Jun 1
In marketing terminology, perceived value is what consumers think a product is worth to them. Outside factors like personal memories or associations, celebrity endorsements, resemblance to a higher...
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1. Past and Present meet in Retro Campaign Thompson Tractor, a heavy equipment dealer, sought to increase sales of its compactor machines to select pavement customers in Alabama and the northw...
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Customer experience can make or break your company. How you and your employees treat customers directly reflects your brand's values. But the truth is, positive customer experiences can be difficul...
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We've been writing about safety programs for years. That's because they can be so much more effective when they include promotional products to communicate their message. Here are some more exa...
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When it comes to building a successful company culture, maintaining positive employee attitude is key. Not only are happy employees more productive, but your company is also more likely to attract ...
Continue ReadingJan 10
We all enjoy that element of surprise (well, most of us!). User-generated unboxing videos have popped up more and more on YouTube and other social media platforms, adding a surprising value to prod...
Continue ReadingJan 6
Safety programs are vital for organizations in every field, from construction to education to healthcare and beyond. When done well, these programs can help minimize on-the-job risks, ensure co...
Continue ReadingDec 27, 2024
The world of graphic and web design is complicated and there is a lot of terminology out there to learn. To help you out, we've put together a cheat sheet with answers to some of the top graphic de...
Continue ReadingJul 6, 2024
Promotional products aren't just for niche industry operations. Whether you are a small organization looking to grow your business, or an established company wanting to reach a new market, a produc...
Continue ReadingJul 1, 2024
As the 4th of July draws near, our hearts swell with pride at the sight of all the patriotic symbols that adorn our surroundings. From the majestic flags fluttering in the breeze to the dazz...
Continue ReadingJun 10, 2024
For decades, the promotional marketing industry has been closely tied to China. Of the hundreds of thousands of different items that are used in physical advertising, a large percentage have been...
Continue ReadingJun 8, 2024
Social media is used for different purposes. News outlets tweet out breaking news, fashion trends are posted on Instagram, and political ads are promoted through Facebook. Social media platforms ar...
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The point of a promotional product is to raise brand awareness, and, ideally, make the end-user perceive the brand in a more positive light than they did before. (End-user means the ultimate re...
Continue ReadingNov 24, 2023
A logo is often a company's first impression and it can impact a customer's perception, purchase decisions and overall attitude toward your company. A logo is a symbol or graphic element that repre...
Continue ReadingNov 12, 2023
Branded merchandise is all the rage. While many of the logoed products we provide are given away as part of promotional campaigns, there is a large segment that is sold. Think Hard Rock Cafe T-...
Continue ReadingOct 18, 2023
Sometimes life gets hard. You don't have to work a night shift from Monday to Sunday to agree with that statement. Even the most effortless of jobs, those we believe to have truly mastered, can ge...
Continue ReadingOct 10, 2023
October is here, and the Halloween pop-up stores are all around. While these types of pop-ups may cost upwards of $30,000, some retailers can run a short pop-up event for around $1,500. When pl...
Continue ReadingSep 11, 2023
If you've been in the workforce for a couple of years, you've probably had to wear a company uniform at one point or another! Across all industries, trades, and professions, uniforms are common &nd...
Continue ReadingJun 12, 2023
Unconventional ideas paired with useful products can make lasting impressions. Though APTCO works mostly with small businesses, we love to see partnerships with national brands. It turns out th...
Continue ReadingMay 1, 2023
We're all familiar with the stereotypes that characterize the millennial generation- avocado toast, “killing” chain restaurants, and being social media obsessed. But what actually defin...
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A few days ago, former president Donald Trump was indicted by New York grand jury relating to alleged hush money payments to adult entertainer Stormy Daniels. There are, of course, myriad takea...
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Going green in marketing is getting a lot of attention lately. It's especially prominent with garments. But what does that mean on a practical level? Even in the face of inflation, Demand for ...
Continue ReadingFeb 4, 2023
Maintaining morale is important for all businesses, no matter the industry. Incentives and rewards have always driven the motivation and behavior to help ideas, industries and companies succeed...
Continue ReadingJan 28, 2023
Business owners have a lot to lose in the event of an unfortunate data breach. From intellectual property to customer lists to bank account numbers, hackers have their eyes set on the most invaluab...
