This post may sound a bit overly promotional, but at MarkaBull we truly pride ourselves in offering the highest quality products at the best prices.  This is why we are creating reMarkaBull Mondays!

On the 2nd Monday of each month we will announce a new reMarkaBull Monday deal.  These products will be offered at a special promotional savings for the remainder of the month.

The easiest way to hear about our reMarkaBull Monday sale is to sign up for our email list; don’t worry, we hate spam and would never sell our lists!  Simply fill out the yellow form to the left to be added.  See below for the current sale…

Image Copyright of AMC

Be Bold

Blending in with everyone else makes your company mediocre.  Advertising and marketing is about making people pay attention and take action.  Joan Harris is an office manager throughout the Mad Men series, but her bold attitude makes others act.  Bold advertising may often offend some of your client base, but remember that slightly offending customers is better than being completely ignored.  In fact, the customers that are the most offended may be the one’s that are extremely profitable.  I would be willing to bet money that people offended by Howard Stern and Rush Limbaugh are some of their biggest listeners.

100% Authentic Tervis Tumblers

Advertise Authentically

One of the reasons Mad Men is so popular is because of its historical authenticity.  Even though I was not even alive at the time, the show makes it easy for me to imagine what it was like to be there.  Instead of filling your mailers with buzz words and business jargon, try using a bit of personality.  Companies today must be wary of social media and how quickly consumers will call you out for wearing a false face.  Try using name brand promotional products (such as Tervis Tumblers) instead of cheap knock offs to impress customers.  Perceived authenticity and value can give customers a favorable impression of your company.

Guardian Promotional Tablet Sleeves

Evolve

Throughout the Mad Men series you get a true sense that time is passing.  The characters capitalize on social changes by altering the way they advertise.  10 years ago advertising on tablet sleeves would be unheard of.  Now, it is a great way to get in front of tech conscious customers.  Think about how your current clients have changed and adapt your advertising to suit them.  At MarkaBull we do our best to keep up with promotional product trends.  If you cannot think of any fresh ideas, try contacting us for the new ideas.

Image copyright of AMC

Be Strategic

DO NOT DUMP MONEY INTO PROMOTIONS WITHOUT A PLAN!  I hate to shout in all caps, but spending money on advertising without a plan is foolish.  Set goals and figure out how to best reach those goals.  For example,  if your goal is to attract more visitors to your website, make sure that your URL (or a QR code) is located on the marketing piece.  After the promotion is given out make sure to check how your traffic changes in response to the promotion.  Analytical tools such as Google Analytics and KISSmetrics will give you the information that you need.  The Sterling Cooper team always have a plan when launching a campaign and so should you.

Digi Cleaners Plus

Almost every college student is going to have access to a cell phone.  Why not brand on the device that they use the most?  Digi Cleaners are microfiber screen cleaners that get the grit and slime off of your electronic devices.  They come in various sizes and with multiple packaging options to fit your brand.  The cleaner will adhere to the back of almost all cases and smartphones about 1,000 times before the end of their life cycle.   Digi Cleaners are also super cheap and come with a custom insert to further market your brand. We are giving away FREE samples of these, so just contact us for a sample and we will send them your way.

Jersey Sweatshirt Cooler Bags

An item that naturally has a “college feel”, these bags put a unique twist on a traditional college promotional item.  Students can root for your team and keep their food cool with our insulated cooler bags.  These jersey sweatshirt  cooler bags can keep food hot or cold for 4-6 hours.  Mesh pockets are included  to hold a water bottle.

DesignEars

College students are walking around with laptops, ipods, and smartphones; which makes custom branded headphones a natural item to target them.  A few great things about these custom DesignEars are that they have no minimums, set-up charges, and work with any electronic device with a 3.5mm headphone jack(which is pretty much all of them).  Full color digital printing is available on the side panels and across the top headband.

For product information and pricing, feel free to submit a quote request online or contact us at (888)-853-0388 or info@markabull.com.

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Our Logo In All Black

Design The Logo To Look Good In Black and White

The first step to using PMS colors to brand your company is to design a logo that will look good in black and white.  This is important because at times print processes may not allow for multiple color imprinting.  If your logo looks good in black and white, generally it will look good on anything.  This is a best practice, but many logo designers tend to break this rule of thumb (especially trendy web 2.0 logo designs with gradients and varying levels of opacity).

