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Say NO to Boring Promo! Creative Ways to Boost ROI On Your Next Order

Struggling to get creative with your promo solutions? You’re not the only one who’s in a rut.

We see it all too often—an order comes in with just a logo on a product that has the potential for full-color art or a larger imprint, like our flip pad jotters, padfolios, or pocket folders. Doing our due diligence as a supplier, we follow up to ensure our customers know they have options for more creative promo solutions.

“We just want something basic,” they tell us.

There’s a misconception that more complex design means a more complex—or longer—production process. In most cases, that’s not true at all. If in doubt, ask your supplier about artwork guidelines and production time. They may have some creative ways to improve the design or get more leverage out of the product.

So if you do want a promo product that has more than just a logo slapped on it, how do you create it? We have three simple tips to help boost ROI with creative design.

ROI Boost Tip #1: Your Goals Should Drive the Design

Sure, there’s something to be said for an understated, simple design… but your goals should drive the design elements. The same product being used for a brand awareness campaign might have a drastically different look from one being used as a thank you gift for new member sign-ups, for example.

Talk about their goals for the promotion. Draw a line between how the giveaway can help achieve those goals using a strategic design. Chances are that they don’t have another idea in mind; this allows you to add real value as a promotional consultant. Leverage your expertise as a marketing professional and share a case study showing how much more they stand to gain when they also add:

ROI Boost Tip #2: Don’t Think Just Front and Center

At the core, however, shouldn’t every promotional product you’re giving away also inspire some type of action, or engagement? There are tasteful ways to do this while sticking to your brand standards.

For example, there is a lot of potential ad real estate on the inside pocket of our padfolios or presentation folders. Those pockets can be printed with your contact info, a tagline, motivational quote, or a short mission statement.

Ordering flip pad jotters or journals for a trade show? Add a full-color photo on the cover—AND on the back.

High-quality graphics help your audience connect with your mission and engage with your brand. If your goal is to boost online visibility, include some social media icons, or a branded hashtag to drive social engagement.

Use your design to inspire emotion or invoke a powerful feeling tied to your brand, and boost your memorability factor.
Custom printed horizontal pocket presentation folder.
The logo and brand elements are on the front cover. On the inside pocket is a branded hashtag, as well as the social media icons indicating where patients can connect with them online. Simple elements like this continue the brand experience beyond the event.

ROI Boost Tip #3: Add The Things That Help Define Your Brand

If your customer is ordering a full-color promo, and they want just their logo on it, it’s okay to politely challenge them, or ask why that’s all they want.

Here’s a list of other brand details customer put on promo products:

  • Website URL (or even a special one for the promotion)
  • List of services
  • Address or location(s)
  • Full-color photos or graphics
  • A slogan or tagline
  • Social media icons, or Instagram handle
  • Branded hashtag
  • A call to action
  • Problems they help solve
  • An inspirational quote
  • Phone number & email
  • Special discount, coupon, or promo code
Custom printed promo picture frames.
Sometimes just the logo works. But then sometimes, adding full-color graphics, slogans, and event info takes the design to the next level. From left: F6637-MINI (Instax Mini Frame), DF5810 (Custom Printed Dual Easel Frame), and F6637-INSTAX (Instax Wide Frame)

ROI Boost Tip #4: Suppliers Are A Wealth of Creative Ideas

We recognize that there’s a time and place for simplicity. But more often than not, you can leverage the imprint area (and you supplier rep’s knowledge) to squeeze just a little bit more ROI  out of your promotional investment. 

Your suppliers see lots of creative uses for the same items. Suppliers are a bountiful, creative resource for ideas when you’re feeling stuck. They’ll have some great recommendations you may not have considered that can help drive engagement and ROI.

Need Help With Your Promo Product Design?

Need help? Ask your supplier! (Refer to tip #4)

At Warwick, we have an in-house art department with a team of dedicated designers. Typesetting work is complimentary, and if you need assistance with custom artwork, we’re happy to help (hourly art charges may apply for custom design work). If you don’t have design experience or software, this is a great resource that adds value for your clients’ branded products.

So don’t allow your clients to buy boring promo. They’ll thank you for having their best interests in mind.

We Want To Hear Your Success Stories

Do you have a success story converting a “blah” art concept into a home-run? We’d love to hear about it! Comment below, or share your story on the Warwick Facebook page.

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