Continue ReadingDec 11, 2022
Deepen the impact of a promo campaign with items that do double duty, working to promote a brand as well as an important cause. In response to devastating wildfires in the Valencia region this...
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It seems like every article on menswear these days includes the phrase “Canadian tuxedo” – a cheeky term for head-to-toe denim. This is just one of the trends – neckties...
Continue ReadingOct 31, 2022
If you've ever been to a music festival or convention and walked away with a bag full of freebies, then you know that promotional products work! But did you know that those quirky logoed products h...
Continue ReadingOct 7, 2022
Global supply chain pressure have left U.S. manufacturing struggling to keep up with demands for countless products. It's a predicament the country never wants to be in again. Now, the push for...
Continue ReadingSep 17, 2022
It can be hard to communicate with a design team on a project when the designers speak their very own language. That's why we have a rundown of words you may come across frequently that can save yo...
Continue ReadingSep 6, 2022
WE LogMeIn is a software provider specializing in remote access, a service that has seen a huge surge in demand since 2020. With around 300 employees, they saw the need to maintain a healthy e...
Continue ReadingAug 8, 2022
The annual Pyramid Awards sponsored by PPAI (Promotional Products Association International) recognize creative marketing efforts that deliver results. We feature these on occasion to demonstra...
Continue ReadingJul 12, 2022
Whether you just found out you need products for an event soon, or someone forgot to place an order, sometimes rush orders just happen. And that's okay! Getting your order in last minute doesn't me...
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You encounter promo products every single day. You hold them, wear them, and maybe even smell them. But, did you know every one of these products goes through an extensive design process, whether t...
Continue ReadingJun 10, 2022
There's no shortage of charitable organizations around the world. In the U.S. alone, there are nearly 2 million nonprofit organizations and 501(c) (3) charities. These groups are striving to ma...
Continue ReadingApr 11, 2022
Trade shows are back! Well, some of them. You may be starting with some of the smaller networking events put on by the chamber of commerce and the like. Anyone who's participated in a trade sho...
Continue ReadingApr 7, 2022
Everybody loves getting new business – it's exciting! Because new customers are so crucial to growing a business, many companies pour the majority of their marketing time and energy into gene...
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Whether it's checks, brochures, or signs, APTCO prints a lot of products on paper. Just a few years ago, requests for recycled materials were unusual. But eco-friendly processes are quickly bec...
Continue ReadingFeb 6, 2022
As a consumer, how often have you picked up a promotional product offered to you at an event, accepted a branded product offered from an organization you belong to or used a promotional product...
Continue ReadingJan 1, 2022
Once you've found the perfect promotional product for your business or organization, the next step is to emblazon it with your logo or message. Depending on the item, there may be multiple decorati...
Continue ReadingDec 10, 2021
For many of us, keeping organized and productive seems to be the goal that haunts us throughout the year – especially in an increasingly digital age where social media, a million calendar rem...
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As we approach the end of another year, it's a good time to consider marketing plans for 2022. We have some reason to hope it will be a little closer to the normal we knew before the global pan...
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If there's one big lesson we've learned in the past year and a half, it's that wellness matters more than ever. It isn't only about washing your hands or masking up-it's about continuously and ...
Continue ReadingOct 28, 2021
In the past, the words “work” and “fun” were two very different concepts that could never be caught in the same sentence. The old school rationale taught us that if you are ...
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Around the world, the ecofriendly movement is galvanizing consumers and companies to reduce, reuse and recycle. These initiatives are nothing new-Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 and the ...
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Stories are powerful. From sharing stories around the campfire to writing fictional novels, storytelling has connected people together for thousands of years. But, have you ever considered storyte...
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Personally speaking, I love to learn. That's not to say I loved every moment of school! But I've always enjoyed learning new things, and that hasn't changed since school ended. In fact, curiosi...
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As more and more companies turn towards e-commerce, shopping online has never been easier or more enjoyable. Ordering branded products is no exception! Company stores give you a convenient and comp...
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As the saying goes, time flies when you're having fun. In 1996, after 19 years of working in the printing and promotions business, I decided it was time to own my own company. I remember pickin...
Continue ReadingDec 7, 2020
The pandemic has changed the way many people spend their money, but it hasn't made them any less generous. In the United States, 77 percent of people say they now spend less on going out to res...
Continue ReadingOct 13, 2020
With so much of the world working remotely these days, businesses and organizations know that keeping employees motivated is essential to their success. Yes, some are struggling to survive whil...
