Gorilla Marketing Blog

Make it click with a selfie stick!

2015-09-02T18:14:58Z

These days it is always the season for selfies, and there's nothing newer and more exciting in the quest of the perfect selfie than the selfie stick! Envision an extendable thin pole that securely holds your phone in place. The extended pole serves as your very own full time 'personal photographer' and has the ability to effortlessly angle and swivel. Once you've framed your perfect shot, you simply press a button, some are even bluetooth compatible and your flawless image is perfectly captured. Simple, easy, and fun!

When you start using a selfie stick, it is hard to stop. From Hollywood celebrities, to the girl next door, everyone is getting in on what is proving to be one of the most formidable trends today. The selfie stick helps people to come up with new, inventive and perfectly posed pictures like never before! Let's take a look at some of the best things about this must-have selfie tool.

]]> It's perfect for groups of friends!

Have you ever been out with a bunch of coworkers or friends and wanted to capture that perfect shot? Maybe it's in front of a landmark, or perhaps it just seems to be a perfect moment in time. Who wants to wait for some stranger to walk by so that you can ask them if they will help out? Even if they agree, we all know that half the time those pictures come out blurry and poorly composed! With the selfie stick, it is picture time, all the time, and all of it is at your very own fingertips. If the picture isn't right, keep clicking away until you have one that you absolutely love! It's that easy!

Smile, you're on candid camera!

Are you big on posting the perfect picture on your social media? Or perhaps you just like having a healthy dose of fun with your best friends and your photos? Candid snaps will always be one of the greatest and funniest expressions that can be shared between friends, but when you pull your phone out of your pocket, the ruse is up. It's easy for everyone to see that a picture is coming. With the selfie stick, you can hold the stick in your hand, but angle your camera far enough away that it doesn't attract attention! Trying to get that perfect candid shot that will make your friends laugh? A selfie stick is the only way!

Climb every mountain!

For nature enthusiasts, daredevils, and people who live life to the fullest, the selfie stick should be part of your adventure starter pack. When you're all alone and have reached the peak of a day long mountain climb, without a selfie stick pretty much all you can get in your frame is maybe a few of the dirt rocks behind you. It's amazing the difference that a selfie stick can make in capturing a gorgeous panoramic type of view for your most daring photos. Next time you're packing your rock climbing gear or your snowboard shoes, don't forget to pack the selfie stick with it!

Not since the advent of the digital camera has picture taking been this fresh, this new, and this fun. Get yourself a selfie stick, and elevate your picture taking to whole new levels!

Why a barbecue represents the best of summer!

2015-08-27T23:00:17Z

There are a lot of things that are great about summer. Roller coasters, swimming pools, and even ice cream all are delights of the sizzling months, but when you're looking to bring people together for a celebration, finding one event that can fit everybody in the crew, and that doesn't break the bank, is always a unique challenge. One of the best types of events for a big and highly enjoyable summer experience is throwing a barbecue.

As summer comes to an end we want to reminisce about the things that make them great like barbecues. A barbecue can be the perfect solution to planning hours of endless fun with all of your coworkers, friends or family with great laughs and great food! But even beyond the basic barbecue event, there are ways to make this summer get together the type of event that everyone who shows up can not only enjoy but participate in. Let's take a look at a few of the ways that you can elevate your barbecue to the next level.

]]> Bring people together & include everyone!

Barbecues are the perfect type of event for companies, blended families or for large groups of friends to take part in. What really can make the day special is planning ahead and having accessories that can help to include everyone in the fun.

By getting a few extra grill tongs and cooking accessories you can create an enjoyable competition to find out who can come up with the best burger, and who makes the meanest grilled shrimp dish. The guys can help out by setting up the propane tanks and the grill, and even the younger kids can bring out the pans and dishes loaded with fresh and seasoned raw chopped foods. Not only is the inclusive barbecue event easy for all to enjoy, but it is a delightfully inexpensive way to celebrate. Barbecue accessories are sure to be used time and time again after the event and branded barbeque items will always remind the precipitant of the fun they has when they got them. It provides endless fun for the summer. For such an amazing and unifying experience the well-accessorized barbecue event is a winner all around.

The variety is mouth watering

The smell of barbecued food wafting by is completely soothing to the senses. With everything from burgers and ribs, to chicken wings and pulled pork, and even veggie or vegan patties, there is literally something for every type of person that you might invite.