A PMS/ Pantone Swatchbook

Choose The Right Company Colors

The next step is actually choosing the colors that your company wants to use.  Different colors will mean different things depending on the audience and culture.  Certain colors may be more effective depending on the medium that they will be used in most.  For example, American political campaigns often use red, white, and blue to symbolize patriotism.  Also, many high scale brands and tech companies use black to convey luxury and sophistication.  A good article on basic color theory can be found on smashing magazines website.  To choose the right shade of the color you want a PMS book is needed.  PMS books can be purchased from the official Pantone site at www.pantone.com.  Simply follow the guide to find a shade that fits your palette.  For example, a nice shade of lime green is PMS 374 U.  The “U” and “C” symbols behind the letters correlate to uncoated and coated stocks.  I generally use uncoated colors with design since our company primarily deals with print (and most print items go on uncoated paper: letterheads, envelopes, business cards, etc).  There is almost always a correlating coated color and hex value, so there is almost never a need to worry there.

Apply The PMS Colors

This section is mainly for designers, but can be useful if you quickly need to add or change the colors in your logo.  First, in Illustrator make a selection of the part of the design that you want to color.  Next go to Window-> Swatch Libraries ->Color Books (The swatch library can also be opened directly in the swatches palette by clicking the options arrow).  Again, I usually use Pantone Uncoated, but this depends on what you are designing.  After that a menu with all of the colors will pop up.  The numbers of the colors will be in order and will popup when you scroll over the swatches.  Simply find the PMS number that you are looking for, click the swatch, and the color of the selection will change to the Pantone color.  You will know that you are using a spot color because Illustrator will display a small dot on the swatches palette in the upper left corner.  Save your project and you are done!

How to Find Pantone Color Books in Adobe Illustrator

Pop Up Swatch Menu in Illustrator

Where You Will See Spot Color Selection

Choosing official colors for your company doesn’t have to be hard if you know the process.  By using the same color on all of your printed material and promotional items, you will be a step closer to achieving brand unity.  Feel free to leave questions in the comments below.

Thanks,

Terril Fields

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Board Towels

Instead of a normal beach towel, try using board towels to bring a unique promotion to the beach.  Board towels come in a variety of sizes and have a large imprint area for maximum brand visibility.  These are perfect for incentive trips, college promotions, web surfing themes, or even ‘board’ meetings.

Glow Shot Glass

Glow in the dark shot glasses will put a fun spin on a common product.  If you are running a bar or restaurant, have your bartenders crush the sides of this glass as they pour a shot to impress customers.  If high impact branding is what you are looking for this spring break, this item is definitely the way to go.

Milano Water Bottle

Custom Water Bottles

It will be hot on the beach, so your end users will definitely need something to drink.  Try using a branded custom water bottle to reach these customers.  By sticking with bright colored water bottles, you clients will not lose them on the beach.

Party Shades

These party shades provide a HUGE amount of brand visibility.  Your logo can be placed inside of each lens and you can even imprint on the side ear hooks.   These would be great for employee appreciation events, awards ceremonies, school dances, restaurant and bar events, and much more.

The options for spring break promotions is almost limitless.  Please contact us if you want to implement these products into your spring break promotions, or if you would like more ideas.

Thanks for reading!

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Custom Energy Drinks

Custom Energy Drinks

Boost your sales and put some adrenaline in your marketing with these custom energy drinks.  They are 8.4 ounces, slightly carbonated, and come in a slim aluminum can.  These energy drinks are USA made, FDA approved, and come wrapped in full-color process labels.

PromoShave Shaving Cream

This was definitely an unusual promotional product, but it could be great for a construction company, sports team or even a spa.  The shaving cream is pretty standard, so end-users shouldn’t have any problems with it.  The label on the can has quite a large decoration area, so visibility would not be an issue here.

EyeBlack

If you have ever watched sports on television, than you are familiar with EyeBlack.  It is a patented product, made from safe medical grade 3M material, and comes in a variety of styles and sizes.   Advertising on your customers face provides an unrivaled level of brand visibility.  This product would work well for any restaurant, sports team, or sports related promotion.

The Sportula

This is one of those items that you have to see in person to truly appreciate.  The Sportula has a sturdy feel and has a retail look.  The die-cut logos really pop out on this product and the bottle opener on the opposite end is a great finishing touch.

Clock In a Can

The clock in the can is one of those quirky items that you could give out to a customer.  There really isn’t another product like it, so they will always remember who they got it from.  The clock face is fully customizable as well as the can exterior.  The back is magnetic as well, so customers can easily attach them to their fridge.

