, this is for you.” 



How can you effectively brand and use these top items for under $2?

      Give a 20-oz sports bottle to employees as the company starts a new health initiative. Add a healthy granola bar or pack of nuts to help show the company’s support for employee wellness.

      At your next tradeshow, have a gift for parents to give their kids. Logo a Sports pack drawstring backpack in school colors or any bright color, even put your name in a fun kid font. Whether throwing in soccer cleats or a stuffed animal, kids of all ages love these lightweight backpacks.

Think outside the box when you’re planning and purchasing promotional products for your next company initiative, event or tradeshow. There are many unique ways that can make your company stand out and help expand your brand reach. No matter the price, the right promotional product can be priceless.

Here’s a few more hot, under $2, items: sticky notes, a USB vehicle charger and a top-selling ballpoint pen with Comfort Zone grip that comes in several colors.

Need a little help finding that perfect promotional product that stands out? Check out Studio Elevens vast selection or call a product specialist at 1-877-634-3499 for creative ideas, the latest trends and the newest products to hit the market.


What's the No. 1 Growing Advertising Medium

Using promotional products is the fourth fastest-growing advertising medium. They’re behind mobile phone advertising at No. 1 (no surprise there!) and then the internet and product placement.

Why do promotional products still work?

Answer: Consumer recall and response.

Basically, people love free stuff! They can hold a pen in their hand, they use a cell phone charger, they wear a T-shirt, they take an umbrella with them--Promotional products are tangible items creating an experience and therefore, increasing message recall.



A trend analysis of Promotional Products Association International data over the past three decades demonstrates why advertisers have made promotional products the fourth-fastest growing advertising medium and sixth highest ranked medium among traditional and digital media.

Check out these stats:

      Eight in 10 consumers own between one and 10 promotional products

      Six in 10 consumers keep them for up to two years

      Wearables and drinkware rank as some of the most often recalled promotional products. Who couldn’t use a cotton-poly T-Shirt or hot and cold tumbler?

      About half (53%) of consumers use a promo item at least once a week or more often 

      The primary reason for keeping a promotional product is usefulness

      88% of consumers recalled the advertiser from a promotional product received

Studio Eleven provides high quality and affordable promotional products and corporate apparel. With a vast selection of 900,000+ products, experienced promotional product specialists and customer care representatives work with you to find the products that best fit your company, your consumers and your employees.


Source:  Three decades of data and analysis compiled by PPAI and researchers at Georgia Southern University, Louisiana State University, Baylor University, Southern Methodist University, Relevant Insights, Ernst & Ernst, Calendar Advertising Council and MarketTools, Inc.


Choosing the Right Promo Product With Confidence




With hundreds of thousands of options available in promotional products, it can be difficult choosing an item. And even if you narrow it down to a couple items, how do you choose the right product with confidence?

Use these 3 tips to help you make the right pick with confidence:


1. Match the product to your target audience.

If the products are intended for a specific group, you’ll want something specialized for their needs. For example, if your sponsoring a 5K run or putting on an employee health fair, a logoed light-up safety shoe clip would be a hit. It’s lightweight and easily attaches to the heel of most running shoes. Perfect for running, walking, biking and other outdoor activities.

Use proven statistics to help find the item that matches your audience. The Global Advertising Specialties 2016 study found women are more likely to keep a branded pen, while men are more likely to hang onto a branded USB. Check out the stats:

      Who’s most likely to own a branded pen? Women, 54%

      Who’s most likely to own branded USB? Men, 50%

      Who’s most likely to own a branded T-shirt? Ages 18-34, 56%

2. Coordinate the product with the event or marketing tactic.

Just like some products fit a certain goal better than others, the same holds true for tactics. The right promotional product aligned with the right tactic can be a surefire hit!

Think about your overall goal. Do you want your message to spread or to be something the same person will look at every day? Items like pens and pencils get passed around quite often, while an office accessory would be seen by your customer several days a week. Consider which type of advertising you are hoping to do and be sure your item goes along with your goals.

Check out what promotional products best suit these events:

      Trade Shows. Promotional items at trade shows can help your company gain exposure and leads toward new sales. Bags, such as a reusable mini tote, are very effective for trade shows as customers will use them at the trade show and several times after.

      Customer Events. Satisfied customers can be your No. 1 advocate. Shower them with free stuff they will wear, such as polo shirts and jackets, and let them help promote your company.

      Employee Events. Along with satisfied customers, you also want your employees to be top advocates. Hot items for employees are often coolers, speakers, water bottles and other top-quality items.

      Community/PR Events. Show your support for your community, an event or organization through donated promotional items that organizers can give away. Provide event T-shirts with your brand logo and message, or give away a cooler filled with other branded items.

3. Use the experts.

That’s what they are there for! Share your overall goal, target audience and how you plan to use promotional products with your product representative as you begin selecting products. A promotional company should have customer representatives who are skilled in providing guidance and new ideas for product selection. Let them help you select the right product with confidence.

Studio Eleven provides high quality and affordable promotional products and corporate apparel. With a vast selection of 900,000+ products, experienced promotional product specialists and customer care representatives work with you to find the products that best fit your company, your consumers and your employees.



The ROI of Promo Products

Do you worry that promotional products just get thrown away? Do you often wonder what the ROI on promotional products is anyway?

Check out these stats and information from the Global Advertising Specialties 2016 study to help find the ROI on the promotional products you’re using:

What products have the longest shelf life with customers?

       Umbrellas – 14 months

      Mobile power banks – 12 months

      Outerwear and fleece – 9 months

      USB drives – 8 months

      Drinkware – 8 months

You want customers to take your product home with them, keep it and use it repeatedly in front of their friends and others in their business. By placing your logo on quality, worthwhile products, you gain customer trust and loyalty while strengthening your brand presence.


What products are “keepers” for U.S. consumers?

      57% own a promotional shirts

      53% own promotional drinkware

      50% own a promotional writing instrument

      41% own promotional desk/office accessories. Most of these products owners are millennials

Another interesting statistic: Midwesterners have the most branded products in their procession with the average of 11 products each. Across the U.S., the average per person owns 9.8 products. And even more impressive, 95% of Midwesterners with a promotional T-shirt recalled the advertiser on the shirt!

What products have the lowest cost per impression?

Promotional products are a great way to blast out your brand name and logo to a targeted mass audience, as they have a much lower cost per impression (CPI) than prime-time television advertising, magazine advertising and newspaper ads. A large portion of your budget could be eaten up in one 30-second television ad, while a logoed pen cost 1/10th of a cent per impression

Plus, promotional products provide opportunity for active engagement, such as storing your sales proposal on a branded USB drive for a prospective customer, whereas you can’t get that with a newspaper ad.

Promotional items that deliver some of the highest number of impressions are bags, hats and writing instruments.

Are you looking for high quality, branded products and top-notch customer care? Contact Studio Eleven Promotional Products at 877-634-3499. 



How to Decorate Custom Tervis Tumblers

Tervis® has been a well-known American brand since 1946 and we offer unique customization options for many of its products.

There is something about a “Made in the USA” stamp that increases the perceived value of any product. People tend to hold on to those products and take pride in them. Many of our clients look to find nice, quality products to give to employees and clients that are made right here in the United States.

Custom Tervis tumblers make the perfect giveaways for:
-Employee Recognition Programs
-Custom Appreciation Programs
-Green Initiatives
-Sponsorship Gifts
-Corporate Incentives
-Event Giveaways
-Company Outings

At Studio Eleven, we make customizing your Tervis tumblers easy and seamless. Below is our 4 step process for decorating a Tervis tumbler.


Step 1. Choose Your Decoration Method

We offer three different decoration options for any of our tervis drinkware. Choose from an embroidery patch, an enhanced embroidery patch or a full color wrap.



