Maybe we're being a bit too harsh. So, your customers probably won't hate you for making some of the common promotional marketing mistakes we're about to discuss. But they might just toss the item in the trash without even looking at your logo. So, which is worse? A customer who dislikes your brand or one who simply forgets it? It's safe to say that when a customer throws away a promotional item, your return on investment takes a hit. If the product doesn’t make an impression, it’s hard to build brand recognition or recall. That means your effort and money are wasted. The goal is to evoke a positive reaction—avoid creating negative feelings—and steer clear of these common mistakes: There’s no need to guess when selecting a promotional item. Research shows that useful products are more likely to be kept and used. According to the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), people tend to keep promotional items in key areas of their homes: More than 75% of people said they keep an item because it's useful, while only 20% keep it because it looks good. So, the rule is simple: Go for usefulness. In a study, two groups were asked to provide referrals. One group received a promotional item along with the request, and the other didn’t. The result? The group that received the item gave 500% more referrals. It's clear that adding a tangible incentive can significantly boost engagement. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that direct mail with a promotional item gets a better response. Here’s what the data shows: Avoid these three common mistakes at all costs. Whether you're choosing a product, asking for referrals, or sending out direct mail, don’t create a negative experience. Choose wisely and use promotional USB drives to build goodwill and long-term brand loyalty. "Puzzle 3D Eraser Bulk,Puzzle 3D Eraser,Building Blocks Eraser,Toppers Cute Erasers " Yiwu Shengshang Stationery Co., Ltd. , https://www.ss-stationery.com1. Choosing a Promotional Product That Isn’t Useful
2. Asking for a Referral Without a Promotional Item
3. Sending Direct Mail Without a Promotional Product
[i] PPAI | 2013 SAGE Seminar Series Presentation for Attendees (PowerPoint)