These are just a few of the hundreds of unique promotional products that you can use in 2012.  For more ideas, please contact us at 888-853-0388 or at info@markabull.com

Promotional Duffel Bag

Hack #1 – Use Your Free Personal Training Session

Most gyms offer at least 1 free personal training session each year with a membership.  If you are new to the gym this is a great time to ask questions and become familiar with the equipment.  Learning to use the machines and weights the right way can help make your workout more effective and help prevent injury.  A personal trainer will also be able to guide you through specific exercises to help you reach your goals.  Gyms can promote personal training sessions by giving members branded freebies such as duffel bags.

Slap-on Waterproof MP3 Player

Hack #2 – Make A Playlist

Listening to music is a great way to keep yourself motivated and from getting bored at the gym.  Sprinkle in tracks that get you energized and play them when your workout gets tough.  8tracks  is a great source for playlists that are already created by members.  They also have apps for the iphone and android smartphones.  Fitness centers can hold contests and give away branded headphones or mp3 players to members.

Branded Pedometer

Hack #3 – Track Your Progress

Tracking your progress is the best way to reach your goals.  If you do not track your progress, how will you really know if what you are doing is working?  Take a notebook with you to the gym and record everything you do.  There are also apps that let you track your progress.  If you are a runner, Nike even makes sensors that will send data to your ipod or smartphone.  Gyms can use branded pedometers to encourage members to track their progress.

Branded Gym Apparel

Hack # 4 Wear The Right Clothing

Wearing the right clothing is essential to having an enjoyable workout.  I would start by buying a great pair of running or cross training shoes.  Any sneaker or sporting goods store will have reps that can recommend a great pair for you.  Wearing lightweight and breathable shirts will keep you from getting too hot.  Shirts are available with antimicrobial treating that will keep you from smelling terrible.  Gyms can take advantage of marketing to their members by giving away promo gym shirts when members first sign up.   We sell awesome shirts that will reveal your companies logo when the end user sweats.

Promotional Exercise Gloves

Hack #5 – Lift Weights Before Cardio

Some people argue about this, but I believe that you should lift weights before cardio to maximize your effectiveness in the gym.  You will also be able to lift heavier at the beginning of your workout, which means greater muscle mass, which in turn will burn more calories when you aren’t working out.   I also find it easier to keep my form correct when I am the most energetic at the beginning of my workout.  A better form = less chance of getting injured + a more effective workout.  Health clubs and fitness facilities can encourage members to lift weights by proving exercise gloves / weight lifting gloves with company logos on them.

Promo Shaker Bottles

Hack #6 – Mix It Up

If you go to the gym long enough you will eventually plateau.  Working out the same way over and over again is not only boring, but it also makes it harder to improve once you level out.  Try using different machines at your gym, workout outside, or try new routines to keep going.  Gyms can creatively remind members by ordering items like water bottles and including tag lines on them such as “shake it up.”

These are just a few gym hacks I use to stay motivated in the gym.  Thanks for reading and meet those resolutions!

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Goofy Pen

Use Silly Items

Let the item itself be the creative and fun part of the promotion.  Your company does not have to be the most interesting to have a fun item.  For example, the pens above would work well for medical facilities, apartments, or even construction companies.

Magic 8 Ball

Make A Good Tagline

You do not have to be a comedian to come up with a good tagline for a promotional item.  A memorable tagline that is humorous and ties into your companies products or services could help customers remember what you offer.  For example, the magic 8 ball above could say “Are You Still Relying on Luck?” for consulting companies.

Custom Flash Drive

Use Unconventional Design

My favorite way to make promotional products fun is by using unconventional designs.  Instead of buying a normal flash drive, try using a custom shaped one.  The product may cost a bit more, but the item will be way more memorable to your customers.  If your company deals with animation or has mascots, putting their faces on items like bookbags and coolers could be a great way to reach your market.

Scented Pens

Play With Their Senses

Your customers can see, hear, touch, smell, and taste, yet marketers tend to focus heavily on the first two.  Try branding to your company by playing with their other senses.  Martin Lindstrom has a great book called Brand Sense that goes into this.  A great example of  quirky promotional items to use are scented pens and pencils.  They are even made from 100% recycled newspapers and plastics, which is great for eco-friendly promotions.

