Promotional products have been around for a long time, but the trends are always changing. When considering a promotional product campaign, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve. Here, we’ll discuss the 6 hottest trends in promotional products for 2018 and onward.
1. Using brand-name, retail-inspired products
Companies looking for promotional products are turning to beloved brand names to help boost their image. These deals can be valuable for both brands, making it a clear win-win.
A popular example is branding drinkware products that people already love to use. Nalgene, CamelBak, and S’well bottles are all extremely popular water bottles that can be branded with your company’s logo.
Because these branded bottles are coveted, people are much more likely to use them than if you used generic promotional products.
2. Branded apparel that’s wearable outside the office
While that t-shirt may look great on the job, it’s unlikely that employees are going to wear it on the weekend. Unless, of course, it’s useful to them.
Current trends suggest that athletic designs with performance materials perform very well outside the office. Employees are more likely to wear the clothing if it has features like a good design, moisture-wicking fabric, and functionality.
This trend definitely combines with the previous one: people are more likely to use promotional apparel if it’s a well-known clothing brand.
3. Promotional products are an investment
In 2018, marketers are seeing promotional products as a worthwhile investment, and more companies are willing to spend for good quality. Cheap, unbranded products simply don’t cut it anymore. Investing in high-quality promotional products will give you a better ROI than cheaping out.
You can stand out from the crowd by choosing high-quality promotional products that people will actually use. While you will spend more on these products in the first place, the products are much more likely to get used, and increase your brand visibility rather than ending up in a landfill.
Consumers want useful products, not just free stuff.
4. Eco-Friendly promotional products
Consumers these days are conscious of their environmental choices. They’re less likely to accept a promotional product if they think it’s going to end up in a landfill.
You can make the choice easier by offering eco-friendly promotional products that make consumers feel good using them.
5. Tech promotional products
People love technology, and promotional products are no exception. Consider investing in branded speakers, phone chargers, smart watches, wireless headphones and USB battery packs. Consumers are eager to use these products, and they’ll give your brand more visibility.
6. Materials like wood grain, cork, and copper
In 2018, consumers are looking for functional and beautiful products that use high-quality materials. Some cutting-edge trends include copper, cork, and wood grain products. These materials give off an impression of high quality while also providing functionality. Customers are much more likely to use your products if they’re made with these trendy materials, and they’ll give your brand a modern, up-to-date image.
