A Lot More Than Just Promos

'Kiss Me, I'm Paperless' T-Shirt Giveaway Encourages Customers to Go Green

2014-04-24T11:37:00.002-04:00

Earth Day is a great opportunity for brands to show their customers that they care about our planet. Long Island power company PSEG did just that with its "Kiss Me, I'm Paperless" campaign.

To reduce waste and improve the environment, PSEG asked customers via email to enroll in paperless billing this past Earth Day. But of course some people simply don't care about the environment, so PSEG offered an incentive as well. The power company promised a free t-shirt to the first 500 respondents! Here's what the email looked like:

According to its official rules, the sweepstakes entry period is open until May 21, 2014, so you still might have a shot at scoring a free tee. However, I can't imagine that 500 people haven't yet entered, because who doesn't love free swag?

Unfortunately, PSEG did not include a picture of the promotional t-shirt in its email (which was kind of a silly mistake, in my opinion). If you're one of the lucky 500 winners, please feel free to share a photo with us!

Mountain Dew Bottle Doubles as Skateboard Repair Kit

2014-04-16T13:08:00.000-04:00

Making your product multifunctional can set it apart from competitors and make your brand really stand out. Case in point: Mountain Dew's new bottle that's got a built-in hex nut wrench.

The soda company targets skaters with its dual-purpose soda bottle, because it can be used to fix their boards. (Notice its apt tagline: "A Dew for the skaters.")

You can create your own multipurpose product at Motivators.com! For instance, our brew cup opener will both open your beer AND keep it cold. Check it out:

'Bottled Walkman' Promotes Waterproof MP3 Player

2014-04-14T11:51:00.000-04:00

Sony used a promotional water bottle to directly demonstrate the features of its new MP3 player in a seriously impressive marketing stunt. The waterproof device was packaged inside of a filled water bottle to wow audiences while also proving that it's underwater-friendly. See Sony's "Bottled Walkman" here:

According to PSFK, Sony sold the MP3 players in special vending machines at fitness centers and pools. This ensured that Sony would reach its target audience -- swimmers who want to be able to listen to their music in the pool.

In my opinion, this is the perfect way to incorporate a promotional product into a bigger promotion. Not only does the Bottled Walkman loudly communicate the MP3 player's product benefits, but it also can be reused in everyday life.

Watch a promo video for the Bottled Walkman below:

Inebriating Agency Self-Promo

2014-04-09T17:19:00.000-04:00

Well, you can't say it's not different.

Lithuania's McCann Vilnius wanted to create a self-promotion that communicated the agency's fresh attitude. So what did it do? It packaged Beaujolais Nouveau -- a popular French red wine -- in limited-edition paint cans and sent them out to clients. Look:

Anybody who drinks red wine knows that it leaves its mark on your teeth and lips. That's why the paint cans even include a color chart that indicates how many glasses you need to drink to reach a specific shade of purple. (Strange!)

If I'm being honest, this promotional product doesn't really make any sense. (They should have consulted with Motivators first!) But who would say no to a huge can of wine?

Why Domino's Edibox Would Be AMAZING

2014-04-04T14:05:00.000-04:00

Why can't Domino's Edibox exist in real life? I guess nobody would really want to eat a pizza delivery box that's sat on grimy counters, touched numerous sets of hands and was transported in back of a delivery truck. But can we just take a moment to recognize how wonderful an edible pizza box would be?

Domino's April Fools' prank got people (myself included) really excited. First of all, from a promotional products standpoint, the Edibox would be a seriously impressive feat. Sure, we've all seen promotional food products before. But a pizza delivery box made entirely of crust and imprinted with the Domino's logo on all sides? Unheard of.

Secondly -- and this is just my inner fatty talking -- an edible pizza box would mean a whole lot more food! In a blog post, Domino's wrote that "With every future Domino’s delivery, you’ll see the Edibox upgrade option: double the dough to enjoy alongside double the glorious garlic and herb dip." Mmm, delicious.

Finally, the Edibox would be a truly waste-free experience. No more cramming a square pizza box into a round garbage pail!

Unfortunately, none of this is even possible. Or at least I don't think it is. Pizza Hut, here's your cue to steal the spotlight!

Kit Kat's Tribute to Lego is an Awesome Promotional Product

2014-03-28T13:20:00.001-04:00

"Have a break, have a Lego Kit Kat."

Kit Kat's tribute to Lego might be the most awesome promotional toy ever. Check it out:

No, your eyes do not deceive you. That's a Kit Kat made entirely of Lego bricks! The toy, dubbed #LegoKITKAT, looks just like the real thing. It's got the Kit Kat logo, a red wrapper, four pieces of chocolate and a layer of wafer. Most importantly, it makes that distinct snapping sound when you break it.

