The weather is getting better, the office is getting hotter, business is getting quieter and summer holidays are just around the corner. This is the time of year when most people forget about the simple things that could help you stay busy, prompting those holidays to approach faster. Marketing plays an important role here in helping your company and brand stay in your customer’s minds.

 One of the main reasons behind marketing, in particular marketing communications is to engage with your audience and provoke a response from them. During the summer months there is a general lack of responses, therefore you have to work extra hard for this engagement. To do this you need to make use of every marketing tool and technique that is useful to your own business needs. Even the smaller tasks will still make a difference, so do not neglect any aspect.

 For example e-mailers and blogs are a great use of the ever increasing online media to send a message wishing everyone a lovely summer or to introduce your brand new innovative products and services (with a sales promotion attached) can influence a response. Or how about strengthening your public relations, reputation and image by organising an event from a BBQ, charity walk or full day fete? Spending time increasing your public relations will in turn pay for itself…however only if you target the correct influential people, so planning is crucial! By doing this word of mouth will do the rest.

 For any help or advice on how to add value to your marketing through branding please get in touch.

In my opinion the most cost effective promotional product would be something that for only a  limited cost would give people an item that they would keep on their desks or in their handbags, to be constantly reminded of your company and service. There are many different products which would come under this heading the following being our top 5.

1. Magnets/window stickers.  These can be incredibly low cost and by making sure you have a design on them that people will want to display they can be used for many different events and promotions.  Not only are they low cost but are also cheap to send through the post.  You could always try adding an extra competition by offering prices or discounts if anyone is seen to be displaying one in their car. 
2. Pens.  These are still as popular today as they have always been, by keeping the design simple and one colour these can be a very cheap item to produce.  The best thing about them is that they are useful and so are kept.  If you looked on your desk now or in your handbag or briefcase, you would find at least one pen with a promotional message from someone.
3. Keyrings.  These can work really well once again if the design is something that people will want to keep or if they have information on them that people would need to remember.  For instance a  phone number for a car recovery service or their local garage.
4. Mugs.  How many cups of tea or coffee do we drink in the office in a day?  If yours is anything like ours the answer can be up to 10.  That means not only people in the office but visitors also will be seeing your message. 
5. Calendars.  Although this item requires a slightly larger budget than the other items in my top five, it will be hung in an office, shop or home for all 365 days of the year. Plus it will be looked at more than once every day,  therefore it could actually be the most cost effective.

If you like any of the ideas above or would like to discuss any of your own please give us a call on 01243 771279