1.    Evaluate your audience - Before selecting a promotional item for your project or event, do an assessment of your audience.  Who will you be giving the item to?  What is their profile?  What is likely to catch their attention?  These are important questions to ask to ensure your product is going to get the attention of your audience and make an impact.

2.    Align it with your brand - When choosing an item, think of the characteristics of your brand.  Are you conservative or edgy? Does your brand or product offering help people get organized?  Are you multifunctional?  The product you choose should relate back to the characteristics of your brand.

3.    Make it memorable - The best way to ensure your product will be remembered is to align it with a catchy promotion or add a fun tagline.  If you are planning an event or promotion, create a theme and fit your promotional items into that theme.  For example, if your event theme is 'from 0 to 60', find an automotive-related product to hand out.  Or if you are simply handing out golf umbrellas to customers, include your logo and a tagline, 'we've got you covered'.  The more fun and unique you make it, the more your recipient will recall the product and the company who gave it to him or her.

4.    Make certain it is useful - As usage of your promotional item increases, so does your brand exposure and the likelihood of the recipient to recall your brand name.  An item such as a travel mug is likely to get used over and over again by the recipient.  A pen is likely to be passed among several recipients.  A business or tote bag is going to be a mobile billboard for your organization and get many different impressions.  When choosing your item, consider its usefulness, and how it is going to be used to get the most bang for your buck.

5.    Create a call to action - If you can incorporate a call to action into your promotional item, the interaction is going to resonate with the recipient, increasing the recall rate.  For example, if you are giving out a portfolio, include a card to visit your store or website in the next 5 days to receive a discount or gift.  If you are giving out a travel mug or tumbler, insert a referral incentive where the recipient receives a perk if he or she refers a friend.

Promotional products are one of the best ways to increase brand awareness.  The more relevant and creative your promotional item can be, the more impact it will have on your business. 
For promotional ideas, visit www.bestpromotions.com or call one of their creative product specialists to help you come up with a theme and item for your next campaign.

The key methods for personalization are laser engraving and embroidery.  Because of the quick setup process for these techniques, it makes it cost effective to add personalization to products.
There are many product options for personalization, but a few products have proven to be most effective time and time again. 

• Pens are the number one personalized product in the promotional industry.  A pen is something you can use on a daily basis, and because it is such an individual product, personalization is the perfect option. 

• Chairs are also a great canvas for personalization.  An embroidered camp chair allows you to include your logo with the recipient's name below. 

• Higher end business and travel bags make great gifts.  Many of them can be embroidered and some are even offered with a metal plate that can be laser engraved.

• Desktop items such as clocks and photo frames are classic and personal, both great characteristics for personalized branding.

Personalization is an excellent option for holiday gifts, employee service awards and customer appreciation.  Call us at 866-881-2378 for advice on personalization options.

Finding the most effective way to utilize your marketing budget is what will determine your success.  Promotional products have proven to be an effective marketing tactic, serving not only as useful tools, but as powerful, long-lasting advertising.  In fact, a late 2009 study* of over 1,000 consumers conducted by the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) revealed some interesting facts:

- 83% of American consumers surveyed liked receiving a promotional product with an advertising message.

- 48% would like to receive promotional products more often.

- 38% feel promotional products serve as a constant reminder of the advertiser.

The result - consumers are inundated with advertising messages and the challenge for businesses is to find a way to cut through the clutter and not only reach their target audience, but to resonate with them.  According to the survey, promotional products do just that.

So, how do you determine what promotional product is right for your company?  Prices range from under $1 to over $100.  This is the area where you can be creative in cutting your budget.  Usefulness, placement and longevity are the three most important factors to consider when choosing the right product for your promotion.  Below are some budget-friendly product ideas that meet all of these requirements.

1.    Usefulness - The most important factor in choosing a promotional product is its usefulness to the recipient.  The more the recipient uses the product, the more your brand gets visibility, and the more likely that recipient is to recall you as the advertiser who gave him or her that product.   Items such as pens, sticky notes and key chains are extremely useful and inexpensive.