But that's not all. According to AdWeek, there are Lego people hidden inside each bar! Look:

The promotion's tagline? "Go build your own break." Now if only the Lego pieces were made out of chocolate...

Staircase Ad Raises Awareness for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

2014-03-18T15:45:00.001-04:00

Advertising on staircases is smart because people are forced to look at your message as they ascend. But this awareness ad for Duchenne Foundation Australia -- an organization that supports kids with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) -- is especially effective because its message directly involves climbing the steps. Take a look:

The copy here is straightforward. As kids with DMD age, they can climb fewer steps. That's because DMD is a form of muscular dystrophy that causes muscle degeneration.

I like that this awareness-building advertisement raises questions. What's Duchenne? Why does it impact a child's ability to go up stairs? Even better, Duchenne Foundation Australia included a URL to its website, encouraging audiences to learn more about the disorder and to donate.

Not every person or organization has the budget to pull off such a fantastic advertisement. Motivators' awareness products offer an affordable alternative so you too can make a difference!

Business Card Speakers that Rock

2014-03-13T16:18:00.001-04:00

What better way to promote an entertainment business than by giving away free speakers?

These awesome business cards for Pause Home Entertainment, a Swedish electronics company, double as smartphone volume boosters. In fact, using one with an iPhone proved to increase the device's sound by up to 23.5 decibels!

This promotional piece is effective for a few reasons:

1. Its function is appropriate for the business
2. It can be used by a huge number of people -- as of December 2013, one in five people owned a smartphone
3. It's small enough to be carried anywhere, helping to increase brand awareness for Pause Home Entertainment

Would you hold onto one of these business cards to enhance your smartphone's volume?

Witty Smart Car Ad Shows Just How Well It Fits

2014-03-10T15:35:00.001-04:00

What makes Smart cars different than other vehicles on the market? To put it simply, they fit.

This witty billboard explains just that in very few words. Check it out:

The ad features seven Smart cars perfectly arranged to get all of them on one billboard. What's smartest about this advertisement is that it's strategically placed next to a Kia billboard. The copy really pulls it all together: "On the next billboard, only one car fits." True!

A small car might not be for everyone. But for those who need a car that can squeeze into small spaces, the Smart car is it. This ad flawlessly gets that message across.

What do you think? Are you impressed?

Dove Deodorant Ad Insults New Jersey, Gets Scrapped

2014-03-05T12:49:00.000-05:00

Effective ads often use humor to their point across. But what happens when the joke doesn't quite land? People get angry.

Unilever's proposed billboard for Dove Advanced Care deodorant has been rejected by New Jersey residents who took it offensively. Here's what the advertisement would have looked like:

I admit that, at first glance, this billboard doesn't exactly scream, "NEW JERSEY IS GREAT!" (Nobody likes being called "The Armpit of America.") But the point has been sorely missed by those who have complained. The ad actually says that armpits are beautiful -- or at least that they can be, if you use Dove Advanced Care.

So the ad won't go through because people didn't get (or couldn't take) a joke. Guess what, New Jerseyans? The rest of the U.S. still refers to you as "The Armpit of America!" And now you don't even have Unilever or Dove on your side.

Super Loto's Promotional "Lucky Gloves" Increase Brand Awareness

2014-02-27T13:43:00.001-05:00

Great promotional products don't have to be high-tech or super-flashy. The truth is, as long as a giveaway fulfills a need, people will use it.

For example, everybody could use a spare pair of gloves in the winter. And when a lottery jackpot is exceptionally large, everybody wants a little extra luck. France's Super Loto put these ideas together to come up with its "Lucky Gloves." The promotional gloves, which were created by ad agency BETC Paris, force wearers to cross their fingers, helping to bring them good fortune.

The gloves were a hit among recipients. Moreover, according to BETC Paris, the promotional products helped increase brand awareness for Super Loto -- its Facebook likes increased by an impressive 23.5 percent.

Watch the video below to learn more:

Bold Outdoor Ad Made from Promotional Tennis Balls

2014-02-19T12:06:00.001-05:00

This bold outdoor promotion for Hartley Tennis Services is a double threat.

As you can see, the tennis school made a loud statement by strategically positioning tennis balls to spell the word "LEARN" in the fences of tennis courts. It's eye-catching, to say the least, and gives audiences a good idea about what's being advertised.

But Hartley took it to the next level by adding a custom imprint to each tennis ball. Check it out:

Anyone intrigued by the brand's epic fence display could take a tennis ball for the company's info. What a smart way to get new clients! And if you're looking to accomplish something similar, take a look at Motivators' customized tennis dog ball:

The pet-friendly balls can be imprinted with non-toxic ink. Use it to promote your brand at dog parks and pet stores.