-Embroidery Patch: The art of decorating fabric with needle and thread will give your logo or design a unique high-end look. A Tervis classic, embroidery is detailed, yet still bright and fun! Dimensions are 2.5"H x 2.5" W. 1 to 4 spot colors or 4-color process available. Color options up to 10 thread colors available.

-Enhanced Embroidery Patch: Perfect for artwork with small copy and fine detail that cannot be reproduced with traditional embroidery. Our method of dye sublimation provides greater detail and color by printing directly on a woven fabric patch. Dimensions are 2.5"H x 2.5"W.

-Full Color Wrap: Wraps can really bring your message to light, rounding out the entire design and giving it the impact it deserves. Digitally printed on durable acetate film that allows for high resolution, full color photo quality images and logo. Dimensions are 360 degrees (round). Color options 1 to 4 spot colors or 4-color process available.

Step 2. Create Your Design

One of our experienced graphic designer will work with you to create a custom design that truly captures your company message and brand.  If you want to take your design to the next level, consider our Jewel Collection. Tervis' rich jewel tones are another brilliant option to showcase your brand. Choose from bright colors as show below.


Step 3. Add Your Tumbler Accessories 

Don’t stop at the design. Take your Tervis tumbler one step further by adding an accessory! We offer handles, lids and straws that can be added to most of our Tervis drinkware products.

-Handles: These convenient handles slip on easily, ensuring smooth operation and a comfy fit in cup holders. Available in 16oz or 24oz, choose from 7 bold color options. 




-Lids: Tervis lids aren’t merely lids, they’re secure-fitting, colorful and reusable spill minimizers that allow maximum enjoyment by ensuring every last drop will not be lost or wasted.




-Straws: These straws are colorful and reusable drink delivery systems that allow maximum enjoyment by ensuring no drop is left at the bottom. One size fits all tumbler lid sizes. Available in clear 6-packs or assorted color 6-packs.



Step 4. Enjoy!

Once you've chosen all your decoration options, your custom Tervis tumblers are produced and shipped directly to you.





Interesting in custom Tervis tumblers and drinkware? Click here to start shopping in our Tervis store today!

Dress Your Team and Company for Success

Many forward-thinking companies today are providing employees with branded clothing as a hiring perk or even a performance bonus.

Not only is a benefit to employees as it helps keep their out-of-pocket clothing expense down, it also helps promote your company and create a polished look in the office. The days of sporting a suit to work are gone for most industries, so establish standards for what is business-appropriate clothing today. Use the guidelines below, and don’t miss the clothing tips for items that would make great branded pieces for your team.


Business Professional

When you dress business professional, you are wearing generally conservative clothing to portray yourself in a professional manner. Women should wear a skirt or pants suit with heels while men may wear a blazer or suit jacket, button down shirt, suit pants, a tie and dress shoes.

Clothing Tip: Brand a long-sleeve, wrinkle-free office shirt, such as the Port Authority Long Sleeve Gingham Easy Care Shirt. This gingham check pattern is modern, office-ready and can help promote your company when imprinted with your company name and logo.

For women, go with a blazer such as the Port Authority Ladies' Fleece Blazer. They can dress it up or down as this fleece blazer creates a polished look and can easily be branded.

Business Casual

When the dress code for your company is business casual, it simply means you do not need to wear a suit. However, it does not call for casual attire such as jeans and T-shirts. Women typically wear a collared shirt or sweater with dress pants and dress shoes. A man’s option for business casual includes a polo shirt, collared shirt or sweater and khaki or dress pants.

Clothing Tip: Create performance bonuses that reward employees with clothing, such as the Port Authority Diamond Jacquard Polo. Sleek self-fabric shoulder and side panel piecing on this option makes it perfect in or out of the office.

Small Business Casual

If your small business office has a casual dress code, you need to specify what is acceptable for staff to wear. Casual should not mean sloppy, inappropriate clothing, stained nor offensive attire. Examples of acceptable clothing pieces could include well-tailored jeans, casual blouses and fitted jackets.

Clothing Tip: Set an annual clothing allowance for employees to select branded clothing that suits their style and body type. Some great options that employees will love for both casual Fridays and outside the office are the Nike Dri-Fit 1/2-Zip for women and the Port Authority Soft Shell Bomber Jacket for men.

With more than 900,000 promotional products, Studio Eleven is dedicated to helping you find the perfect promotional product to represent your company. Visit us online here or call our product specialist today at 877-634-3499.

Amazing Promotional Product Ideas for a Limited Budget

Need a promotional product in a jiffy? And one that doesn’t break the bank?

Check out our top 3 promotional items for under $10, under $5, and yes, even under $3! These items are perfect for a tradeshow, customer sales push or employee appreciation event that suddenly appeared on your to-do list.


Top 3 Products Under $10:

1. A tote that is small enough to stow anywhere and big enough to hold anything. Check out the RuMe Medium Tote for a modern design in a variety of colors.

2. You can’t go wrong with a top-quality cotton T. Imprint your message on Jerzees Heavyweight Blend 50/50 Cotton/Poly T-shirt.

3. Make an impact with a battery backup that keeps mobile devices charged. Give the Jolt Charger Powerbank that keeps giving back.

Top 3 Products Under $5:

1. Put your company logo in their hands when warm weather hits with the Trutti Frutti 25 oz Tritan Sport Bottle.

2. Want customers to take note of your brand? Offer them the Ambassador Bound JournalBook.

3. Wallet, coffee sleeve, workout wristband all in one - so many uses, so many ways to share your name. Check out the RuMe Cuff.

Top 3 Products Under $3:

1. Put your brand on the one item that goes everywhere with your customers. Imprint the silicone Snap Pocket Wallet that attaches to the back of a cell phone.

2. Freshen up your next direct mail campaign or trade show giveaway with a Mint Card of micromints.

3. You can’t go wrong with a pen. Check out the popular Javalina pen and stylus that comes in a variety of vibrant colors.

With more than 900,000 promotional products,
Studio Eleven is dedicated to helping you find the perfect promotional product to represent your company. Visit us online here or call our product specialist today at 877-634-3499.

How to Get Free Press for Your Company

Have you seen a story featuring your competitor on the front page of the local newspaper? Scratching your head wondering how you can gain some of that free press?

Tips You Should Consider

Journalists are always looking for a story, so feel free to pitch a story from your company. But first, there are few tips you should consider:

1. Tell a story. Don’t pitch an advertisement. Just as you tailor your marketing message to reach a target audience, you must also customize for pitching a story to the press. They don’t want to hear what is so great about your product, they want a story to tell.

2. Is your story new?
Make sure to highlight that this is the first time or that this information has not yet been released. The press loves to be the first to scoop a story.

3. Is your story unique, even a little weird in any way? Don’t think of this in a negative light. Nobody wants to hear the same old story. Your story must be unique if it is going to appeal to an audience. The press knows this.

4. Does is tug at heartstrings? A great human interest story, not necessarily highlighting your products but maybe featuring a regular customer, longtime employee or someone your company helped out, can tug at the heartstrings with your name attached.

5. Is it timely? If not, can you make it timely. The first thing a journalist will likely ask is, why should I care about this now? Think about how the story you want told affects the world around you and why they would care now.

And one final tip: if the press picks up your story, make sure your employees are wearing logowear branded with your company logo and name. The best way to get free press may be just a subtle logo appearance in a great story that grabs attention locally and beyond.

Branded clothing is a great way to build brand recognition. Contact a product specialist at Studio Eleven at 1-877-634-3499 for expert assistance in finding the best promotional product for your brand.

5 Safe and Cool Ways to Customize Your Safety Training Program

The mention of safety training and additional safety procedures may lead to sighs from employees. “It’s boring.” “It’s another step.”