2.    Placement - Products that remain in the office or in the home are going to get maximum exposure.  Consider chip clips, can koozies or stress balls as budget-friendly items with great placement opportunities.

3.    Longevity - Ensure your product can withstand the test of time, and your message will as well.  When was the last time you threw away an ice scraper, ruler or flashlight?  These are items that recipients will hang on to and use over and over again.

For a wide selection of promotional items at any price point, visit bestpromotions.com and for useful products under $1 visit our dollar store.

Make sure you stay in front of customers and prospects regardless of the state of the economy, but do so in a creative and budget-friendly way and your efforts are sure to be noticed.

* Fielded through MarketTools Inc, the study was designed and conducted by PPAI. The final sample consisted of a panel of 1,005 consumers who recalled receiving a promotional product in the past 24 months.

A great category to focus on when looking for a hot deal is totes.  Totes are one of the largest, most purchased categories in the ad specialties industry.  In recent years, with consumers focusing on being more environmentally-friendly, tote usage has skyrocketed.  Totes are everywhere, used over and over again, and it is the one product you can never have enough of.

Promotional product suppliers are constantly updating their tote inventory and selection, which allows you to search for closeout products that provide the same quality and brand exposure at a reduced price.  With the broad range of products now available, even at closeout prices, finding one that will match your message is easy.

Follow these 5 tips to find bargain-priced promotional totes and promote your brand for less.

1.    Last year's hot style may be this year's hot deal.  Just as in retail, styles and trends in totes are constantly changing.  Suppliers often put a certain style or color on special to make room for a slightly modified style.  These are the opportunities you want to look for.   Since totes really never go out of style, you are not sacrificing anything by putting your logo on the hot tote from last year.

2.    Put a value to the time versus money equation.  Spending a lot of time searching for a good deal might not be worth it in the end.  Know when to stop searching, and when you find a good bargain, go for it.

3.    Longer lead time may equal lower cost.  When searching for a lower price point, make sure you leave enough time before your event.  You will often get a better price if you are able to wait a little longer for your products.

4.    Ask for a virtual proof. Make sure you know exactly what you will be receiving.  A virtual proof is an electronic version, typically free, of what your logo is going to look like on the product.  This will help ensure you will be pleased with your purchase. 

5.    Find a trusted partner. As in any business, make sure you build a relationship with a trusted vendor.  By doing this, you may receive advance notice of sales and clearance items before they are released to the everyone.

Finding a bargain tote, and effectively displaying your logo on it, is a promotional strategy that is priceless.

Following some key consumer and market trends when choosing promotional products can increase the relevance of your product and in turn improve the success of your marketing campaign.

The Technology Trend - The increase in technology, social media and mobile accessibility is affecting all industries.  Everyone wants to have the newest gadget or the hottest product on the market.  Align your company with this craze and look for items that demonstrate that you are in line with the times.  iPod and iPad accessories, travel speakers, and solar chargers are at the top of the promotional product trend list this year and make great gifts for customers or employees.

Trouble-Free Travel - Traveling should be a stress-free experience, but with the change in regulations, many people need a yoga class to help them de-stress after a day of trekking through the airport.   Security-friendly computer bags help to bring down that stress level.  They are designed so there is no need to remove your laptop when going through security.  Simply unzip your bag, lay it flat on the belt and send it through the x-ray machine.  Security-friendly bags are available in all sizes and price points.  Make sure to outfit your sales force with one of these, or send them to key customers as a thank you gift.

New Ways to Stay Green - The eco trend has been around for some time and people are now looking for something beyond the polypropylene grocery tote to show their commitment to the environment.  Laminated polypropylene totes are the new craze.  Many come preprinted in fun, fashionable shapes and designs that will help make your logo stand out. They are sturdy, reusable and 100% recyclable.