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Employee engagement starts the second a new employee walks in the door, so it's important for companies to make a good impression on their first day! The onboarding process shouldn't just be about ...
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When it's time to choose the perfect lanyard for your company or organization, you may not be aware of all the things to consider when purchasing your new supplies. Lanyards come in many different ...
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How would you describe your company in 30 seconds? This common sales technique is known as an elevator pitch, and the goal is to captivate the attention of your potential clients and explain how ...
Continue ReadingAug 13, 2020
In the world of business, marketing trends are always evolving and it's easy to be overwhelmed. Sometimes you take one step forward only to be knocked two steps back. Luckily, there are endless res...
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Before the coronavirus, casual apparel had become more and more the norm in the business world. Of course, the nebulous standard of “business casual” kept things from getting too sl...
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It's the moment you dread. The phone call you don't want to pick up. The review you're scared to address. Responding to unhappy customers seems like a chore. It can be overwhelming and humiliatin...
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Organizing a fundraising event. Donating food to a local animal shelter. Serving at a soup kitchen. No matter what you do to give back, volunteering feels pretty good, doesn't it? But it doesn't h...
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We never thought this would be a topic for a printing and promotions company, but here we are, in a very different world than just a couple of months ago. We've helped our clients to obtain mas...
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If you're still getting business email in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, then things are still moving along, albeit at a much slower pace. I hope that you are taking care as we are all s...
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A Guide to Face Masks: Types, Materials and Best Practices You've probably seen the phrase “universal masking” online or in the new...
Continue ReadingMar 29, 2020
Promotional products aren't just for niche industry operations. Whether you are a small organization looking to grow your business, or an established company wanting to reach a new market, a produc...
Continue ReadingFeb 7, 2020
From social media graphics and website layouts to creating a cohesive grouping of promotional products, there are plenty of opportunities to flex your creative muscles and grow your business at the...
Continue ReadingJan 24, 2020
If you work from 9 to 5, chances are you've sat in a meeting before. Whether it be a brainstorm session or roundtable discussion, it doesn't matter the industry you are in, meetings are inevitable....
Continue ReadingJan 14, 2020
It's mind-boggling how many companies, big and small, throw money away by purchasing and giving away promotional products. Now mind you, if you come to us and want to buy 5,000 cheap pens and g...
Continue ReadingJan 10, 2020
If you've ever run a 5k or attended a basketball game, chances are you've got a promotional shirt in your drawers somewhere. According to PPAI's 2019 Consumer Study, wearables are the #1 most popul...
Continue ReadingOct 8, 2019
We've known it for a long time. Promotional products work. But we want to know why. Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) has done several studies over the years. The most recen...
Continue ReadingSep 30, 2019
Many people agree that there is a high demand to diversify the workforce with young specialists bearing fresh ideas and new perspectives. Furthermore, we need to prepare this growing generation for...
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Structured Programs Help Meet Safety Goals Every responsible company understands that workplace safety should be a top priority. However, sometimes ensuring the health and well-being of employ...
Continue ReadingMay 3, 2019
With more and more people preferring to conduct business exclusively online, a user-friendly website isn't just desirable, it's required if you want to be successful. These seven tips will help you...
Continue ReadingMar 28, 2019
Do you ever find that no matter how hard you're working, you're not getting the results you want? You put in the long hours at the office, you answer every email, you skip lunch, and yet you're sti...
Continue ReadingFeb 20, 2019
A powerful brand is more than just a great logo and a mission statement (although those certainly lay the groundwork for any brand.) We live in a time where competition rises up on every corner, an...
Continue ReadingJan 8, 2019
Have you ever had this conversation before? Them: "How are you?" You: "Yes." Or have you ever been in a meeting and realized you zoned out halfway through? Or how about when you're at the movie...
Continue ReadingDec 11, 2018
Making Loyalty Programs Work For You Here's the good news…Loyalty programs are big business getters. But they can be even bigger when you use really cool promotional products that are t...
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Substantial research shows why color matters in branding and how it plays an important role in how we experience marketing. These 16 facts give you a glimpse into how you can use color to your adva...
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The most successful promotions have these features: Harmonized appearance of marketing materials. Focus on brand recognition and increasing brand loyality. An end goal, one that is achieva...