Kit Kat Gives People What They Want: A Webcam Blocker

2014-02-03T16:42:00.001-05:00

In today's world, you can never be too sure who's watching you via your laptop's webcam. That's why Kit Kat created the ultimate promotional product to promote privacy -- a webcam blocker. See it below:

Kit Kat's slogan, "Give me a break," works perfectly with this promotion. The idea of somebody (maybe the NSA?) spying on you via webcam? Give me a break! (See what I did there?)

This promotional giveaway works perfectly with Kit Kat's brand message and is very relevant to today's issues. I love it (and I want one)!

'Dumb Ways to Die' Toys Raise Awareness, Promote Safety

2014-01-31T15:28:00.000-05:00

Remember Melbourne Metro's now-famous "Dumb Ways to Die" campaign? The train safety PSA not only won over Australians, but basically the entire Internet. Watch the award-winning video below for a refresher:

To keep the momentum going, ad agency McCann Melbourne and Metro Trains have developed a line of promotional stuffed animals that remind people worldwide about rail safety. Check 'em out:

Each toy contains a custom tag that links back to DumbWaysToDie.com, where recipients can watch the video and find even more safety tips.

The plush toys work because these characters are instantly recognizable. Plus, who doesn't love a cute toy?

Brand Promotes Half Off Sale by Clearing Half the Snow Off Cars

2014-01-23T15:52:00.004-05:00

How do you show customers just how significant a 50 percent discount is? European electronics brand, Euronics, decided to do so by removing 50 percent of snow off of 300 cars parked in Ekaterinburg, Russia. Here's how it looked:

Ad agency Cosmos left also left a small sign on each of the cars it cleared. The sign read, "Feel the 50% discount January 18-19."

The stunt helped Euronics post a 22 percent increase in sales. Surprised? You shouldn't be. After all, snow removal is annoying as heck, so this promotion made 300 people's mornings a little bit easier. Plus, it's hard to say no to a 50 percent discount!

Hilarious Devil Baby Attack Prank Promotes "Devil's Due"

2014-01-17T12:42:00.000-05:00

There's something about watching unsuspecting people fall victim to a harmless prank that's downright hilarious.

To promote "Devil's Due" -- a new horror flick released today -- ad agency Thinkmodo sent a remote control 'devil baby' out into the streets of New York. Watch what happened:

Pretty funny, eh? My only problem with this stunt is that its "victims" never see a message about the film itself, just a scare. However, thanks to hidden cameras, the resulting video makes for an amusing promotion for the rest of us.

Kit Kat Direct Mail Piece Offers '24 Breaks Before Christmas'

2013-12-30T12:07:00.002-05:00

Almost everyone who celebrates Christmas has owned an advent calendar at one point or another. They're used to count down the days leading to the big day -- December 25.

Kit Kat's advent calendar is decidedly very, well, Kit Kat! In 2013, the chocolate brand sent stressed out marketers a custom "24 Breaks before Christmas" chocolate bar. Take a look:

Each piece helps recipients count down the days until Christmas. More importantly, Kit Kat's direct mail piece offers a small break each day of the holiday season. It's thoughtful and it echoes Kit Kat's brand message: "Give Me a Break."

This direct marketing product is a total win in my book! Just one question: Why didn't I get one in the mail!?

Promotional Chocolate Helps Explain Alzheimer's

2013-12-19T16:53:00.000-05:00

Promotional products are underutilized when it comes to raising awareness. But a smart marketer knows that tangible advertisements make a longer-lasting impression than pretty much any other medium.

For example, Alzheimer Nederland -- an Alzheimer's awareness organization in the Netherlands -- created this memorable direct marketing piece using promotional chocolate. Take a look:

No, this piece didn't get messed up during production. When recipients opened their Christmas chocolates, they saw the Easter Bunny instead of Santa Claus. A rubber band around it reads, "Alzheimer's patients are coping with this feeling daily."

Imagine being surprised and confused every time you opened a package, turned a corner or ran into someone you once knew. That's what having Alzheimer's is like, and this promotional item helps make it a bit more clear to the rest of us.

Branded Calendar Showcases Hunks, Plumbing Tips

2013-12-16T12:36:00.000-05:00

January is just weeks away, which means it is definitely calendar season. And if you haven't yet gotten yours for 2014 (and if you happen to have a thing for smoldering plumbers), you have to check out Liquid-Plumr's new pin-up calendar featuring "the Plumrs of 2014."

Check out a few pages:

The promotional calendar offers tips from some very photogenic plumbers on how to use Liquid-Plumr every month of the year. Each page highlights a different product (and a different stud).

Best of all, it's free to download! Talk about an easy holiday gift for the ladies in your life. Liquid-Plumr nailed this promotion!