How do you turn this negativity around? How do you get employees feeling passionate and engaged in safety?


Try these 5 tips to engage employees in safety:

1. Recognition. Emotion often drives behavior. Appeal to their emotions by offering praise and reward to specific employees who excel during the training and go the extra effort to help ensure all safety standards are put in place and followed.

2. Make it fun. Turn a portion of the training into a competition or game. Play a game, such as Wheel of Fortune or Trivial Pursuit, using safety terms or procedures at your training event. Brand a prize with your company logo, such as giving a company-branded lunch tote with restaurant gift card or mug with coffee shop gift card.

3. Begin a safety tip of the week lunch. As new safety procedures are put in place, have a safety recap meeting each week with a safety tip and lunch. Again, emotion often drives behavior, and most people love a free lunch.

4. Set team safety goals. Set safety goals for each department that they can work on together. Reward the team with a branded item, such as a company jacket, when they hit specific goals. It’s great way to help spread brand awareness while tying in employee teamwork and safety.

5. Brand your safety program. Develop a safety slogan and logo for your company to help keep the message of safety in front of employees at all times. Ear plugs, safety glasses and breakroom coffee mugs could all be imprinted with the safety slogan and logo.

Visit StudioEleven.net for a huge selection of safety products, mugs, apparel and many other promotional products. Let our product specialist help you find the perfect item to engage employees and spread your safety message.

How to Use Google to Find Exactly What You're Looking For

I bet you have conducted at least 1 of the more than 100 billion Google searches that happen every month. Do you know how many web pages are indexed on Google - 50 billion!

That’s a lot of information. So how do you ever find what you are looking for?


4 Quick Tips to Find What You are Searching for online

1. Start with the basics. Start with a simple search, such as ‘where can I buy mugs for the office?” And then add descriptive words, such as “where can I buy orange, branded mugs for the office?” Add a location, Ohio.

2. Choose words carefully.
Choose words you may find on a website, such as logowear and branded vs. employee jacket.

3. Don’t worry about the little things.
You can ignore spelling and capitalization, as Google automatically spell checks and uses the most common spelling. It also ignores uppercase.

4. Find quick answers. 
Google will also give you quick answers. Type in a math problem and it will solve it.  Type ‘define responsive’ and you’ll get a quick response.

Now just for fun, here are a few wacky Google stats from 2015:

   - State that uses Google the most - Utah

   - State that uses Google the least - Mississippi

   - Most searched topic in 2015 - Lamar Odom

   - Most searched politician - Donald Trump

   - Most searched recipe - pumpkin seed recipes

   - Number of Google engineers - 25,000

   - Number of code changes those engineers make daily - 45,000

   - Percent of users that Google themselves - 56%

With more than 900,000 promotional products, Studio Eleven is dedicated to helping you find the perfect promotional product to represent your company. Visit us online here or call our product specialist today at 877-634-3499.



Stress Relief: A Quick Tactic that Can Work For Anyone

Don’t let stress get the best of you. It’s a proven fact that stress can derail any project.

However, with the right stress relief tactic, you can train yourself to easily and quickly release stress before it slows down your productivity. Try a stress relief ball. It’s easy, convenient and can be kept right in your desk drawer.


What Stress Does To the Body

When feeling stressed, your body releases hormones like adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol. It’s a burst of stress energy that causes muscle tension, an increase in blood pressure and other negative side effects.

By physically releasing that stress energy, whether through exercise or the simple act of squeezing and releasing a stress relief ball, your body relaxes and you feel less stress.

A Tactic That Can Work for Anyone

Have a big team project coming up? Equip the team with branded stress relief balls to show you are all in this together, through the ups and downs.

Encourage fellow employees to grab the stress relief ball as soon as they feel stress start to boil. They can begin to train their body to release stress early and often, before the team is off track.

A promotional products company such as Studio Eleven has a variety of designs, from smiley faces, globes and golf balls to denser, gel stress balls that can withstand any amount of stress.

Visit StudioEleven.net for a huge selection of stress relief balls, apparel and many other promotional products that can be imprinted with your company logo. Let our product specialist help you find the perfect item for employees, tradeshows and customer promotions.

Traveling Salesmen: What Branded Items to Give Your Sales Team

The life of a traveling salesman can be lucrative and adventurous, yet tiring and challenging.

Just like every job, it has its good and bad. While compensation and incentives can be rewarding, there is a downside when sales go down. And while traveling the world and experiencing new things can be exciting, it’s not so fun when you have to miss a family event.


Reward Your Traveling Team

Reward your hard-working sales team with branded items they can take on the road with them.

A travel time toiletry case or a comfort travel set are the perfect travel companions. The five-piece travel set includes a wrap case, inflatable neck pillow, an eye mask, earplugs and a travel alarm clock. The wrap case is kept securely closed by Velcro to hold all gift set components, and the clock includes a snooze feature.

Brand the items and you are also helping promote your company as your team travels.

Don’t Leave Town Without These

Don’t let your sales team leave town without a stash of pens, notebooks and travels mugs, all branded with your company name, logo and phone number. Not only will they want to use these items, but they can also leave behind with new and long-time customers.

The Javalina metallic stylus pen is a top seller offered in several vibrant metallic colors. The ergonomic styling, stylus tip and ballpoint pen makes this a highly desirable promotional pen.

Other recommendations from promotional product experts include the recycled paper notebook with a heavy cardboard cover made from recycled paper. This is the perfect travel companion and branded giveaway as it is made of tough construction and promotes being environmentally friendly.

Also make sure they leave with a good cup of joe in a branded travel mug. A stainless steel, double-wall thermal is perfect for coffee lovers and can be imprinted with your company name, logo and more to heighten brand exposure on a product that will get plenty of use.

With more than 900,000 promotional products, Studio Eleven is dedicated to helping you find the perfect promotional product to represent your company. Visit us online here or call our product specialist today at 877-634-3499.

4 Ways to Promote Your Business During March Madness

Did you know March Madness has generated approximately $7.5 billion in television advertising since 2005, with $1.13 billion brought in last year?

Ever wonder how your business can capitalize on the tournament hype?


4 Ways Your Business Can Join in March Madness

1. Your own bracket. Host your own fun tournament bracket for employees. Not only does this help increase employee engagement and spirit, the winner could get a great gift, such as a branded jacket or mini basketball hoop for his or her office.

2. Give back to the community. Use March Madness to promote giving back to community. As you and employees follow the tournament, also designate each week of March for a specific cause that benefits the community. For example, make your Week 1 pick include a canned food drive for the local food pantry.

3. Involve your customers in the fun. This is great time to give away fun branded items, such as basketball-shaped stress balls imprinted with your logo.

4. Host a March Madness event. Plan a customer appreciation event or employee gathering themed around March Madness. This makes for a relaxed, fun atmosphere to gain customer and employee engagement. Add to it a fun promotional item, such as a sports stress relief ball.

Need help planning the fun? Studio Eleven specializes in working with clients to match their event, customers or employees with the best promotional product at the right price. Contact us today at 877-634-3499!

The New Flash Drive is Here...and it Fits in Your Wallet

Take out your flash drive and look at it. 

Is it the standard stick at 16G? Is it the newest slim credit card drive that easily slides in your wallet? Or is it a novelty piece, such as in the shape of piece of sushi or a Barbie? (yes, those do exist!).

USB flash drives have come along way. Remember the original floppy disc?

Test your flash knowledge:

 - What does USB stand for? Universal Serial Bus, and the ‘flash’ in the full name of the USB drive means the USB writes to flash memory.
 - How old is the USB flash drive? It was invented in April 1999 by three men at the Israeli company M-System.
 - Who sold the first flash drive in the U.S.? I.B.M.,in late 1999
 - How much storage did the first models hold? 8 megabytes
 - What is the largest flash drive on the market to date? The Kingston 1 terabyte at nearly $1,000. It can hold over a hundred million pages of documents and transfers data at speeds of a 160-240 megabytes per second.