These are just a few great ways to make your promotional advertising a bit more fun.  We always try to save the best ideas for our clients, so please contact us for more information at info@markabull.com or give us a call at 888-853-0388 or  919-490-1424 locally.

Thanks for reading!

Terril

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Custom Mouse Pads

Custom Mouse Pads

Custom mouse pads are a great options because they are fairly inexpensive, useful, and take prime placement on your customers desk.  Mouse pads with logos on them can even be unique with options such as soft materials and custom rubber options.  Mouse pads are a classic and are great for technology, hospitality, and service based industries.

Promotional Seed Packs

Promotional Seed Packets

Promotional seed packets are a bit more unconventional than most of the items in this post, but can be very effective if used for the right promotion.  The great thing about using this promotional product is that you can send customers different kinds of seeds that allow them to grow different types of plants.  On the back of the packet you can insert your marketing message and some kind of tag line (for example, “grow your business with us” or “promote personal growth”).

Promotional Coasters

Promotional Coasters

Promotional coasters are great because of the level on interactivity that the end user has with the product.  Custom coasters are used practically the entire duration that a consumer is in a restaurant or bar.  Even though they usually get thrown away, they provide extremely high quality impressions.  It is almost guaranteed that your target market will at least look at the coaster for a few seconds when it is being used.    Coasters come in varying levels of thickness and custom die cutting allows for an extreme level of creativity.  You can even use glow in the dark or metallic inks!

Promotional Signs

Advertisement Auto Plates & Parking Signs

Advertisement auto plates and parking signs can be used to effectively market just about any company.  A few industries these would work especially well for are car dealerships, auto shops, brewing companies, or schools.  Different shapes and styles of metal will help make your sign unique.  This would definitely be an unexpected mailer.

Promotional Magnets

Promotional Magnets / Business Card Magnets

Promotional magnets are a classic promotional item.  This isn’t the most interesting item to use, but these items have unrivaled staying power.  I was recently at my grandmothers house for the Thanksgiving holiday and she still had magnets on her refrigerator that I recognized from my childhood.  Promo magnets work best for service related companies (HVAC, plumbing, home improvement, mechanical, etc.) and restaurants.  Business card magnets are also great for insurance agents, real estate agents, interior decorators, and travel agents.

For more creative ideas for flat promotional products for direct mail marketing, contact MarkaBull today.  We have hundreds of different promo items to help make your direct mail marketing campaign a success.

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1. Recruit New Employees

Although hiring is down, many companies are still searching for top talent.  Top talent can often be difficult to obtain with competitors looking to hire the same employees.  Sending timely corporate gifts such as cookie baskets, gym bags, and flash drives may attract talent to your company.  Showing that your company cares may sway disgruntled employees to your company as well.

Promotional Cookies

2. Retain Existing Employees

All of your recruiting efforts will be in vain if you fail to retain employees.   If talented employees are logging long hours and feel that they are not appreciated, it is possible that they leave your company.  Regardless of how bad the economy is, the best and most talented employees will always be able to find work.  Since the economy is still down your business may not be able to offer huge raises or bonuses, but by offering small corporate gifts you can at least show that you care.  This could be the difference between keeping and losing a star employee.

Promo Hot Sauce – Great For Hot Product Launches or Promotions

3. Attract New Clients

Attracting new clients is always good for business.  Sending targeted promotional corporate gifts to your target market can instantly foster goodwill.  The key here is to use a gift that your potential clients will find useful.  For example, banks may want to give imprinted money clips or piggy banks with their logo to customers that they are interested in.

Promotional Wine

4. Build Brand Awareness

Building brand awareness is extremely important for all companies.  Customers cannot buy from your company if they do not know that you exist.  Brand awareness can be particularly important for small businesses, tech start-ups, and niche businesses since they may not have the following of large companies or big box retailers.  Corporate gifts often sit on someone’s desk and have a long shelf life.  This means that your brand stays in their face longer.

Creative Packaging to Make Your Corporate Gift Stand Out

5. Develop Corporate Culture

Having a great corporate culture can compliment the other four reasons to give corporate gifts.  When employees are proud to work for your company they will work harder to achieve the companies goal.  Their interactions with clients will be more cheerful as well, which can only be good for your business.  Having employees believe in your company is a great way to make customers to believe in it as well.

For great corporate gift ideas, executive gift ideas, or employee gifting programs contact MarkaBull today!  We will make sure to outfit your company with quality gifts that leave a lasting impression on your employees and customers.

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