Continue ReadingOct 29, 2018
What generates over 95 million photos and videos each day, 4.2 billion likes daily and has 700 million active users? You guessed it – Instagram. This photo and video sharing social platform h...
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You don't have to work in the field of promotional products to notice the impact they can have on any organization's marketing efforts. As the most effective medium of advertising across all genera...
Continue ReadingSep 23, 2018
Traveling for business can be a hectic experience if you approach your upcoming trip without any preparation. As with everything else in the world, there is an art to getting the most out of busine...
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Social media is one of the fastest growing and ever-changing media platforms in existence. What began as an online community for the younger generations, now encompasses billions of people across t...
Continue ReadingAug 5, 2018
If there's one thing we never have enough of, it's time. We haven't quite figured out a way to freeze time yet, but we have found ways to save it. If you're a busy professional, these three FREE pl...
Continue ReadingJul 29, 2018
Your phone's ringing off the hook. You've got three meetings back to back. Emails are piling up in your inbox. And when you have a moment to book your next business trip, you wonder how you're ever...
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The infographic says it all. Wellness programs work, by improving employee engagement, morale, and of course, health. When properly executed, the company benefits with increased productivity an...
Continue ReadingMay 22, 2018
23 fun facts about effective advertising Last week, Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) held a national awareness campaign called Promotional Products Work Week. Activities and...
Continue ReadingAug 12, 2017
Last month we wrote about how promotions can actually reduce insurance costs. We learned about the five ways promotional products can help to drive such programs - promoting, maintaining intere...
Continue ReadingNov 10, 2016
We're entering the gifting season. Business gifts serve multiple purposes. Of course they are one way to say “thank you” to customers and clients. But they are also a useful brandin...
Continue ReadingOct 12, 2016
We hear a lot about “Made in America” these days. Election season has done nothing to slow down the interest in the subject, but honestly, it's a topic that never goes away. Accordi...
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We've been hearing about a paperless world for a couple of decades now. Actually, the first predictions for a paperless office were made in 1975. When the personal computer was invented in the ...
Continue ReadingAug 9, 2016
How much do injuries or illness cost your company? It's a question worth asking. According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration's estimate, employers collectively pay almost $1 bi...
Continue ReadingJul 12, 2016
Sleeping is all in a days' work at Aetna. The U.S. health insurance giant recently announced it would pay employees to get at least seven hours of sleep each night. Workers use their own device...
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Successful promotion campaigns don't happen by chance. To realize goals, promotional products programs must be carefully planned, taking into consideration the audience, budget and, of course, ...
Continue ReadingOct 10, 2015
What does a business do when they want to reduce accidents in the workplace? Or when they want to reduce health insurance costs? They create an incentive program. Of course, incentive programs ...
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Establish Objectives: Identify three to five goals or objectives that are a) measurable, b) attainable and c) simple to understand and communicate. Analyze the Audience: The entire workforc...
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A lot of people say they do. When professions are ranked by public perception of honesty and ethics, the bottom positions are held by stockbrokers and members of Congress, but right next to tha...
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This is the week of a nationwide campaign reminding advertisers that promotional products are one of the most effective channels of advertising. What are you waiting for? Make someone's day!
Continue ReadingApr 10, 2015
The annual price tag on occupational injuries and illnesses is a staggering $250 billion, according to a study by the University of California Davis. The National Safety Council states that the...
Continue ReadingFeb 21, 2015
Whether in an industrial art class in high school or when ordering custom t-shirts, screen printing is often a person's first contact with printing other than desktop computer printing. So s...
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Anybody watch the Super Bowl commercials? Anyone NOT watch them? Some were pretty entertaining, others were duds, and at least one backfired. Meanwhile, there was a football game in between all...
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With the proliferation of email for marketing (yes, including this very newsletter), old fashioned physical mail can have a bigger impact than ever. That is, if it gets attention. Here's an exa...
Continue ReadingNov 12, 2014
This month we bring you a guest column from our friend Michael Crooks. APTCO's approach to promotional marketing has been influenced by Michael's brand of thinking. Forget about the “outs...
Continue ReadingOct 10, 2014
It's that time of year. Once the 4th quarter hits, businesses start thinking about all they have to get done before the year ends. There are client gifts, employee gifts and awards, a couple mo...
Continue ReadingAug 10, 2014
Promotional products are everywhere. From screen printed T-shirts to pens to mugs to key tags, company logos are viewed thousands of times per day. But so what? Branded promotional items are a ...