Is your flash drive up to par with today’s techies?

Before you flash your flash drive, have you checked out the latest designs. A hot seller today is the Slim Credit Card Flash Drive, both functional and versatile.

Made of out of durable ABS plastic, this multi-function flash drive is the size of credit card. It features a rubberized stylus ideal for tablets, iPhones and iPads, with the USB feature tucked on the side.

Available in a variety of GB sizes, the Slim Credit Card Flash Drive can easily be carried in a purse, pocket or wallet.

Brand this item with your company logo, upload your sales proposal and leave behind for a client. Not only will your client appreciate the gift, they’ll see your company as tech-savvy, progressive, and oh yeah, you just left your sales proposal at their fingertips.

Promotional products are a great way to make a positive impression on your clients and build brand loyalty. Contact a product specialist at Studio Eleven at 1-877-634-3499 to find the best promotional products for your brand.


The Ultimate Spring Season Promotional Ideas

Buyer habits change with the seasons, just like a wardrobe.

Research shows businesses should be prepared for seasonal changes. From sales and marketing strategy to the promotional products you give to customers, play to the weather and shopping habits.
-   Warm weather inspires shopping as buyers’ minds and bodies are ready to emerge from dreary days.
-   Spring means shopping ahead. Many shoppers immediately start to think of summer, so promote products with summer weather messages.
-   Mobile gets hotter too. People are outdoors, away from computers so more shopping occurs on mobile devices.

Hot Promotional Items for You this Spring

        - Sunglasses: Inspire spring and summer fever in your customers with promotional products. Fun neon sunglasses can be imprinted with a product name, event name or logo to gain brand exposure. 

        - Collapsible Cooler: A customized, collapsible cooler could be the perfect promotional product to give a new or satisfied, retainer customer as you wish them a fun-filled summer.

        - SPF Sunscreen and Lip Balm Combo: A convenient, hand-held SPF sunscreen and lip balm combo could be imprinted with your company logo and a safety message. This could be a handy give-away at any customer event from spring throughout summer.



How Promo Products Inspire Action

Do promotional products work? If you are looking to increase sales and brand awareness, then “yep, they work.”

Studies show 59% of consumers had a more favorable view of a brand after receiving a promotional product. A whopping 85% did business with a brand whom they received a promo item from!


Next Question: Why do They Work?

The top 5 reasons why people love promo products and why they work, according to a study by the Promotional Products Association International, are:

1. They Are Useful

The Sticky Note. At some point, everyone needs one. Whether writing a quick to-do at home or to mark a page in a work file, sticky notes will never go away. Logo a standard 3X3 adhesive notepad and your name is sure to end up on your customer’s office desk or home desk.

2. They Are Desirable

A gift tray with travel mugs and snacks allows you to logo the travel mugs and spread your brand, while also giving your customer a gift to enjoy. Whether chocolate-covered peanuts, jelly beans or pistachios, you are sure to find something your customers will love.

3. They Are Attractive

How about a modern, moisture-wicking pullover that is comfortable, functional and in style? A ladies ¼-zip pullover with a textured look, slight drop tail hem and thumbholes gives it a very modern feel so your customer will want to wear it sporting your company name.

4. They Are Fun

Bring the party with a light show Bluetooth speaker. The eye-catching and head-banging product will satisfy the needs of all music lovers while also dazzling with a wild LED light show. Customize with your company logo and turn up the volume at the next giveaway or corporate outing.

5. They Engage All Senses

Promotional products can appeal to all five senses -- hearing, smelling, touching, tasting and seeing -- and engage your customers. An advertisement in print or on a television screen can’t do this! Whether a warm mug steaming with their favorite coffee or a flashlight they use at home or in their workshop, your customers have a hands-on item with your name and logo right in front of them.

Studies show promotional products work, but only if you are giving your customers products that appeal to them and inspire them to do business with you. Need assistance finding that right product? Studio Eleven is here to help. Contact us today!

Wacky Pen Facts and A Great Office Joke

Have a promotional pen at your desk? at your home? buried in your car console?

Nearly everyone has a promotional pen somewhere. The majority of companies give them out at some point. Most consumers will gladly accept and use a “good” branded pen.


Key point: “good.”

When choosing a pen to brand for your company, select a top quality pen such as the Textari Stylus Pen that writes smoothly and has dual function as a touchscreen stylus and ballpoint pen. If it becomes your client’s favorite pen, they will use it daily, have a special place for it and may even guard it.

Get your company name on that pen. Enough said.

Now, how about some wacky pen facts:

 - June 10th is Ballpoint Pen Day! Celebrate with your co-workers.
 - An average person in the U.S. uses 4.3 pens annually.

 - A ballpoint pen has a lifespan of about 50,000 words.
 - The most expensive pen in the world cost $8 million. Along with its divine shape, it’s decorated with 945 black diamonds    and 123 rubies.
 - You can learn about the history of pen making at the Pen Museum in Birmingham, England.
 - When offered a new pen, 97% of people will first write their name.

And a little office humor to share:

Reaching the end of a job interview, the Human Resources Officer asks a young engineer fresh out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, "And what starting salary are you looking for?" The engineer replies, "In the region of $125,000 a year, depending on the benefits package."

The interviewer inquires, "Well, what would you say to a package of five weeks vacation, 14 paid holidays, full medical and dental, company matching retirement fund to 50% of salary, and a company car leased every two years, say, a red Corvette?" The engineer sits up straight and says, "Wow! Are you kidding?" The interviewer replies, "Yeah, but you started it."

 

Want help finding the perfect promotional pen to give to your clients? Contact a product specialist at Studio Eleven at 1-877-634-3499 for help selecting the best promotional products for your brand.

Engage All 5 Senses with Promo Products

Does a radio commercial or print advertisement engage and connect your customers beyond the 15-second spot or glimpse? Why not spend advertising dollars on hands-on items that engage them and make a lasting impression.

73% of consumers use promotional products weekly and 85% of consumers did business with an advertiser after receiving a promo item. Why do they work? The No.1 reason: they are useful!

Promotional products are a great form of advertising that engages your audience because they are using the item firsthand. Find a promotional product that engages one or more of your customers’ five senses.

Hear

The Zoom Wrap offers both great sounding earbuds and cord management for easy access to any webinar or campaign. Imprint your logo on the wrap, which easily clips to pockets, waistbands or bags. Make a sound decision by giving your customers one of these.

Smell

A mug that keeps your daily cup of joe warm and fresh is just what customers need. Find the perfect mug, whether stainless steel, ceramic or plastic, and customers will take your name and message with them each day.

Touch

A polycanvas tote bag is ideal for conventions or daily shopping. Bags come in a variety of colors and sizes. Imprint your logo and watch your customers grab and tote this bag around all day!

Taste

Food always grabs attention and appeals to an audience. Provide a luncheon napkin bearing your brand at an upcoming banquet or event to take advantage of an opportunity to engage an audience.

See

Shine some light on your business with a flashlight. An easy to carry and powerful flashlight is something everyone needs at some point in time. Keep your customers out of the dark and customize with your company name and logo.

Create a custom product that engages your customers and is something they can use over and over again. With more than 900,000 products, contact a Studio Eleven product specialist to find the right product for your customers.

5 Invaluable Products This Spring

As buyers hit the road for vacation season, they likely will be packing their vehicles with travel accessories from emergency kits to trash bags. Plan your spring promotional campaign products around items they could gain value from while on the road.