You can even stay healthy by purchasing metal skewers that you can use for everything from grilled corn, to savory vegetable and chicken or fish kebabs. With a skewer for each person in the crowd, every attendee can 'customize' their own meal by picking a combination of meat, fish, and veggies from a pre-cut fresh platter. You can even order custom labeled BBQ sauces to make the event unforgettable. With plenty of portable coolers on the side to keep fruit and drinks ice cold and crisp there just isn't a more refreshing meal.

In today's computer, iPhone and video game world, finding a truly fun way to enjoy the great outdoors is a gem. If you are looking for great barbeque giveaway items for the perfect barbeque event go to gorillamarketing.mobi for our top picks and newest items. The well-planned and well-accessorized barbecue event can be great fun for every kind of person, and will allow everyone to take advantage of the glorious summer sunshine in a delightful way.

Tech Related Items Are Top Of Mind

2015-04-17T23:40:22Z

Right now technology realted items are always top of mind and wearable technology is taking over. This is going to be the year of breakthrough wearable technology. We have already seen the beginning of smartwatches, fitness bands, and smart glasses and with Apple launching new tech products it brings a new variety to the market place. Products will become more accessible and affordable to the general market. Some estimate that wearable technology market will reach over $5 billion by 2018!

With a large focus on fitness, the fitness bands and smartwatches have changed the way we exercise, communicate and even how we eat and sleep. These little expensive pieces of technology are designed to get people more active. Many gyms and personal trainers have adopted these devices and have integrated them into their programs. Some companies are also incorporating fitness devices into their employee health benefit packages by providing wearable tech items which may directly affect you. Are you keeping up with wearable technology?

]]> Fitness bands and smartwatches aren't the only wearable's going tech these days. Major fitness companies are developing wearable fiber-optic clothing and smart jewelry for the connected fashionistas. Wearable tech has the potential to become the smartphone of the next decade and it will be exciting to see how the promotional products industry responds to all advances.

We expect technology related items to really take off in the second half of 2015 and soar in 2016. With everything you are able to do with these wearable devices anything that is tech related or for use with tech items is going to be a perfect pick for a promotional product.

My personal favorite tech related item would have to be the soft microfiber cloths. With the amount of money you drop on wearable technology you don't want to use a standard cloth or rough t-shirt to clean your device and risk scratching it. Microfiber cleaning cloths are made with high-density microfiber materials designed to remove dirt, dust, and oil smudges from sensitive surfaces like cell phones, smart watches, and fitness band screens. They are available with smooth or serrated (jagged) edges. They come in a variety of colors with spot color print or full color imprint making the possibilities endless.

My favorite size of the microfiber cloth is the 5''x 5'' cloth because it fits anywhere and is perfect for any tech item in your life. The best thing about this size microfiber cloth is that it starts at under a buck making it a budget friendly promotional product.

I just so happen to have three, yes three! One in my purse, one in my car, and one at my desk so I always have one on hand. The one in my car has been around almost as long as my 98' accord, which goes to show they last. It happens to have my insurance company's phone number on it just in case I get in a fender bender or my little car doesn't make it I have all I need to call for my roadside service. It is no coincidence I have kept it and used it in my car so long; practical product with important information.

Microfiber clothes are a versatile and economical option to keep you current with wearable technology trends without having to compete with the high priced technology items. Instead it enhances the use of them and makes them long lasting promotional items.

Tablecloths and Table Covers

2015-01-05T20:43:41Z

Make a lasting first impression and turn the tables on the competition with a clean and sleek customized table cover for your next tradeshow, meeting, or event. Visitors will be drawn to your booth or display when your professionally branded table cover is on display. A customized table cover will also draw attention to your message and not the boxes under your table. Select a color and incorporate your logo to maximize your promotional area! These beautiful and durable tablecloths are washing machine and dryer friendly, dry-cleaning is not necessary. They are also wrinkle resistant which allows for instant usability!

Choose a throw style for extra, more convertible coverage or a fitted style for a more polished and trim fit. If you already have the table cover and just need to highlight your logo, a table runner is a great option. Table runners are great for frequent message or event changes.