Continue ReadingJun 12, 2014
We work with a lot of companies as they prepare to exhibit at a trade show. In addition to the long-time clients that we know well, there are lots of requests that come because Google led someo...
Continue ReadingMay 14, 2014
For most of the past decade, the majority of the most popular promotional products have been coming from China. When you are looking at the big categories, including writing instruments, drinkware,...
Continue ReadingApr 2, 2014
We hear a lot about the wastefulness of print. Everything seems to be moving to electronic media. But how much of what we hear is true? The facts indicate that paper is taking a bad rap.
Continue ReadingJan 10, 2014
Let's face it - we're in a new world of marketing. The traditional channels of the Mad Men era have been supplemented by multiple new digital channels. We're bombarded with marketing messages e...
Continue ReadingDec 10, 2013
Motivation Done Right and Wrong 'Tis the season to be jolly, but for some, it can be difficult when there are so many things to get done in such a short time. Our schedules get packed with all...
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California could be considered the epicenter of the fight to ban single-use bags from grocery stores and other retailers. More than 75 cities and counties in California, including Malibu, Sa...
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by Larry Triplett Did you know that May was Fitness Month? Human Resource Directors probably do. A healthy staff is an important objective for any company. It reduces absenteeism and keeps...
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The week just completed - Feb. 25 - Mar 1, 2013, marks the first observance of Promotional Products Work! Week. The global awareness event, sponsored by Promotional Products Association Interna...
Continue ReadingMar 7, 2013
What are we talking about? There are many different ways to print promotional products. The size, shape, and type of product, as well as the number of colors in the imprint, will suggest the bes...
Continue ReadingNov 10, 2012
In the twenty-first century we've seen immense diversification of marketing channels. While direct mail and many other traditional channels continue (see part one of this series), we see more a...
Continue ReadingOct 10, 2012
The twenty-first century has brought increased awareness across all marketing channels of the importance of environmentally responsible practices. In a two-part series, we'll take a look at are...
Continue ReadingSep 11, 2012
Even in a challenging economy, Americans are a generous lot. People organize and rally to help a neighbor, the school systems, or anything needing assistance. Charitable organizations throughou...
Continue ReadingAug 14, 2012
As part of a well-planned marketing campaign, nothing can be as effective as the right promotional product, with the right message, distributed in the right manner to the right audience. They h...
Continue ReadingJul 10, 2012
How do human resource professionals motivate employees, boost productivity, and improve customer service? These were some of the questions asked by Promotional Products Association Internationa...
Continue ReadingJun 22, 2012
A lot of people want you to think so, but viral marketing actually has a much longer history, going way back before web 2.0. Before web 1.0, once know simply as "the internet". Let's start with ...
Continue ReadingMay 29, 2012
Smart businesses are introducing wellness programs for their employees. The benefits go both directions! Healthier employees result in reduced health insurance premiums, due to fewer clai...
Continue ReadingMar 13, 2012
If you have any employees, even just one, then chances are, you have to carry Worker's Compensation insurance. If you carry Worker's Comp., you have to pay insurance premiums. The amount you ha...
Continue ReadingFeb 14, 2012
Rising health-care costs have made wellness programs a good deal for companies that invest in them, and now Uncle Sam has stepped in to make it easier to create and fund them. The new Health Ca...
Continue ReadingNov 15, 2011
How do recipients feel about receiving a promotional product? What purpose do they think the item serves? What actions do they take? These are crucial questions every advertiser should know and...
Continue ReadingNov 8, 2011
The State Bar of South Dakota had a problem. The supply of lawyers in rural areas of the state had been dwindling over a period of several years. Law school graduates were more attracted to joi...
Continue ReadingSep 13, 2011
1. Get your own prospects If you want lots of qualified attendees, it's essential to create your own audience. You can do this by utilizing house files, prospect lists, direct mail and electr...
Continue ReadingAug 9, 2011
Avoiding Random Acts of Marketing is a key recommendation of the latest “State of Marketing” report from the Chief Marketing Officer Council, a 6,000 member global association. CMO'...
Continue ReadingJul 12, 2011
Let's face it. In this age of internet marketing, postal mail suffers from the Rodney Dangerfield complex - it just can't get any respect. When you bring in the daily mail, if you're like most ...