5 invaluable products for travelers this spring

1. Emergency auto kit
2. First aid kit
3. Highway emergency set
4. Compact travel tool kit
5. Life-saving hammer

Promote safety and protection by providing a promotional product that could go in their vehicle emergency kit. Many of these items can be imprinted with your company logo, values and contact information to help build brand recognition, loyalty and trust.

The DMV.org provides this list of items to create your own vehicle emergency kit.

To create a vehicle emergency kit:

  - Roadside flares
  - A first-aid kit
  - Work gloves or latex gloves
  - Two quarts of oil
  - Jumper cables
  - One gallon of antifreeze
  - Brake fluid
  - Extra fuses
  - A blanket
  - A flashlight with fresh batteries
  - Tools, such as screwdriver, vise grips, wrench
  - A tire inflator and pressure gauge
  - Some rags and a funnel
  - A roll of duct tape and paper towels
  - A spray bottle with washer fluid
  - An ice scraper
  - An AAA or roadside emergency card
  - Triangle reflectors and flares
  - A pocket knife
  - Bottled water

Need help selecting the right item for your spring promotional product? Download the Beginners Guide to Purchasing Promotional Products for quick tips to help you get started today.

Get Your Brand in Everyones Hands this Summer

Planning a company picnic? Need a giveaway for your tradeshow booth? Or, maybe you’re working on employee wellness and overall engagement.

Consider imprinting a sport bottle as a perfect giveaway that everyone can use. It can be customized with your company logo or a specific event or health message.


Whether pushing the benefits of drinking water throughout the day, reducing plastic waste or just wanting to get your brand in everyone’s hands, a sports bottle can achieve all. Customers and employees can keep one at their desk, in their car and even take it with them as they head out on the weekend with their friends!

A stainless steel line such as the Geometric Stainless Sport Bottle offers an angled design that creates a great visual appearance. With a screw on/off lid and removable inner wall, this bottle is easy to clean and perfect for all.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON THIS PRODUCT!

     

Promotional products are a great way to make a positive impression on your consumers and build brand loyalty. Contact a product specialist at Studio Eleven at 1-877-634-3499 to find out how to find the best promotional products for your brand.


How Trade Shows Have Changed in the Digital Age

Trade shows and conferences have changed over the years due to the digital age.

With an endless source of product information and reviews on the internet, buyers are savvier and more knowledgeable today. Buyers now come to trade shows already knowing about your products and your competitors’ products.


Trade shows today are about building relationships.

Buyers’ expectations have changed from wanting to gather information to wanting a more in-depth, personal experience. They want to meet your staff and feel as if they can trust the brand. They want to know if your product and your staff live up to what you promote.

Trade shows today measure success in tweets, likes and shares.

Years ago the goal of a trade show was to get as many sales lead opportunities as possible. But today, the role of social media has taken a front burner.

Buyers are on social media daily, so that’s where your company should be, too. Bloomberg Businessweek reported the volume of tweets as the metric to analyze performance of the Detroit Auto Show exhibitors.

Check out the tweet volumes of the top 5:

1. Ford: 24,080
2. Lexus: 7,460
3. BMW: 7,030
4. Mercedes: 6,220
5. Chevrolet: 6,180

While trade shows and conferences remain a staple of B2B and B2C marketing, don’t get complacent in planning your show. Keep your trade show experience fresh and up-to-date by using the show to build relationships and trust with buyers and to show you are a socially-engaged brand.

The toughest part of planning your trade show display may be deciding which promotional product will best portray your company message and help build a stronger customer relationship.

Have you considered using your trade show giveaway to promote your company values? For example, are you strongly focused on safety? Give customers a blizzard ice scraper or a slim magnetic flashlight to promote vehicle safety as they leave your exhibit.

For more tips and ideas, download the Beginners Guide to Purchasing Promotional Products.

The Avenue Business Tote Is Your Answer

We’ve all been there: attempting to shut the car door with a tablet under your right arm, your purse or lunch hanging from your left arm, a water bottle in one hand and cell phone in the other hand.

How are you going to shut the door? Did you grab the keys?

Help yourself, your fellow co-workers and top clients by providing them with a branded business tote!


A Promotional Item Worth the Spend

A promotional item such as the Avenue Business Tote can be your answer. This promotional product not only helps increase brand awareness, it is also extremely useful. No company likes to spend money on promotional products they fear may just go in the trash.

The Avenue Business Tote is called the perfect work briefcase. It includes a zippered main compartment that provides ample storage, a front pocket sized to fit a tablet with sleeve, a multi-function organizer, a water bottle pocket, a D ring for keys and 29-inch shoulder straps.

Brand It

Brand the item with your company name and logo. Select a trendy color, or go with all black if you think your clients would appreciate a neutral color.

Remember, the per-cost of an item such as this goes down when you order more! An item such as this may be useful to many departments, from marketing and human resources to sales.

Promotional products are a great way to make a positive impression on your consumers and build brand loyalty. Contact a product specialist at Studio Eleven at 1-877-634-3499 to find out how to find the best promotional products for your brand.


FORE 4 Things You Must Have At Your Next Golf Outing

A spring or summer golf outing for employees is a great way to reward and show appreciation.

Organizing the event involves many details from selecting the course, tournament format and food to lining up volunteers, teams and awards. You want this to be a well-organized, fun day they won’t forget. You also want this day to leave a positive company image for all involved.

But how do you make it a successful golf outing that scores an ace with your employees?


Check out these “Fore” Things You Must Have at Your Golf Outing:

1. A Gift of Fun. Imprint a promotional product they can use after the event that is associated with the fun and positive company experience they had that day. A 6-pack cooler kit with a towel, sunscreen and more is something they will appreciate and likely use again.

2. Drawing for an Elite Gift. Have golfers sign up for a drawing for an elite gift they will all want. A deluxe golf gift set with golf tees, ball markers, golf balls and more can be custom printed with your company logo. It’s the perfect prize for employees.

3. Awards. Let the winners walk away proudly with an award they will want to display on the bookshelf or hang on the office wall. Find an award that works best for your golfers and imprint with your company name and a fun message about the day.

4. Something for Everyone. No one should walk away empty-handed. Brand the event name and your company logo on an item everyone can have, such as a koozie or a few golf tees.

The toughest part of planning your golf outing may be deciding which promotional products your golfers will want and that best suits your event message. Download theBeginners Guide to Purchasing Promotional Products for quick tips to help you get started today.

5 Marketing Tips for The Small Business

Small businesses are unique in that they often have a product or service that fills a niche, along with a very defined target customer. Many small businesses excel in customer service, yet struggle in brand development and recognition as they may be unsure which avenue to take and how much to spend.

How much have you pushed your brand?

There are simple steps you can take as a small business owner to gain community engagement, trust and recognition.


5 Marketing Tips for the Small Business

1. Give Your Stuff Away

Frozen Pints grew its craft beer ice cream business by leaps and bounds by attending craft beer shows and farmers markets to do one thing - give their product away. Customers loved the unexpected combination and began requesting stores carry it.

2. Network

Attend and offer your product or service at community events. People will notice the overall contribution and will look at you as the industry expert. Another option would be to host an event that provides opportunity to show off your product or service.

3. Send a Weekly E-mail

Stay in a relationship with your customers by sending them a weekly email that provides some sort of value to them. This can be quick tips, advice or something creative around your product or service.

4. Volunteer or Support a Cause

Find a cause that is a good fit with your business. Mary Hester of LAN Systems throws an annual cookout every Earth Day, asking party-goers to bring their "e-waste.” At a recent event, they collected more than 2 tons of IT equipment, keeping it out of the landfills and creating goodwill with their customers - current and potential.

Many local organizations also look for sponsors throughout the year, and in turn, include your logo on event information. If your product or service is a good fit with their audience, you could get exposure every time the organization sends out information.