Ad Placement Makes All The Difference

2013-12-13T12:17:00.001-05:00

If this ad were anywhere else, it wouldn't make sense. And that's what makes it so freaking awesome. Take a look:

Yep, that's a poster for a stapler remover from Herman Andersson Office Supplier in Sweden. And although it's actually kind of pretty (who knew?), it's only relevant here because of the thousands of staples surrounding it that need to be removed.

This ad by creative agency Spenat is a real standout for me. It shows that even the simplest graphic can make a fantastic ad if you put it in the right place.

Other advertisements that succeed for the same reason include this smart billboard from Hyundai and charmingly snarky piece for BBC America.

Land Rover's "Personal Extinction Prevention Book" Protects Drivers Outside Their Vehicles

2013-12-03T17:30:00.000-05:00

Land Rovers are built for the adventurous. And while you might feel safe and sound inside your vehicle, once you step outside, you're in Mother Nature's hands. That's why the four-wheel-drive car brand sent its customers a "Personal Extinction Prevention Book."

The branded book provides Land Rover drivers with tips and tools that can help them stay safe in the wild. "Each page is a resealable packet that contains wet wipes coated with natural oils or an everyday ingredient that will repel or neutralize creatures wishing you harm," said creative agency Y&R in Dubai, UAE.

The book was sent out to 3,000 existing customers and was also handed out at sporting goods stores. Land Rover even put it in brand new vehicles to supplement the car's manual.

Land Rover's "Personal Extinction Prevention Book" is exciting, useful and is a perfect fit for the brand's target demographic. I don't even own a Land Rover, and I want one of these books! Doesn't it make you want to go out and do something exhilarating?

Do 30 Squats, Get a Free Subway Ride

2013-11-19T11:25:00.001-05:00

Athletes from all over the world will come together in Sochi, Russia for the 2014 Winter Olympics. They'll impress spectators with outstanding ability in everything from figure skating to snowboarding. So the least we can do is a measly 30 squats, right?

To promote the upcoming Olympic Games, Moscow has equipped its subway stations with machines that allow commuters to do 30 squats in exchange for a free ride. Pretty awesome!

Not only does the promotion help build hype for the 2014 Winter Olympics, but it also incentivizes people to be a little bit healthier. "We wanted to show that the Olympic Games is not just an international competition that people watch on TV, but that it is also about getting everyone involved in a sporting lifestyle," said Alexander Zhukov, Russian Olympic Committee president.

Watch the video below to see how it's done.

When Giveaways Go Wrong: Australia Outlaws Katy Perry's 'Prism'

2013-11-13T11:47:00.000-05:00

Poor Katy Perry. She was just trying to make the world a greener place, and now her album has been deemed hazardous by Australian officials. Wait, what?

Artwork for Perry's latest album, "Prism," is made from custom seed paper, and that's cause for concern for our friends down under. That's because international versions of the new CD contain seeds that aren't native to Australia.

According to Gizmodo, "Since it became the new New World, Australia's become home to all kinds of non-native plants and animals, artificially introduced species that have caused all kinds of trouble." Once introduced, invasive species are hard to control and basically impossible to eliminate.

Don't worry, though -- Aussie editions of "Prism" contain seeds for the Swan River daisy, which are perfectly OK to plant in Australia.

Brilliant Concept Ad for Bounce: 'Throw This Ad Away'

2013-11-12T12:27:00.001-05:00

There are two things every homeowner surely hates: junk mail and a smelly garbage. That's why this promotional idea from Miami Ad School hits the nail on the head.

Dryer sheets are designed to freshen your laundry (duh), but can also be used in other ways. Case in point: They can make your trash bin smell less foul.

This ad is therefore pretty brilliant. Its copy reads, "For a fresher kitchen, throw this ad away," and within the direct mail piece is a Bounce dryer sheet. The packaging is covered from head-to-toe with the Bounce logo, and also offers instructions.

The only problem I see with this direct mail piece is that recipients might toss it in the garbage without ever opening it, making the dryer sheet (and the ad's message) ineffective.

What do you think? Should Bounce be taking notes from Miami Ad School's students?

Smart Billboard Placement: "Load That Furniture Here"

2013-11-05T13:32:00.000-05:00

If you've ever shopped at furniture superstore IKEA alone, you know how tough it can be to get your purchases home, safe and sound. (With all that unassembled furniture, you practically need a moving truck.)

Hyundai saw this as an opportunity to promote its Santa Fe. See how it positioned its billboard to appeal to IKEA shoppers:

You've got to hand it to Hyundai. The idea, the location and the copy (it's Spanish for "load that furniture here") are all spot on. Way to go! This is absolutely a branding opportunity that works.