]]> Ordering a Custom Table Cover is simple! We can help you create the perfect table cover to meet your needs. You can order a table cover with your exact logo, slogan, or company name and have it in-hands in 5-7 days or less! Depending on your quantity, budget and art, custom table covers are quick-turn promotional products that can make the difference at your next tradeshow or event. Only need one? It can be done, but we feel it is always a good idea to produce at least two pieces because you never know when you might need a second custom table cover. Also think long term; table covers are subject to natural wear and tear, therefore, it's better to print a second one for insurance. Want a special color? No problem. Table covers can be ordered in a variety of quantities, sizes and colors to meet your needs. Most common sizes are 6 foot and 8 foot, but custom sizes are always available. We can create a table cover from a basic one color imprint to a vibrant full color or even a full dye-sublimated table cover with your logo or image covering the entire cloth.

Whatever your event, a table cover will create an advertisement that doesn't break the bank and doesn't take hours to set up. They may seem like a very basic item to purchase but the curb appeal of your will get with a custom table cloth can be immensely increased using a simple piece of fabric. The realm of options for these items is virtually limitless so just call us with your ideas, and we would be happy to brainstorm with you to help make them a reality! Accent your customized table cover with items such as custom chair-backs and banners or unique tabletop items. We personally, prefer a prize wheel!

Check our our special on tablecloths for a limited time!

Custom Tangle Free Zipper Earbuds

2014-02-05T22:33:41Z

Do you often find your earbuds or headphones in a tangled mess? I can not stand it when I find my earbuds in a tangled knotted mess. I have tried many earbuds that say they are made of tangle free material but nothing even comes close to the design of the zipper cord on the custom zipper earbuds.

I have never seen any earbuds like the custom zipper buds. These earphones are unique because the cord is made of a flexible zipper. This unique zipper feature keeps them tangle free because they are made just like a traditional zipper. All you do is unzip them to use and then when you are done you simply zip them up to store them.

]]> I absolutely love that custom zipper earbuds never tangle and stay in place while in use so you never have to worry about tangled cords. They are able to stay tangle free while in use because you can zip them up right into place. The zipper cord design that lets you decide where to zip or unzip the cord so you can have the perfect fit no matter what. They also stay tangle free while moving or working out which is truly amazing. The best part is that they even stay tangle free while being stored because of the brilliant zipper design. Just zip them up and they are ready for next time. They even fit in your pocket so they are easily accessible and always on hand. You never have to waste time untangling them.

Along with the great zipper design is the fabulous option to customize the zipper pulls. From a standard shape or pull to a completely customized or fully logoed zipper pull you will be amazed at how the custom zipper pulls will really make your earbuds stand out from the rest. The zipper cords are available in a variety of colors and the zipper pulls can be either PVC or full color metal.

So if you're looking for unique customizable and tangle free earbuds then these are the perfect choice. I've never seen zipper earbuds before and the zipper really works to keep them tangle free. You will never have to worry about reaching into your bag and pulling out a tangled mess of cords again.

These also make a great gift item or giveaway. The custom zipper pulls let you put your logo right into the hands of your customers. Zipper earbuds are great for kids, teens, busy business men and women and of course everyone who doesn't have the time to waste trying to untangle their traditional earbuds.

These earbuds are normally close to $20 and I love them so much that I am excited to share an amazing deal on them for a limited time they are only $14.99 that's a steal, for these great earbuds. We know you won't be able to pass these up at this amazing price.

The anti-tangle zipper feature really works and with the fully customizable zipper pull they will surly be a great conversation starter. They come in a variety of colors, my favorite being the glow in the dark so you can always find your earbuds even at night. If you are looking for an original idea don't miss out at your chance of getting your logo in to the hands of all your customers with this amazing product.

Spring, It's Here

2013-03-18T23:16:54Z

It took a few minutes of intense blinking and head shaking for my coworkers here at the Gorilla office to recalibrate and regain their vision. Some continued to complain throughout the day of lingering spots in their peripheral vision, but it was worth it. Yesterday I wore shorts.

The notion occurred to me on my way home the afternoon prior. A wall of orange blossom scent slammed into my little hatchback and seeped in through my car's ventilation system. I rolled down my window and let the wafting aroma guide me to a side street downtown where I parked. There, clustered together as if holding court stood these massive gods of flora towering above me. Dark green leaves served as the undercoat to a blanketed swarm of buttery-white blossoms that appeared to emit a glow of particulate. I was immediately struck dumb with awe, and within two minutes struck dumber with allergies. Clutching my nasal bridge, I scurried back to the recycled air flow of my car and fled home.

