Call it swag or marketing collateral: Some companies “have it” and others just don’t. If you’re looking to offer giveaways (or you’re going to have a surplus left over following an event), make sure you have stuff that tech geeks really want.
In other words, steer clear of the cheesy baseball hats and balloons. If you’re spending money on swag, it should be useful (so your company name is actually seen on a regular basis).
One of the best, and low-cost, items is a customized metal USB that features your logo. It’s something every person constantly needs.
Plus, if your people like the look, they’ll take better care not to lose it. USBs are ideal for storing documents, even in an era of cloud storage.
You can never have too many backups, and since USBs are also kept out in the open (when plugged into laptops), it means you’re making the most of your micro real estate space.
Think like the user
Other techie-approved swag includes a solar-powered charger with adapters for nearly every gadget (they’re not as expensive as you think), power adapters if your employees travel overseas on a regular basis, and earphones.
Each of these items is used routinely in your industry. They’re highly desirable and if you spring for decent quality, they can easily be adopted as a person’s go-to device. This means you’re making the most of your marketing.
Some companies really go all out, and offer actual iPods and/or accessories that feature their logo. If you’re an Apple-heavy company, new cases are a great option (since they’ll likely fit most employees’ devices).
The goal is to match the needs, passions, and interests of your target demographic with whatever item you select. For example, mini sunscreen bottles for a dermatologist’s office make sense.
The losers
Feel free to get creative when picking your swag. There are a few classic losers to steer clear from.
These include shot glasses (unless, of course, you’re a liquor company), T-shirts just for the heck of it (if they’re for a road run or walk, of course, that may be an exception), coolies, and pretty much any type of glass. Who’s going to use this after the day of the event?
Focus on items that a person uses every day and you’re on the right track. Nobody wants to be a walking billboard, and nobody wants poor quality.
Just because something’s free doesn’t mean it’s worthwhile. The basics of marketing still come into play here: If you wouldn’t want it, why do you think your employees or customers might?
It’s also wise to go with a company that works exclusively with customized tech swag instead of a broader party supplier. They’re in the industry, revere quality, and will have more options that suit you.