As a business owner, you know the importance of image and branding. But did you know that most people who receive a promotional product from a company have a more favorable impression of the organization and that two-thirds can actually name it?

As with communication and marketing, there are a variety of factors that play into branding and using promotional products, including your goals, your industry, and knowing your audience. Still, there are basic things any organization can do to increase their brand awareness:

• Promote products and services you already offer.
• Publicize new products and services.
• Retain existing customers.
• Attract new customers.

Giving out promotional products using a company like Tntworld.com can help do all of these while increasing awareness of your brand. Why? For starters, who doesn’t like getting something for free? It makes people happy and leaves them with a positive impression of you and your company. This strategy also generates exposure when you aren’t there and makes for loyal customers. But what is the best way to use this tool? Here are a few tips:

• Make sure they are useful. If you give out products that can actually be used in the coursed of someone’s day, the more they will be used – and be seen. For example, a pen usually sits in a cup among many others, its logo hidden, or worse, in a desk, sight unseen. They’re so ubiquitous, they can become part of the background. But something like a smartphone dock sits on the desk, performing a useful function throughout the day, and is seen by all. Something functional may cost you a bit more in the short term, but will more than pay for itself in repeat business and word of mouth from current customers.
• Make the promotional item relevant to your business. If you’re in the foodservice industry, you might give out a branded kitchen utensil. If you’re an environmental-oriented organization, try giving out reusable grocery bags or small desktop recycling bins. If you’re a technology company, think about giving out flash drives with your company logo. If you’re in the medical field, give out first-aid kits. The more relevant the item is to the business you are in, the more customers will remember you.
• Use your staff as your ambassadors. When your employees in the field distribute promotional products for your company, they become ambassadors of your brand – and there is no one better you could choose. Why? They know your products. They know the company. They know each other. Even if they aren’t part of the sales staff, so much the better, as customers will not feel like they are being sold something. But, of course, every contact plays a part in an ultimate sale.

Read also: How to Earn the Most Money as an independent Brand Ambassador

Remember: Every time someone sees an item with your name or logo, your brand becomes a little stronger, your customers more loyal, and your company more memorable. If this is your first time promoting your brand with giveaways, it also will be a learning experience. Take note of what works and what doesn’t, what things your customers seem to like more than others. Outerwear with logos, for instance, appears to be more popular in the Midwest. Information is empowering, so use it to make promotional items work for you.