]]> Nonetheless, spring is here. And with the seed of seasonal possibilities planted in my mind, accompanied with a night's time to allow for germination (fertilized lightly with a bucket of Benadryl®) I awoke the next morning blooming with the possibilities of spring... and shorts. Again, I apologize.

This time of year has our customer service reps busy putting together presentations of ideas to, among other groups, academic institutions looking to promote their spring break festivities for their students. The emphasis of the promotional product world turns from the internal to the external, fireside lap blankets become picnic blankets, and hooded sweatshirts and jackets become tees and tank tops.

Take a cue from these classic themes of spring (rebirth, renewal, growth, emergence from dormancy, skyrocketing pollen count, etc.) and gear your next marketing campaign toward a built-in seasonal theme that everyone can relate to. Picnic-ing, for example, is a time-honored wholesome act beloved by everyone who isn't a parks janitorial serviceperson. There's a wide range of gifts and picnic-themed promotional handouts no matter where your campaign falls within the budget spectrum. Flying discs with an imprint of your company or organization's logo can be combined with a simple tumbler and utensil pack to make a low-cost outdoorsy kit. In the same field, a more "executive" option at the other end of that spectrum, consider the high perceived value of a modern picnic basket replete with place settings, drinkware, and utensils - and on the front in a glossy epoxy dome, your brand's logo.

Picnic baskets, blankets, and flying discs are, of course, just bobbing along the surface of the seasonal promotional well. For help raising more options from the depths below, feel free to contact one of our Gorilla Marketing customer service representatives.

Earth Day is April 22nd

2013-03-01T20:29:34Z

Worrisome evidence continues to roll in pointing toward escalating global temperatures. And as the Earth heats up so does the discussion regarding a potential solution. There may not be a consensus yet on how to undo what we have wrought, but this growing attention to environmental concerns has produced an exponentially growing need for eco-friendly and sustainable products. The promotional product industry has had their respective green thumbs on the pulse of these environmental demands for years and continues to roll out innovative, ecologically-sound means of advertising brands and companies.

]]> April 22nd is Earth Day, as has every April 22nd been for over 40 years when a Wisconsin senator, after witnessing the devastation and destruction of the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, set in motion a series of public and political events culminating in the official adoption of the holiday. Within a matter of years the spirit of the event spread out from the US borders and today Earth Day is observed by over 500 million people and officially by a number of national governments in over 175 countries worldwide.

Having a specific event on which to focus is a great opportunity for businesses and groups to promote themselves while showing their dedication to conservancy and protection of our rapidly dwindling resources. Reusable tote bags have long been a staple of the promotional industry and are touted as being a responsible alternative to disposable plastic bags. And since more and more places worldwide are finding that plastic bags are being heavily penalized if not outlawed entirely (plastic bags have been banned in Bangladesh since 2002!), reusable bags have become not only popular but necessary. However, saying you carry tote bags is like saying CostCo carries... stuff. The versatility of these bags in both material and style is remarkably vast. All of these bags are reusable, made with non-woven Polypropylene derivatives, which reduces waste and landfill real estate immensely, but many are made partially if not completely out of post-consumer recycled content.

The call for promotional products made from recycled materials has skyrocketed (presumably fueled by a corn-based combustible elixir) well past tote bags and into diversified categories: pens, drinkware, journals, cutlery, backpacks, and even USB flash drives! Take advantage of this upcoming Earth Day by exhibiting a presence for your brand that is not only creative and intriguing but also demonstrates your dedication to conservancy and ecological preservation.

Would you like help putting together an eco-friendly promotional campaign? Feel free to get in touch with us and we'll be happy to help suggest a number of items that will present your event/brand in the slimmest of carbon footprints

Promotional Calendars Ensure Exposure All Year Round

2013-01-10T22:56:16Z

With the rise of the smart phone, nearly everyone has a built-in calendar shoved in their pocket or buried in their purse. That said, I type this within mere inches of a hanging wall calendar, replete with hand-written appointments scratched out and penned over with alterations. And I know I'm not alone. The wall calendar remains ubiquitous and with it the opportunity to hang your logo and brand in plain sight for 365 days (sometimes even 366!).