5. Give Something Cool Away

Give away a promotional product they can use or will think is pretty cool. An industry study found that 73% of consumers use promo products on a weekly basis. Whether on a shirt, a mug or bag, let your consumers spread your name.

Are you looking for high quality, branded products and top-notch customer care? Contact Studio Eleven Promotional Products at 877-634-3499. If you’re just getting started, read our Beginner’s Guide to Purchasing Promo Products for some tips!


New Mobile Friendly Promo Products

Did you know there is expected to be 4.77 billion mobile phone users worldwide by 2017? That’s more than half the world population!

It’s very likely that everyone you know has a mobile phone. And along with the phone comes accessories. Whether earbuds, a charger or a phone holder, everyone who has a mobile phone has accessories.


What better way to increase brand awareness and spread your company message than with a promotional product for a mobile phone? Most of today’s phones are mini computers that users spend countless hours on, whether making phone calls, searching the internet or listening to music.

Put your brand name in the same hands as your customer’s phone.

Top Mobile Promotional Products

A Charger. Keeping your phone charged is as important as having a phone. Brand a mobile charger that your customers will keep with them to ensure they can power up at anytime. This mobile charger also serves as a flashlight!

Earbuds. Whether listening to music on an airplane or an employee who is listening to a webinar, earbuds are found in nearly every home and office. Imprint your company message on a travel set of earbuds for a great customer or employee giveaway.

Phone Holder. A phone holder that properly props a phone for reading or viewing is essential to many in the home and office. Brand your logo on a phone holder that is universal for iPhones, iPods, Droids and more.

Gloves. How about something that stands out? Bluetooth talking gloves have a microphone built into the gloves that allow users to talk through their hands. Stand out and customize for your next event giveaway!

Are you ready for promotional products? Whether you are a startup looking to build your brand identity from scratch or an established firm looking to improve client relations, the right promotional product can help.

The toughest part for most is deciding which product works best for their business needs and upcoming events. Download the Beginners Guide to Purchasing Promotional Products for quick tips to help you get started today.


Get More Bang for Your Buck With a Fleece Jacket

Are you looking for creative ways to stretch your department’s spend? To get more bang for your buck?

The boss is always happy when budgets stay in line and even happier when company funds, such as advertising or marketing dollars, can serve a dual purpose. 


Creative Ways to Stretch Spending

Consider creative ways you can tie advertising, brand awareness, employee engagement and customer loyalty all together. With dual, triple or quadruple benefits, you may even be able to split the project costs between multiple departments.

Quadruple Bang for Your Buck

For example, a Port Authority Summit Fleece Full-Zip Jacket in Ladies or Mens could be a great employee reward initiated by human resources. When you consider the cost of buying a microfleece jacket, many employees will truly appreciate this item and want to wear it.

Marketing can brand the jacket with the company logo, so employees are helping advertise and increase brand recognition every time the jacket is worn.

Order additional branded jackets for the sales department to give away as a customer loyalty reward, which will in turn lead to additional advertising and brand awareness every time a customer wears the jacket!

And, as an added bonus: the cost of the jacket goes down the more you order!

To help ensure your branded jacket is the first pick when chilly weather hits, select a trendy look such as the Port Authority Summit Fleece, which has clean lines and a contemporary look.

                        Buy Here                                                                   Buy Here
                                    

Promotional products are a great way to make a positive impression on your employees and consumers while building brand recognition. Contact a product specialist at Studio Eleven at 1-877-634-3499 for expert assistance in finding the best promotional product for your brand.


5 Eye-Opening Stats on Usage of Promo Products

How many branded pens, mugs and notepads do you have in your home or office? Likely many, and you are not alone as most people own and use multiple promotional products on a daily basis.

The key for every business is picking the right branded item so it doesn’t end up in the trash. You want the promotional product to match your company message and match your audience, so they use -- and reuse -- the promo product bearing your company name.


Check out these 5 eye-opening stats from the Promotional Products Association International

1. 8 out of 10 consumers have multiple promotional products in their homes

2. 88% of consumers can recall the advertiser

3. 62% of consumers can recall the message

4. 73% of consumers use promo products weekly

5. 85% of consumers did business with the advertiser after receiving the promotional item

Is your target audience and company message trendy or traditional? Are they focused on wellness, the environment or what about something whimsical?

Don’t just choose a pen or notepad without thinking about your audience and the message you want to convey. Examine your current value proposition and target demographics to ensure you get the most value, and so do your customers, from your promotional products.

Would your customer wear a custom cap or would they rather have a cheerful ceramic mug for that warm cup of joe each morning?

Start here to find the promotional product that matches your audience and your message.

Was That Branded Mug Worth It

Did you know 6 in 10 consumers keep promotional items for up to two years? And 53% of those consumers use their promotional items at least once a week.

People love promotional products. For more than 200 years, these products have been incorporated into our daily lives and have become powerful communication tools. Do you ever wonder why they keep working?


Useful

The No. 1 reason people keep a promotional item: it is useful.

A Promotional Products Association International study, conducted by MarketTools Inc., found 91% of consumers with promotional products use them in the kitchen. 74% of those consumers use at least one promo item at their work area.

Desirable

Along with being useful, the study found people also want promotional items that are desirable and attractive. They want a good quality pen or a soft, warm jacket. A promotional product that doesn’t appeal to them or meet their product expectations likely won’t get used.

Powerful

Promotional products are also budget-friendly, making for a very powerful form of advertising and communication. When compared to other forms of advertising, promotional items have some of the lowest cost per impression (CPI) at an average of $0.004.

Even better, a recent survey found that 88% of consumers recalled the advertiser on a promotional item. And even better yet, 85% did business with the advertiser after receiving the item.

Kind of like a cup of coffee

Let’s put it all together: People use promotional products daily. People wants products that are attractive. People read and recall what is on the promotional products they use. The right product can be extremely powerful!

It’s kind of like a cup of coffee. You want it daily. You recall your favorite. You like it in your favorite mug. You can’t live without it.

Wouldn’t it be great if that mug had your company name and logo on it?

Stop by StudioEleven.net for a huge selection of mugs, drinkware and many other promotional products. Let our product specialist help you find the perfect item to help spread your company name and message.

Has Your Sales Team Faced the Tipping Point

Technology is rewriting the rules for many industries, especially within sales.

A 2015 Forrester Research study predicted that a million B2B salespeople in the U.S. will lose their jobs by the year 2020 as more and more customers opt for e-commerce websites and online sales. Forbes magazine doesn’t dispute this, finding that nearly 93 percent of B2B buyers prefer buying online.


Is Your Team Making Change?

In a technology-driven world, companies will need to become “omni-channel,” Forbes says. They need to provide the seamless purchasing channel their customers prefer — whether that be an in-person sales call or traditional showroom along with a web browser, text and social media channel.

The Harvard Business Review article, “B2B Salespeople Can Survive if They Reimagine Their Roles,” advises today’s field salesperson to be an educator, negotiator, consultant, solution configurator, service provider and relationship manager. They are integral to discovering the “something more” that customers want. A salesperson must add value by becoming part of the product or solution.

Customers Are Changing Too

“It isn’t just purchasing options that are evolving—so are our customers,” writes Rick Brenner, board chair of the Promotional Products Association International.

“Millennials - the youngest members of our industry who came into adulthood after the year 2000 - have different norms, values and buying habits than their baby boomer parents. Technology isn’t something they’re just learning to deal with - it’s part of their DNA. They expect to be able to buy online, do research about you and your products and share their experience with all of their friends.”

Have You Hit the Tipping Point?

It would be hard to deny that great changes are taking place within sales for nearly all industries. Brenner points out that many have hit the tipping point: “the critical point in a situation, process or system beyond which a significant and often unstoppable effect or change takes places.”