Increasing the Cool Factor - Sometimes a traditional product is what you need for your promotion.  There are many products out there that add a twist to the traditional to help increase that cool factor.  A subtle color pop, change in shape, mixed materials, or preprinted design help to make a product more fashion-forward while also amplifying your logo.  You can find these fashion twists in bags, pens, drinkware, and umbrellas to help impress your audience.

Stay in touch with current trends and choose to put your logo on something a bit non-traditional this year.  It will increase the chances of your product being used again and again, and increase the exposure of your brand. 

For some of the industry's new trendy items, click here.

All the best shoppers know that shipping can really add up. Now you can add up your savings, instead, because we're waiving the shipping charges for almost every item on our web site! Put your budget to work where it can do the most good - into direct product and promotional costs.

If you're still making your holiday list, we would suggest the following hot holiday gift items:

Plastic Tumbler with Lid

Help people keep their resolutions to be better to the planet in 2011 with this great tumbler. No more water bottles! This comes with a lid and re-usable straw, and in fun colors.

http://www.bestpromotions.com/16oz-plastic-tumbler-free-shipping-/

Drawstring Sport Bag

This bag has everything - convenience, durability, and even safety. The unusual style and reflective stripes will get you noticed.

http://www.bestpromotions.com/drawstring-sport-bag-free-shipping-/

EcoDrive USB Flash Drive

This 1G flash drive is made from 100% recycled plastic and is compatible with Mac and PC formats. And remember, no shipping charges on this item!

http://www.bestpromotions.com/ecodrive-usb-flash-drive-1g/

For more information, call us at 1-866-881-2387 or visit us at www.bestpromotions.com.

That is where Best Promotions comes in. We can help you realize all your promotional product goals with one click or phone call. We can help you sort through the all the alternatives and come up with the giveaway that's just right for you.

For example, we can tell you that non-woven totes are still very hot! Tote bags have a limited life so a new bag is always welcome. They also let you show your "green" side by giving away an eco-friendly promotional product. And you can't beat the imprint size; make your logo giant or add your slogan or contact information. They come in many different shapes and colors to fit your business needs. As an added bonus for trade show giveaways, the attendees can put their other items in your tote to carry around the shows.

Another way to look at promotional giveaways is to choose something that will have daily use and exposure. Who doesn't like a hot beverage on these winter mornings? So why not give attendees a unique travel mug; so many shapes, sizes and colors are available. Check out the sleek stainless steel travel mugs or go for the traditional ceramic mug. Most mugs can be imprinted with the same logo on both sides for maximum impact. Here are three of our most popular mugs for giveaways.

And remember, studies show that 39% of people who received a promotional product could recall the name of the company imprinted on the item as long as six months after receiving it. (Study by Schreber & Associates). So call one of our experienced account executives to get the help you need.

Visit us at www.bestpromotions.com or call 1-866-881-2378 to talk directly to a promotional expert.

P.S. If you don't see what you're looking for on our website just ask! We can imprint on just about anything you can think of.

The economic climate of 2009 is forcing managers to re-think their holiday gift decisions. It's important to recognize your key employees and customers, but how can you do it without breaking the bank? Here are a few ideas for seasonal steals that will help you do your holiday shopping and still be able to take your long winter's nap.

If these items don't fit your gift list, just give us a call and we can find something that will. And don't worry if you wait until the last minute; we can arrange for rush production, many times at no additional charge. So let us be your business-shopping elves and help; our workshop is busy, but we love this time of year!

Frost Star Bookmark: This silver holiday bookmark features a decorative star design with a festive red tassel. Show your customers and/or employees appreciation this winter season with an elegant gift at a very low price. The bookmark includes a gift sleeve with star design. Pricing includes a one-color custom imprint; the one on the picture is silver, but you can pick your own logo color. Priced as low as $1.92.

Analog Desk Clock: Give your logo prominence every day on the desk of everyone on your list. This item comes packaged in a gift box, which adds a nice finished touch and makes holiday gift-wrapping easy. Pricing includes a one-color custom imprint. Priced as low as $2.32.