]]> We're not just talking wall calendars either. The versatility of this particular promotional product lends itself to many forms, which means there's a way to take advantage of an established promotional space on nearly any budget. Whether your customer is sliding a card-size calendar out of their wallet from behind a Subway Sandwich frequent customer punch card, taking note of an upcoming dental appointment on a magnet while closing the refrigerator door, or jotting down the time of a lunch appointment in their weekly planner, your company logo is in immediate view. (Note to self: I really shouldn't be allowed to blog just before a meal)

The base form of the calendar is only the very beginning of the customization available. An embossed foil logo on the cover of a burgundy date book communicates an air of austere professionalism. Take the same datebook with a block font combined with a mascot logo and you have a perfect place for students to jot down assignments, stare ruefully at upcoming due dates, or scribble poorly-crafted poetry in the margins.

Wall calendars are great for showing off graphic customization. Submit your own artwork or photography to have displayed all year long, or choose from a seemingly endless source of stock artwork on file- if we've learned nothing from the Internet, it's that you can't go wrong with cats in compromising situations.

By varying the type of calendar you distribute to your customers you increase the potential usefulness of the item and the likelihood they will hold on to your logo all year round. The convenient immediacy of glancing up at a date or the incredibly satisfying tactile experience of tearing off an entire month at a time guarantees the calendar will never go the way of the Mayans (see what I did there?).

The Winter Beanie Cap

2012-12-10T02:01:56Z

A good marketing tactic is to coordinate your promotional products with the seasons. Well winter is upon us and as the weather outside gets frightful, it's time to help your customers bundle up. What's the first item that comes to mind when trying to keep the warmth in? Usually it's a blanket or a sweatshirt. But we are certainly budget-conscious like many of our customers, so it's possible a fleece blanket or embroidered sweat shirt may not be in your price range. This doesn't mean you can't keep with the trends and find a Winter-friendly promotional product. While statistics may vary depending on the source, there is no denying that we do lose a percentage of heat from our head. A warm beanie cap, as it is usually referred to, is a great product that can keep your customers warm.

]]> If you have never considered a beanie cap as a possible promotional product, then let us give you a little history and perspective on its use, features and benefits.

History

For starters, the word 'Beanie" is derived from the word 'bean', which is a reference to a person's head. The first beanie caps were thought to have been worn in the United States in the early 20th century to help hold back hair. Eventually, the beanie cap developed into some helpful headgear to keep one's head warm on cold days. While the beanie is a name most of us are familiar with, other countries have the same style hat but with different names. In Canada, the comfy cap is called a Tuque and in the United Kingdom some refer to it as a bobcap.

Features

Most beanie caps are made of wool, which maximizes warmth and keeps the heat from escaping. Though, other fabrics such as cotton are possible. From a marketing perspective, the appeal of a beanie is that it can be worn by men and women. Beanies are no longer just about warmth, but also fashion. Some are decorated with pompoms on the top, tassels, or an actual brim. And the color choices for a beanie are endless. Beanies have extended their features to cover the entire head, leaving only cut outs for the eyes and mouth. The most important feature of the beanie cap is the logo or insignia that is prominently displayed to highlight a sports team, company name or any other item for brand identify.

Benefits

Warmth: This is an obvious benefit and the reason for promoting the beanie during the winter season.
Affordability: A simple beanie can be an inexpensive, but quality promo product; costing as low as $4.00 each.
Stylish: With a variety of color choices, and fabric options, a beanie can match any customer's needs.
Fashionable: Just because they go on your head doesn't mean they can't be a fashion statement.
Storage: Small and made of fabric means the beanie can be stored in bulk and takes up less space. A great benefit if you need a large quantity.

We hope that you can see that a beanie would not only be an ideal winter promotional product, it can also make a statement. With all the fabric, color and design choices let us help you brainstorm for your promotional beanie in time for the cold season.

The Perks of a Promo

2012-11-26T02:29:42Z

Whether you are a new business or have been around for awhile, never under-estimate the power of a promotional item. The perks of promotional products are ever-present, which is why they have been around for years. Sometimes companies are blinded by the cost of a product or assume a small giveaway would not have a significant impact on their business. Read the five facts below to find the truth behind the perks of a promotional product.

]]> Fast Fact #1: 84% of recipients of promotional items can identify the advertiser. Studies show that when we get a giveaway product, even without the actual company name boldly stamped on it, 8/10 times we can identify the gift giver. Talk about impressive recognition-ability. We often can't remember the names or faces of people we meet, but 84% of the time, your customer will remember you when given a promotional item. That fact by itself should sell you on the importance of promotional products...but wait, there's more!