“Some of us are experiencing them sooner or to a greater degree than others. How close is the tipping point at which the industry as we know it is irreversibly altered?,” Brenner asks. “How are you preparing by updating your business practices, by investing in technology and by educating your team?”

Studio Eleven works with B2B and B2C companies and understands their needs and challenges. Call our product specialist at 1-877-634-3499 so we can help you find the right promotional product that makes a personable impact, helps ensure a seamless sale and gains you a satisfied customer.

Why A Promo Product Is Better Than Other Forms of Advertising

Whether a pen, a mug, a jacket or a charger, most people will use and reuse promotional products. In fact, 73% of consumers use promotional products weekly.

We know promotional products work. The question is: are they cost effective for the business owner?


Advertising, whether through promotional products or another form, is big business today. Questions and sometimes concerns often arise when discussing how much to spend and through what avenues.

Globally, advertising costs in 2015 were expected to hit $593.43 billion, a 6% increase from 2014, according to market research firm eMarketer. The top five spenders in total paid media were:

- U.S. - $189.06 billion
- China - $73.13 billion
- Japan - $40.19 billion
- Germany - $27.71 billion
- UK - $25.22 billion

The U.S. accounts for nearly 32% of the global advertising market and is not expected to leave that top spot any time soon, according to eMarketer.

With big dollars spent in advertising, getting the most bang for your buck is paramount. One way to break down the cost is to look at the cost per impression (CPI).

The average CPI of a promotional item is $0.004, less than nearly any other media advertising outlet. According to Nielsen Media data, the cost per impression for a national magazine is $0.033 while a newspaper ad follows closely at $0.0129.

A CPI breakdown:
Magazine ad - $0.033
Newspaper ad  - $0.0129
Primetime TV ad - $0.019
Cable TV ad - $0.007
Spot radio ad - $0.005
Promotional shirt - $0.005
Promotional mug - $0.004
Promotional cap - $0.002
Promotional bag - $0.001

With promotional products having a low cost per impression, what are the best ways to use these products? According to national advertisers, the top 5 ways advertisers use promotional products to influence are:

- Brand recognition (66%)
- Product awareness (58%)
- Corporate identity (55%)
- Goodwill (51%)
- Brand recall (42%)

Promotional products are a great way to advertise your company, gain brand recognition and make a lasting impression without wreaking havoc on your budget. Contact a product specialist at Studio Eleven to find the best promotional products for your brand: 1-877-634-3499.

Are You a Trusted Brand

Are you a truly trusted brand? Check out these 5 ways to evaluate whether your brand is winning over today’s highly aware and informed consumer:


1.You’re believed
Trusted brands are seen as genuine, sincere, “one of us.” The brands effectively act as an ally in someone’s life and the part they play is not questioned – or at least it hasn’t been until recently.

According to Prof. Steven Van Belleghem, author of The Conversation Company and The Conversation Manager, consumers are prepared to commit to up to five brands as long as they believe the brand adds value to their lives or society in general. The brands that have consumers’ trust need to fight harder than ever to keep it.

2. You’re Included
Trusted brands are supported as much for what they stand for as what they sell. It is interesting to look at why people follow brands on Facebook in the first place. According to MediaPost, the single biggest reason (49%) is “to support the brand I like.”

Other key reasons for becoming a Fan of a brand include: “to share my personal good experiences” (31%); “to share my interests/ lifestyle with others” (27%); and “seeing my friends are already a Fan or Liked” (20%). People trust brands that feel most like them.

3. You’re pursued
When you have customers beating down the door to know what you’re going to release next, then you know your brand is absolutely trusted for its taste and currency. What you offer has become far more to people than just something they buy. It has become something that they are proud to own.

4. You’re forgiven
With a wealth of information available today and many channels to spread news, the days of consumers not finding out about a crisis are over. Trusted brands retain the loyalty of consumers when they act swiftly, decisively and sincerely to address not just the reality but also the perception of the mistake. People are more inclined to trust brands that are disarmingly open.

5. You’re copied
This is a sign that your brand is seen as the go-to and/or that your ideas are highly attractive. Take it as a sign that competitors, consumers and others clearly trust your judgment. The advantage you have, and the most powerful counter-strategy you can draw on, is that they can’t read your mind.

Take advantage of being a trusted brand by increasing your brand awareness through promotional products, such as a branded sweatshirt or household item. Your consumers will be proud to wear and use these items, making it the perfect time to spread your brand awareness even further.

Studio Eleven works with B2B and B2C companies. We thrive on taking the time to understand your needs and challenges. Call our product specialist at 1-877-634-3499 so we can help you find the right promotional products for your customers.

How to Maximize Your Next Trade Show

Are you getting results from your trade shows and customer events? Have you found the perfect marketing mix that turns your prospects into sales?

Check out these 5 must-have tips to make sure you are getting the most from trade shows, exhibits and customer events.


1. Do you have a clear layout with strong messaging?
Size and money spent doesn’t necessarily matter. You need to evaluate if your prospects can clearly and quickly take in your display, and most importantly, leave with the message you want them to receive.

2. Is your event staff thoroughly trained?
Staff are a key element to any event’s success. Does your staff know your product and service? Can they answer questions? What’s their body language telling prospects? Are they smiling?

Each team member should be able to work out what part of the buying cycle a prospect is in when meeting them, filter the information and tailor the sales pitch. They don’t need to be experts, but they do need to have good people skills.

3. Are your printed materials sending the right message?
Well-designed brochures with clear benefits for the customer work well. Other good take-aways for potential customers could include competitor comparison charts, case studies and fact sheets.

4. Do you have the secret ingredient? (hint: free give-away!)
If you have ever been to a trade show, you know the importance of having a branded promotional item for prospects to stuff in a bag that, of course, will also be branded. Take time to carefully plan and select your promotional item.

With so many giveaways, only the well-chosen promotional items will make a statement. Those items will also be the ones potential customers keep, re-use and maybe even pass along to another potential customer. Make sure yours is the best! Here are a few popular giveaway items:
The Color Pop Hand Sanitizer
Blizzard Ice Scraper
Grip Slim and Bright Magnetic LED Flashlight

5. Are you following up?
What’s the point of all of this if you’re not going to follow up? Have your sales team call or email prospects immediately. It doesn’t take much to write a few emails (thanks for attending, sign up for our blog, etc.). You could even invest in a marketing automation system to send and track your follow-up.

Sign up for Studio Eleven e-newsletters so you don’t miss out on weekly deals or the latest promotional items for your next tradeshow or expo.

5 Events Where Promotional Products Are Crucial

Determining when to give away promotional items largely revolves around the goals you have in mind for your company. Are you looking to increase brand awareness? Do you want to gain community support? Are you recruiting employees?

Whether a pen, a mug, a jacket or a charger, most people will use and reuse promotional products. In fact, 73% of consumers use promotional products weekly!


We know promotional products work, yet a question many companies face is: where are promotional products most effective?

5 events where promotional items are crucial:

1.Trade Shows
Booths that give away free gifts naturally get more attention than those that don’t have free items. Bags with your logo are great for trade shows – with all of the cups, pens and brochures, people will need a place to put it all. Why not try a bag or tote with your logo splashed across the side for your next trade show?

2. Community Events
Strong businesses make it a habit of connecting with their local communities and participating in community events. This is a great time to give away promotional items for your business. Whether you’re sponsoring a 5K or a local school banquet, giving away promotional items, such as an easy to carry flashlight, will help increase your brand exposure and show consumers you are vested in the community.

2. Employee Appreciation Activities
Office parties and company recognition events are a great opportunity to build employee engagement. Giving your employees promotional items shows that you value all of their hard work and you are looking at them as a promoter of the business. A logoed jacket can be an investment in both employee recognition and brand awareness.

