If you work in sales, you probably have a toolkit of techniques you use to connect and engage with prospects in an effort to convert more business. 

While we aren’t experts in sales tools, we do know that sometimes you need more than a cold call or follow up to close a customer. Especially in today’s digital world of personalized marketing and overwhelming screen time. 

Our secret to cutting through noise and being seen? Using the creative and powerful strategy of promotional products. 

Why are promotional products so effective for turning prospects into new clients? 

  • The use of promotional items has been shown to increase sales. After receiving a promotional product, 52% of respondents in a survey done by PPAI did business with the advertiser.
  • They cut through the noise! A promotional product creates a physical connection and demonstrates your willingness to go above and beyond. 
  • They are a small gesture with a large impact. Even something small like a mug or a pen is more than most of your competition is willing to do! 
  • In another study by PPAI, 83% of Americans reported that they like receiving promotional items.

Here are a few ways that you can use promotional products to better engage with your prospects and turn leads into new business. 

#1. Follow up with prospects with more than a phone call

After your initial phone call, send a personalized email thanking them for their time and  letting them know they should be watching their mailbox! 

A small gift, such as a tech taco or a canvas pouch is useful but will still go a long way in creating that first meaningful connection. We want to stress that these gifts do not need to be big or expensive. They just need to be thoughtful and timely! 

#2. Use promotional products to break the ice

We’ve all been there – drafting the script for the perfect cold call or email. Wouldn’t you prefer it to be a warm call or email? Send a gift PRIOR to the first touchpoint! 

Again, this doesn’t need to be anything big or expensive, but we love the idea of sending a high quality product letting the lead know you will be reaching out soon via email or phone. 

Unsure of their address? You can still use this strategy, just with a tiny twist. In your cold call or email, offer to send them a package and prompt them to respond with their size or favorite color. This will allow you to create a more meaningful connection and ensure they love what you send. 

Need help with this process? We are on it! We can house your stock of inventory and handle shipping the branded items for you! 

#3. Send a thank you gift… even if they pass

Time is money these days, and whenever a lead gives you time you want to make sure it was worth it for them! 

When a prospect decides to go in a different direction, you still have the opportunity to leave an impression for the future. Sending a small gift as a thank you for their time and a way to wish them luck in the future will create a positive connection that will never be forgotten. 

#4. Re-engage old prospects

Sometimes a lead goes cold. Sometimes a prospect gets cold feet and disappears. Sometimes, the timing just wasn’t right. 

Based on your business, think of a timeframe that would make sense to revisit these types of cold leads. Warm them up again with a promotional product! Think of something with a higher value – maybe a branded YETI or a new backpack. A high end notebook or pen. Think of this investment as a way to jump start the conversation! 

Bonus: Use promotional products to drive referrals 

Technically this is more of a strategy to build new leads, so we are making this a bonus idea! We truly believe a passive and successful referral program will allow you to create new leads from existing (and happy!) clients. 

We have seen this strategy work across many different verticals. Good referral programs make the most of your existing relationships by offering rewards as a thank you for recommending new leads. We recommend you begin by asking your very best clients for a referral and letting them know there is something in it for them, too. Let us know if it works! 

If you are interested in any of these strategies or just want to talk about how you can use promotional products as part of your marketing strategy this year, send us a message!