Fast Fact #2: 42% of recipients of promotional items have a more favorable impression of the advertiser. Whether we admit it or not, when someone comes to visit you and brings you a simple gift, you will have a more favorable impression of them. The same goes in the marketing business. Generally speaking, getting a promotional product from a company can put them in a favorable light. However, it's up to you to keep their impression of you positive. Distributing a great promo item and then messing up an order or overcharging for services, can diminish a favorable impression quickly.

Fast Fact #3: 62% of recipients of promotional items did business with the advertiser after receiving an item. This fact is a direct result of Fact #1 and #2. Remembering the advertiser of the promo product is crucial to ensure you can contact them for an order. Additionally, you will be more likely to do business with a company if you received a product and have a favorable impression of them. The ultimate objective of a giveaway or promotional item is to keep the advertiser prevalent in the minds' of your customers. Being easily identifiable and well-liked can sure help drum up more business.

Fast Fact #4: The average promotional item is kept for 7 months. Don't let this fact cause you to relax your marketing approach. Seven months is certainly a long time and this does mean that there is a higher likelihood your customer will reach out to you if they are holding onto the promo item you gave them. But remember, this is only an average time frame. There are certainly customers that will discard or giveaway the product way before seven months. This means that you need to keep your promotional marketing approach fresh and current. Aim to give out something more often than every seven months or consider a promo item that requires restocking or refreshing.

Fast Fact#5: The average cost per impression (the number of times that a prospect will view your ad) is just $0.004 for promotional items. This easily demonstrates that a promotional product is truly a cost-effective investment. Compare this amount to a magazine ($0.033) or syndicated TV ad ($0.006) and the promotional product reigns supreme.

Whether you are new in business or considered an expert in your industry, we're sure you're looking for the most 'bang for your buck'. A promotional product has several perks to making your business succeed, keeping your brand and logo prevalent and the orders coming in. This is why we are in the business we are in; we know the importance of promotional products!

Accessorize Your Customer's Treasured Cell Phone

2012-11-15T01:44:34Z

We can’t survive without our cell phones (you know it’s true!), so why not feed the need, and outfit your customers with the perfect cell phone accessories. There are a variety of phones on the market, and each cell phone carrier is competing to get your attention by flashing the latest and greatest cell phone features. You may be guilty of standing in line for the recently released iPhone 5! As consumers, we often focus on the phones features, concerned with only how it will improve your work or personal communication experience. The accessories are usually an afterthought, but the truth is they actually are intended to enhance the phone. Some accessories are specific to the phone brand or carrier, but most are universal and have general characteristics that will meet the needs of any savvy cell phone user.

Hands-free talking in the car; it’s the law (well, for some states)!

]]> If you live in one of the 10 states that prohibit the use of hand-held devices while driving, then you know you should not use your cell phone for any reason in the car. You may still sneak a call or text now and then, but for your safety and to avoid tickets, there is no better time to consider one of the many hands-free headsets on the market. A simple ear bud or a complex Bluetooth headset is a must-have phone accessory. They have many benefits: increase multi-tasking ability, improve safe driving, reduce neck pain, and make you look cool! Don’t underestimate the coolness of a slick wireless headset; even the technologically-challenged can look smart with an impressive Bluetooth headset in their ear.

Is your phone’s battery running low? That’s an easy fix!

Cell phone chargers are a necessary accessory, because, we are always on the go and we need to ensure our phones are operational. Yes, cell phones will lose battery juice quick; especially when the phone has 100’s of applications and features. Chargers come in all styles. Some can plug into your car’s lighter, others go directly into an outlet; and for the eco-friendly consumers, there are chargers that run off of solar-power.

Protecting your precious investment is a must.

Again, if you were like so many and waited in line to buy the new iPhone 5, you probably spent a lot of money. Most phones on the market don’t come cheap, and are even more costly to replace when damaged. Every phone can be outfitted with a stylish cell cover or case. Some are specific to the phone type, but there are certainly universal cell phone covers. A cell phone cover is an accessory that can certainly maximize your advertising space, so don’t skip on the colors and wording of your brand and logo when screen printing it.

If you’re a company hoping to give your customers a nifty cell phone accessory give away, here’s a hint: we can never have too many cell phone accessories. Going from home, to our car, to the office, we often lose or forget essential accessories. Having multiples can help solve that problem and it means your logo or company name can be floating around with your customers in every aspect of their personal and professional life.