3. Advertising Launch
You don’t need to reserve your promotional items only for potential customers. When launching a new campaign, give out promotional items to help push the product and your message. Plus, people love getting free stuff! Make it something useful, such as a travel coffee mug. That way, your new customer will keep it (and actually use it) for a while.

4. Job Fair
Your goal at a job fair is to attract the best candidates to your company. You want them to know your name without having to ask, and even more so, you want them to be able to recall it later on. Display your company name and logo on banners, promotional material and even the shirts your recruiters wear.

5. Health/Safety Fair
You can increase brand awareness and your company’s value proposition by supporting health and safety fairs. Does you company have a safety slogan or an employee health campaign? Imprint this message, along with your logo, on a promotional item such as hand sanitizer to show consumers, the community and potential job seekers the importance your company places on health and safety.

Promotional products are a great way to advertise your company, gain brand recognition and support your employees and the community. Contact a product specialist at Studio Eleven 1-877-634-3499 to find the best promotional products for your brand.


New Ways to Increase Brand Engagement

A recent study shows how brand building has changed due to today’s consumers dramatically changing the way they interact with brands.

The study, Reimagining Shopper Marketing: Building Brands through Omnichannel Experiences, is based on in-depth research with dozens of the world’s leading brands. The research shows the rapid shift from a traditional linear marketing model to a new omni-channel marketing model that has resulted in a number of CMOs reevaluating how they spend their promotional dollars.


Check out the top 5 key findings of how marketers plan to change their MarCom mix:

- 100% of consumer brand manufacturers plan to increase their mobile marketing spend

- 96% will increase social media spend

- 96% will increase their shopper marketing budgets

- 68% rate investing in branded content and shopper experiences to engage shoppers before they go to the store as high priorities

- 64% rate investing in the same areas as above to drive repeat usage and loyalty after consumers buy as high priority over the last two years

BAA Research Results

The research, released by the Brand Activation Association (BAA) and Booz & Company, shows the importance of integrating the digital world into your marketing efforts to increase brand awareness and engagement.

Start by driving consumers to your social channels. Brand a sporty travel bottle with your logo and Twitter handle. Create a contest based on sharing your Facebook page that gives away enticing branded items, such as a stylish all-season jacket  or a trendy pullover.

Promotional products can help drive consumers to your social media channels, while also increasing brand awareness. Contact a product specialist at Studio Eleven, 1-877-634-3499, to find the best promotional products for your brand.


The Best Ways to Build Brand Loyalty

Do you want your consumers to smile when they think of you? Give them a gift!

Research shows people love to get promotional products, and those who receive promotional products are found to have:
- An increase in positive overall image of a company
- More positive perception of the business
- Higher likelihood of recommending the business


Impressions Keep on Coming!

The PPAI study also found that 58% of respondents keep a promotional product anywhere from one year to more than four years. Even if the recipient uses the item only once per week, that’s a minimum of 52 impressions made over the course of a year with the possibility of more than 208 during a five-year window.

With thousands of promotional products available, it is vital that you find the right product that fits your brand, your consumers and your budget.

Whether a necessity, such as a LED flashlight for the house or a catch-all caddy for the car, or an item for recreation, like a game day hoodie blanket, you can making a lasting impression and build brand loyalty by giving your consumers a promotional product they are bound to love.

Promotional products are a great way to make a positive impression on your consumers and build brand loyalty. Contact a product specialist at Studio Eleven at 1-877-634-3499 to find the best promotional products for your brand.


Drumroll Please. The Top Products of 2015 are...

We’ve created a list of our most popular products of 2015; these are the items that our clients love – and their customers are excited and happy to receive. Use these 10 hot items as a starting point and chances are one or more of them will resonate with you and your target prospects.



Our Top 10 Products of 2015:

1. Apparel: From branded hoodies to fleece jackets and soft, wearable t-shirts, apparel continues to be a strong promotional category. Choosing items designed to be oversized or those that fit a wide range of body types allows you to make full use of this category.

2. Blankets: Stadium blankets in your colors and emblazoned with your logo not only make ideal products for sharing, they have a high perceived value, meaning your clients will be likely to use and hang on to them.

3. Calendar: Digital isn’t the only way to go; a tangible custom calendar you can hold in your hand or hang on the wall keeps your message in front of clients 365 days per year.

4. Bags: Not just for groceries; sustainable and reusable totes, coolers and branded swag bags allow you to present other items and your branded materials in style. You’ll also get the added bonus of branding visibility when the recipient uses the tote to haul items around.

5. Drinkware: From Custom Insulated Tumblers to cocktail and fitness shake makers and can cozies, drinkware strikes the perfect balance between useful and promotional. This is also a popular category for holiday and corporate gifts.

6. Electronics: Electronics and related products make wonderful giveaways, provided you choose universal products that your recipient can actually use. Prospects love anything to do with branded mobile and electronic devices and find these accessories to have high perceived value and usefulness.

7. Pens and Pencils: Make sure your message is seen; quality custom pens and pencils continue to be leaders in promotional ware. Functional and useful, these inexpensive brand builders offer a high return on the investment and are likely to be kept and used.

8. Paper Products: Stand out at a conference or trade show by offering branded notebooks and paper products to your guests. Our paper category is also useful for building corporate identity packages and elegant sales presentations, too.

9. USB Drives: Universally useful, a fun or fanciful custom USB drive is likely to make the cut at any trade show.

10. Caps and Hats: Whether you use these for your own team branding or offer them as promotional products, the right cap will helps spread your message and build your brand recognition every time a recipient wears it.


No matter which item you choose, sharing a branded promotional product allows you to boost your brand recognition and makes a great conversation starter or sales touch point. Having products on hand and ready to go makes it easy to put the power of branded, promotional items to work for your business.

4 Reasons You Wont Regret Spending on Promotional Products

From the big return on your investment to boosted visibility and the personal connection you form when you share a great promotional piece, there are very few regrets involved. Promotional items have a positive impact on both your brand and your marketing efforts for a variety of reasons, including:


6 Degrees of Separation aka Kevin Bacon

Just like every movie ever made can be traced back to Kevin Bacon, every piece you put out there has the potential to reach multiple people. Once you have a promotional piece in someone’s hands and they feel it has value, it has the potential to be passed on. Not only does this phenomenon extend the life of your piece and its investment, the act of passing the branded item on is seen as social proof of your brand. The act of handing over that picnic blanket or cooler is more than just passing on a useful item; it is a personal endorsement of your business, too.

Positive ROI

Comparing the cost of a promotional piece to a purchased lead (or one based on traditional advertising) reveals that your per cost price is significantly lower when you invest in branded promo pieces. Your branded pieces also allow your prospects a real, tangible thing to save and hold – with no clicking away or sending to spam.

Avoid Missing Out on Leads

You’ve made an amazing connection at the trade show or convention, and head back to the office, eagerly awaiting the promised phone calls and connections. Will the phone actually ring? While you should always follow up after a show, a tangible reminder helps your prospect recall you and the conversation you had. Think about what you do as an attendee – and what booths you recall best; it is much easier to remember who you’ve met when you can hold the reminder in your hand. Something as simple as a branded pen or ice scraper can boost recall and make it easier for you to reconnect with your leads.

Boosted Brand Visibility

Branding is more than a popular marketing buzzword; it truly matters if you want your business to be perceived in the right way. Ignore your branding and you lose the opportunity to control your message – or worse, end up with no visible message at all. Promotional pieces help reinforce your image as a stable, key player in your field and ensure you won’t be overlooked.

You won’t be sorry for investing in promotional items for a variety of reasons – but miss out on a valuable opportunity to spread your message and you could regret it.

Start your search for promotional products here at Studio Eleven