Continue ReadingJun 14, 2011
USB Flash Drives are continuing to grow as a popular medium that is, in many cases, actually replacing print. Many a conference handout has moved from paper booklets to CD's and now, to thumb d...
Continue ReadingMay 17, 2011
As the economy slowly continues its recovery, marketers are making careful decisions about the best use of marketing budgets. A recent study from the Advertising Specialty Institute compared th...
Continue ReadingApr 19, 2011
You have to wonder sometimes about what advertisers were thinking! We've compiled a list of some of the most overused and empty phrases from the world of advertising. The way some of these word...
Continue ReadingApr 1, 2011
A good tag line adds focus and purpose to a brand. It should be short enough to be easy to remember and repeat. It should avoid industry-specific jargon so it's easily understood by everyone. It...
Continue ReadingMar 15, 2011
The results of the February 2011 CMO Survey are in and the news is unequivocally positive. Top marketing executives at U.S. firms are more optimistic about the U.S. economy and their own compan...
Continue ReadingFeb 8, 2011
According to a Maritz Research study, employees who participate in creative recognition programs at work are five times more likely to feel valued, 11 times more likely to feel committed and se...
Continue ReadingJan 11, 2011
1. Data is king The quality of your list will directly correlate to the results of your campaign. First, it is important to make sure the data is “clean”, ensuring that your piec...
Continue ReadingNov 26, 2010
Recently, several grocery store chains, including Publix, Sweetbay, Winn-Dixie, Walmart and Target, reported the existence of varying levels of lead in some reusable grocery bags. A fires...
Continue ReadingNov 9, 2010
Hand sanitizers have been an effective and popular promotional product for a few years. Our customers have used them to put their names in front of their customers in all kinds of different sit...
Continue ReadingSep 21, 2010
We're glad to hear this news. As “green” has evolved to mean so much more than a color, a majority of consumers and businesses have taken an interest in environmental responsibility...
Continue ReadingAug 15, 2010
Q: How do you get a mail list? A: List brokers are generally considered the most effective sources for vetted mail lists. "Vetted" is a key operative word. There are lots of garbage lists ou...
Continue ReadingAug 10, 2010
Cause Marketing is becoming increasingly popular as a means for businesses to build a positive reputation while helping out a worthwhile charity. If a company's products and market align well w...
Continue ReadingJul 13, 2010
If you're evaluating your company's recognition program, the first place to start is by thinking about the goals of the program. It needs to be closely aligned with the company's overall goals....
Continue ReadingJun 8, 2010
Do you ever wonder where company names come from? Sometimes multi-million dollar consulting contracts are involved, but sometimes it's just a whim! Regardless, they can have a major impact on p...
Continue ReadingJun 6, 2010
Two things are up with cotton - sales and prices! Organic cotton emerged as a leader within the cotton segment when a green image is important. Sales of organic cotton increased 35% last year, in k...
Continue ReadingMay 29, 2010
Successful promotional campaigns don't happen by chance. To realize goals, promotional products programs must be carefully planned, taking into consideration the audience, budget and, of ...
Continue ReadingMar 16, 2010
A man wakes up after sleeping under an ADVERTISED blanket, on an ADVERTISED mattress, and pulls off ADVERTISED pajamas, bathes in an ADVERTISED shower, shaves with an ADVERTISED razor, ...
Continue ReadingFeb 9, 2010
Trade show season has begun again, so many of our clients are looking at their calendars and making plans for an effective approach to this most important component of their annual marketing. T...
Continue ReadingNov 17, 2009
A study by Lexmark and O'Keeffe & Company says that of the nearly $1.3 billion the federal government spends on printing every year, almost one-third--$440 million--is waste. The “2009 Go...
Continue ReadingOct 20, 2009
A recent survey in Print Solutions magazine and Appleton Papers shows surprising growth in eco-friendly printing over the past year. Among the unexpected materials used is chipboard to make pre...
Continue ReadingOct 13, 2009
Developing a comprehensive recognition program is an in-depth process that can have a direct positive effect on employee satisfaction, customer satisfaction, and company profitability. Far from...
Continue ReadingJul 14, 2009
We get lots of phone calls from companies looking for products to give to customers, prospects, or even employees in an effort to market themselves. Many of them already have an idea what they ...
Continue ReadingJun 16, 2009
More than 48% of U.S. adults believe that a lack of advertising by a retail store, bank or auto dealership during a recession indicates the business must be struggling. Likewise, a vast majority ...