Reusable Bags Saving the Planet

2012-11-07T20:34:08Z

Whether you like it or not, reusable bags will become one of your shopping tools. Most of us like the idea of using a reusable bag. "Reduce our carbon footprint, "clean up the environment", and "SAVE THE PLANET" are all phrases we would like to adopt in our style of living. Switching to a reusable shopping bag is actually a step in the right direction. Tobegin your journey on this virtuous path to eco-friendly consumerism, you do need to first buy your reusable bags. Like many healthy trends (like going to the gym) we often delay embarking on them because we "don't have the time" or we just keep forgetting to do it. Often times, receiving negative information is the only way to kick-start our healthy habits. To encourage consumers to use a reusable bag when shopping, we will share the 'negative' aspects of continuing to use the disposable bags.

]]> Most of us are aware of the increasing amount of trash accumulating across the globe. When consumers throw away a plastic bag, it will not decompose. If the plastic bag makes its way to a water source, usually via a sewer, it can wreak havoc on marine animals. Simply disposing of your plastic bag in a trash can doesn't mean it won't accidently fly into a nearby gutter and begin its journey out to sea to create an environmental hazard. Paper bags are not immune to harming our environment. Paper bags add to deforestation, which affects air quality, plant growth, global warming....the list goes on.

Have we scared you yet?

If we have, then good, because it means we have encouraged you to look at your shopping habits and made you consider reusable bags. Let's switch gears and look at the positive aspects of reusable bags. What's the most obvious positive feature? It's REUSABLE! Anything that you can use repeatedly avoids the need to replace it, essentially eliminating the amount in existence. Even more obvious is the fact that anything reusable means less money leaves your pocket. Deciding to take reusable bags whenever you shop means you reduce the amount of plastic or paper bags in circulation. If we all continue that trend, we can make a huge difference. The amount of trash will be reduced, animals will be saved, fewer trees will be cut down, global warming will be less drastic and yes, we will begin to SAVE THE PLANET!

Whether you're an individual consumer or a representative for a large company, incorporating reusable bags into your daily living or business-setting can make a dramatic difference. As a company, you can hand out attractive reusable bags with your logo and name to your customers to help them pick up better shopping habits, but also to promote your brand. As an individual, you can actually start utilizing that reusable bag! If we all work together, taking it one step at a time, we can make a difference and SAVE THE PLANET!

Satisfaction Your Customers Can Taste

2012-10-23T04:30:45Z

Promote your business and eat it too! Edible promotional giveaways are nothing new, but often an overlooked marketing approach. They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, the same can be true for your customers or staff. Give them something good to eat and they will love you forever (or at least for the time being). The key to an edible promotional product is to allow your customers or employees to enjoy some good eats, but not to lose sight of your company name.

]]> Customers and staff will always appreciate a tasty snack that creatively represents the company. If your staff just accomplished something great, but your budget doesn't allow you to buy them the expensively, massive trophy you feel they deserve...add a little humor to the situation and get them a chocolate trophy or medal! Even the dieters or 'healthy' eaters will appreciate the gesture and your department budget will not suffer. If you want to thank your customers for their support and don't want to simply treat them to another company lunch, try some personalized cookies with your logo pressed into each of the cookie's soft topsides. Cookies are great, but personalized cookies are even more exciting to receive.

An edible promotional product doesn't need to be fully edible. What does this mean? It means, you can put edibles inside of a container or receptacle adorned with your logo or company name and the customers still get to enjoy something good to snack on. Delivering a jar full of candies to your customer's office certainly goes a long way. Making sure the jar is reusable and colorfully displays your company name ensures customers will remember the gift-giver and keep your company in mind for future services. Recent trends show that more companies are providing large 'group' gifts like a basket of edible goods instead of individual gifts, as they tend to stir up more excitement in the office.

While chocolate, candy or cookies would definitely not disappoint...ready-to-eat items aren't a necessity for successful promotional products. A customized tin of hot chocolate mix or coffee grounds may not allow your customers or staff to eat them right away, but that doesn't mean that wont enjoy the friendly gift in the near future with excitement. Don't overlook the simplicity of an edible gift, timing is certainly important...but we can safely say, the majority of the group will take pleasure from a tasty reward!