12 oz. Spooner Coffee Mug: This unique mug will catch everyone's eye! Perfect for a holiday gift that will be used all year round. This mug is available in eight colors so jazz it up with your organization's corporate identity. Pricing includes a one color custom imprint. Priced as low as $1.82.

Wide Bottom Leisure Tote: Reusable totes are still a hot item! And wide bottoms are a good thing in totes! What a great way to have your logo seen all around town. Your customers/ and or employees will enjoy the versatility this bag offers. Pricing includes a one-color custom imprint. Priced as low as $2.93.

TIP: When selecting a holiday gift, look for one that will be used all year long to extend the promotional value.

Make a serious impression on your key audiences this year with gifts that say something about your company or organization. Senior executives and top-level employees are used to quality, and we can help you meet their high standards and your's as you also promote your logo.

We have chosen four elegant gifts that will take your 'promotional product thinking' to the next level. Pick one that matches the personality of your company, or let us help you by sharing the best ideas we're hearing from other companies or organizations.

As you read on, keep in mind that the holidays are just around the corner. Order now to be sure your promotional products are delivered on time!

ShockWave Touchscreen MP4 1GB: Music players make great corporate holiday gifts. Give this portable MP4 player to your executive or important employee so they can relax to their favorite musician on those long flights! This is a completely touchscreen player and supports MP3, WMA, WAV and other files as well. Your executive or vital employee will even be able to take pictures on it, enabling them to keep holiday memories. Imprint your company's logo above the screen.

Executive Wine Collectors Set: An elegant gift so good, it even has an executive in the title! Wine is a perfect drink for the holidays. Many executives and key employees are wine lovers. Perhaps they're hosting a holiday party? This corporate holiday gift makes opening, pouring and stopping wine easier! Make an elegant presentation with this wine collector set in a shiny wooden box, imprinted with your company's logo.

Nike Brassie Carryall: This truly beautiful bag is a great gift for any woman executive or top-level employee on your list. She can put her gym or weekend clothes in this stylish bag. If she's a road warrior, she knows how to get everything she needs in a small amount of space. This carryall is made by Nike, sporting a new color addition.

Cutter & Buck Signature Pen Set: An executive pen is the classic holiday gift, and still as popular as ever. These engraved pens show professionalism; the 10k gold plated caps are sure to shine. Suburb craftsmanship makes this a great elegant gift. Your company's logo can be imprinted on the leather gift box and on the pen caps.

Shopping for executives or essential employees can be hard to do. Best Promotions makes it easy to impress your clientele this holiday, using promotional products as elegant gifts. Give us a call and we can help you make a big impression, even with a little budget!

So, what are you waiting for?? You have two months until Christmas Day, so get to ordering! Have questions? Chat with a Product Specialist or call Customer Service toll free at 1-866-881-2378. Give smiles to your employees and clients while promoting your business this holiday with cheap promotional products - all high quality of course!

As a business you can get in on the staycation craze with promotional products for the summer. Here are some of our top choices for summer promotional products that staycationers are sure to love:  

1. Folding Camp Chair: It's perfect for outdoor backyard barbeques!
2. Diamond Collection Golf/Sport Towel: What's a vacation without some time on the greens? 
3. Eco-Friendly Water Bottle: You'll need plenty of cold water for an afternoon of Frisbee in the neighborhood park. 
4. Reusable Big Grocery Tote: Use it to carry a picnic lunch or tote along your essentials to the pool.
5. Budget Beater 60 Inch Arc Fiberglass Umbrella: Don't ruin your staycation with a sunburn! Protect yourself from the sun with a big umbrella.
   

You don't have to travel far from home to have fun this summer. And business owners don't have to look far to find awesome summer-related promotional products - we've got everything you need!

1. It's simple to order.
2. You know everyone will like it.
3. It's easy to carry with you from place to place.
4. It's timeless, so you won't get stuck with out-of-date promotional items.
5. You get a big return on your investment with little effort.
   