Continue ReadingJun 9, 2009
When is the last time someone gave you a paper gift certificate? Probably a very long time ago! There are lots of good reasons for this. Gift cards are increasing in popularity because they hav...
Continue ReadingMay 12, 2009
It seems like common sense, if you advertise when everyone else stops marketing… Your message is more likely to be noticed due to fewer ads in the market Your business is more likely...
Continue ReadingApr 14, 2009
Guest Article by Jim Blasingame ©2009 Small Business Network, Inc. It's difficult to imagine a more succulent image than a bowl of cherries. Indeed, if you had to choose one flavor that ...
Continue ReadingJan 13, 2009
The news is in. No, I'm not referring to the dismal economic news that has everyone holding their breath to find out the next steps to be taken by a governmental rescue plan. I mean the news ab...
Continue ReadingApr 15, 2008
The U.S. Organic Industry continues to expand, reaching $17.8 billion in consumer sales in 2006 - an increase of 21.8% over 2005. Industry experts expect that once the tally is complete, 2007's...
Continue ReadingSep 11, 2007
Successful promotional campaigns don't happen by chance. To realize goals, promotional products programs must be carefully planned, taking into consideration the audience, budget and, of course...
Continue ReadingJun 19, 2007
We're halfway through 2007, but we haven't made much progress following the recommendations of the Creative Group. At the end of 2006 they polled 250 marketing and advertising executives to cre...
Continue ReadingMay 8, 2007
We hope not! But you have to wonder, after reading a recent study. People are all different, being motivated by different things. Some enjoy non-monetary incentives, such as award merchandise, ...
Continue ReadingFeb 20, 2007
With 70 percent of the Earth covered in water, it's a wonder we don't say “go blue.” But “go green” is how the environmental movement was branded. So take a cue from earth...
Continue ReadingFeb 13, 2007
Walk around any trade show and you will be able to collect a bag full of trade show promotional items all designed to promote business. Everyone enjoys receiving a gift. Gift giving creates a f...
Continue ReadingJan 9, 2007
A new study, just released by the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), empirically proves that promotional products are an effective ad medium and key to integrated marketing ...
Continue ReadingDec 19, 2006
On average, tradeshows account for 5% to 20% of an annual marketing budget. To help you get a clear picture of where your marketing dollars are going so you can make wise spending decisions, he...
Continue ReadingSep 19, 2006
Knowing a person's dietary restrictions can make all the difference between an appreciated food gift and one that goes to waste. Andrea Nirenberg, president of The Nierenberg Group, a communica...
Continue ReadingSep 12, 2006
On the weekend of last summer's Formula I U.S. Grand Prix in Indianapolis, tire supplier Michelin North America found that their tires were dangerously incompatible with the newly resurfaced tr...
Continue ReadingFeb 21, 2006
The dot.com era brought with it a lot of change, including over-priced stocks, get-rich-quick schemes and the end of the corporate tie culture. Remember those first images out of Silicon Valley...
Continue ReadingJan 10, 2006
To start off the new year, we depart from our usual format of promotional marketing success stories to bring you a guest column on leadership by Tom Stevens. 7½ Bits of Wisdom for Your ...
Continue ReadingOct 18, 2005
I have two missions: one of utility, one of sentiment. I am the symbol of time, combining the past, present and future. As the clock records the seconds, minutes and hours, I record the da...
Continue ReadingSep 15, 2005
In a recent case study, a business owner sent personalized pizza cutters in custom-made boxes to a dozen key decision-makers that he wanted to get appointments with. The boxes, which contained ...
Continue ReadingSep 13, 2005
Choosing that perfect holiday gift for an employee or client is a difficult task. Here are several points to remember when going through your holiday list. Build a relationship! The holidays...
Continue ReadingAug 23, 2005
It's no secret that online training can increase employees' sales power and effectiveness. However, getting them to participate isn't always easy. Microsoft discovered incentives could make a t...
Continue ReadingAug 9, 2005
You're about to invest a big chunk of your marketing budget on a big tradeshow exhibition. Should you spend even more money on promotional items? Georgia Southern University conducted a study a...
Continue ReadingJun 15, 2019
It can be hard to communicate with a design team on a project when the designers speak their very own language. That's why we have a rundown of words you may come across frequently that can save y...
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