A USB flash drive meets all of those requirements. You can order up a whole batch knowing they will be a hit. The Foldout USB Flash Drive 256MB, for example, offers you a basic flash drive at a budget-friendly price.

One flash drive that's sure to make a big impression is the eco-friendly EcoDrive USB Flash Drive. Another attention-grabber is the upscale, modern-looking Slide USB Flash Drive - 1GB. Or, give your clients the ultimate in convenience with the Pull & Lock USB 1G Flash Drive Key Chain.  

A convenient promotional product is also convenient for the recipient! For instance, for a traveling salesperson, the Laser Pointer USB Flash Drive is a two-in-one. Use it to store the presentation, then use the built-in laser pointer while you give your pitch!

A USB flash drive allows employees to transport files and documents from one computer to another. A USB flash drive is very small and lightweight. It also fits easily into a briefcase, purse or laptop bag.  

Note that prices vary from day to day, so call for a quote on these or any other USB flash drives and promotional products.

What if your business could save money by purchasing an item that pulls double-duty - one that both meets your office supply needs and markets your business at the same time? Believe it or not, it's possible! All you need are inexpensive logo office items.

A calculator, for example, serves an essential function while also advertising your company. The Budget Beater Flip Calculator comes in a variety of fun colors. You'll love the screen cover that automatically opens with push of a button!

What if you could print an ad that clients and employees would keep on their desk 24 hours a day? You can - it's called a mouse pad! For the best deal around, check out our BOGO! Computer Mouse Pad.

Last but not least, when the occasion calls for something special, go for a handsome (but still affordable!) desk clock. Your employees will love the built-in picture frame on the Rotating Clock/Frame. It will keep them happy, on time and thinking about your company!

People love to receive gifts. That's one of the main reasons why promotional products are always a big hit with any audience. The fact that promotional office supplies are practical, work-related items doesn't take away from the fun of getting a freebie. Our Deluxe Sticky Note Organizer is a favorite goodie with its bright colors and absolutely unique design.  

When someone once said that the pen is mightier than the sword, they weren't exactly referring to its marketing power…but few promotional products have a stronger impact than a high-quality logo pen. We love the Oasis Pen for its comfort grip and cool translucent colors.

Another reason that promotional office supplies work so well is the interaction factor. When a client uses an item featuring your logo, it's like they're interacting with your business. For high-end, high-tech interaction, try the Foldout USB Flash Drive 1GB. Or create feelings of goodwill towards your business with a thoughtful, useful gift like the Desk Clock and Caddy.

No matter the type of business, these are four promotional items that work for every office!

1. Durahyde Padfolio: A handsome padfolio is a gift that shows you recognize teachers as professionals.
2. Horizons Meeting Tote: This tote bag gives your favorite teacher a convenient and stylish way to carry their books, supplies and all those papers that need to be graded!
3. Wide Bottom Leisure Tote: Encourage your teachers to take some time to relax with this oversized tote that's perfect for an afternoon on the beach. 
4. Budget Beater 60-Inch Umbrella: These umbrellas are an excellent value for your money. Choose one in your school colors for an extra thoughtful gift.
   

1. Eco-Friendly Water Bottle: Your employee can beat the heat by filling this sports bottle with ice cold water.
2. Lunch Cooler Bag: Our Eco-Friendly Water Bottle will tuck nicely into the side pocket of this insulated reusable lunch bag - perfect for carrying a picnic lunch.
3. Top Selling Folding Camp Chair: Top it all off with a comfy camp chair featuring your company's logo.
   

1. Insulated Lunch Bag: Nurses rarely have time to take a leisurely lunch or dinner break. A reusable lunch bag is just the thing for their busy lifestyle. For a fun added touch, fill the bag with yummy goodies and healthy snacks.
2. Classic Cotton Zippered Boat Tote: This tote bag's simple design is ideal for both men and women. It's also the right size for bringing along an extra set of clothes to change into after a long shift.
3. Top Selling Folding Camp Chair: Order up a set of these promotional camp chairs for your nurse appreciation picnic or cookout. They're great prizes for outdoor games. 
4. Strong Arm Tote: The Strong Arm Tote makes a perfect reusable grocery. Your nurses will love this earth-friendly gift.
5. Chenille Blanket: A chenille blanket is a cozy wrap in the winter and a soft picnic blanket in the summer. With this blanket, your nurses will remember your appreciation all year long.
   

• 12oz. Spooner Mug: This coffee mug has a cool extra feature - the handle has a slot sized just right for holding a spoon. A coordinating white spoon is even included!
• Promotional 60" Golf Umbrella: Just like our mail carriers, teachers have to go to work even in the rain and snow. This generously sized golf umbrella will keep them and their supplies dry.
• Top Selling Camp Chair: Encourage the teacher in your life to enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the park in this comfy camp chair.
  

• Multi-Function Backpack Tote: This interchangeable bag can function either as a tote bag or backpack - it's like two gifts in one!
• Pacific Trail Cooler: Every nurse needs a nice insulated cooler for carrying their lunch or dinner to work.
• Jewel Collection Colored Beach Towel: Sometimes a nurse's work is no day at the beach…that's why they deserve a day at the beach under the sun on this plush terry velour towel.
  

1. Bottle Opener Keychain: When visitors see you handing out these colorful little key chains, they'll head straight over to your booth to get one.
2. Globe Stress Ball: This fun and unique stress ball will be unlike any other promo items making the rounds. Visitors will be clamoring to get the most original freebie at the show.
3. Non-Woven Zippered Tote: For visibility, tote bags reign supreme. With everyone carrying your mobile billboard, your name and logo will be everywhere.
4. Durahyde Zippered Jr. Padfolio: A high-end, valuable promo item like padfolios will generate major buzz. Everyone will want to know more about the company with such fantastic giveaways.
   

1. Little Rip Letter Opener: Whether it's at home or in the office, we've all got piles of mail to deal with every day. A letter opener is sure to get daily use!
2. Coil Cinch Tote: The coil cinch tote is perfect for the gym, ensuring it has a long post-tradeshow lifespan.
3. Pocket Knife 5 Function Army: Pockets knives are practically a synonym for usefulness. What could be better than your logo popping up when your clients need a quick fix for a problem?
4. Wired Pen: Pens are a top-selling promotional product for a reason - everyone needs them!
5. Non-Woven Promotional Tote: Tote bags are convenient carry-alls, be it groceries, library books, homework or office supplies. Your clients will be using this bag for years to come.
   

In November and December, there's always a big focus on corporate holiday gift giving. Even though the holidays are in full swing, businesses still have their regular marketing needs to attend to. You can use promotional products to make sure that your customers don't forget about you as they get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

In this busy time of year, you need to keep your promotions simple yet effective. We've got just what you need with our top three promotional products of all time:

1. Price Buster 5 Panel Cap: Buy one get one free pricing has kept this cap as one of our top sellers. The Price Buster 5 Panel Cap is the most affordable promotional apparel you can find.
2. Non-Woven Zippered Tote: This tote bag is a customer favorite because it has a much higher perceived value than its bargain price. The water resistant coating and zippered top put it on par with more expensive tote bags.
3. Kwik Stik: Choose a colored cap to coordinate with your logo for a sharp, clean look. You get all the benefits of a promotional pen but at a low, low price.
   

1. Create some special sales literature, such as brochures and a sharp PowerPoint presentation, and load it onto the Foldout USB Flash Drive 1G before you give it to your client.
2. Before you present your customer with a brand new Slimline MP3 player, load it up with some classic tunes or include a gift card for an online music download store.
3. The USB flash drive on our 3-in-1 Flash Drive Presentation Tool V.2.0 256MB can store any type of file. Get creative and preload it with some pictures, sales materials and a quick note of appreciation.
4. Create a short video especially for your client to say thank you and mention your top products or services. Save it to the Deluxe 7" Digital Photo Frame for them to view and enjoy.