Gift baskets are certainly a standard present during the holidays; and we know your customers appreciate them. Instead of giving them the typical basket, try something creative. If your company is in the automotive industry, make the candy holder a large toy pick-up truck with the sweets hitching a ride in the trunk! Gift baskets are certainly easy to find but searching for something unique can take time and energy, leave it to the experts. Believe it or not a promotional marketing company, like us, can certainly help you find the perfect edible gift; whether a gift basket, tin, jar or other fun container for delicious fun, we can find what you need

An edible giveaway or gift is surely an item good for any occasion. Picking the right moment and the right edible product is important. Stay creative with your gift, and just remember a delicious chocolate chip cookie or candy simply can't be ignored.

Wrap Up The Year With The Perfect Corporate Gift

2012-10-23T04:12:29Z

As the holiday season approaches, many employers are starting to ponder corporate gift ideas for their employees. For many employers, showing appreciation for hard work and achievement is not only expected but essential to ensure good faith and improve company moral. A corporate gift should always match the company culture and of course the company budget, yet keep in mind feedback from employees. We are highlighting only a few corporate gift ideas to help get those creative juices flowing in time for the holiday season and the proverbial 'job-well-done' holiday party.

]]> It's one thing to buy your employees a standard pad folio; however, personalizing the pad folio will be the difference between a bland 'Thank you' and a smile with genuine appreciation. Employees can easily pick up a pad of paper from the company office supply room or from a local store, but a stylish leather bound pad folio with their name etched on the front shows much more appreciation for a job well-done. Select the size and features that best match your budget, but factor in the cost of personalization. A pad folio is a timeless gift and will be useful in the workplace for years to come.

With the amount of stuff we drag to and from work, rewarding your employees with a gift they can utilize is always a winner. The beauty of a bag or carrier is that you have a vast amount of choices. Bags and carriers come in several styles. Messenger bags, backpacks, grocery bags, cinch bags, satchels, the list goes on. Bags and carriers don't need to be just an end-of-year gift and often are appropriate for any type of event.

If done right, a company shirt, sweatshirt or hat will be valued by your employee's and worn with pride. It's easy to find a garment that is very light on the wallet, but if your purpose is to reward employees, cheap gifts will not be very successful. Poor quality or a dull style will not only go unappreciated, but also appear a bit insulting. To demonstrate your appreciation for the quality of work done, be sure to give your employees a clothing item of value, made with high quality fabric and take into consideration styles that are popular.

Not every employee is 'tech-savvy', so high tech gifts are not always going to be hit. If you don't know how to use the gift, then it's really not very exciting when you get it. A classic, professional desk or wall clock may seem less exciting but it's simple, and it's safe to assume every employee will understand its function. Clocks come in a variety of shapes, styles, and price ranges. Choose carefully. Since a clock is a very common item and used by employees daily, you need to make sure your gift can be set apart from one that your employee would just pick up at a store. Adorn the clock with the company name or logo. Consider personalization, by adding each employees name to the clock and a short message. While a clock is certainly one of our top corporate gift ideas, selecting something original and creative can make for more appreciative employees.

Treat each year or employee-appreciation event as an opportunity to 'wow' your staff and truly show your admiration for your employees by selecting the perfect corporate gift. The ideas are endless; now is the time to pair up with your sales rep to start the process of finding and creating the ideal gift.

Marketing the Science of a Stress Ball

2012-10-10T00:58:27Z

They're called 'stress balls' but do they really help eliminate stress? Or are they just a helpful promotional product? Somewhere in our social history, it was determined that we deal with a lot of stress and that squeezing onto a firm but plush ball would help alleviate that stress.

But is it science or just good product promotion? It's actually a bit of both! The truth is the stress ball has been used by people for a very long time. The stress balls of today are a bit more 'flashy' and go beyond the simple skill of alleviating stress.

]]> The science of a stress ball is that it actually serves to distract and often gives people emotional release by repeated squeezing. A stress ball can do more than just help with emotional stress, but also physical ailments such as arthritis, rheumatism and can improve blood circulation. See! It's not a fake, there is science! The stress ball does serve a purpose beyond furthering brand identity. If you work in an office setting, like we do, you are constantly typing and using a mouse to complete your daily work (even typing this blog will fatigue our hands). A simple stress ball can help exercise the muscles of the hand and have been known to help avoid or reduce carpal-tunnel syndrome.

Now that we understand more of the science, you will see how it feeds directly into the promotional aspect of the amazing stress ball giveaway! If you have a product that promotes the reduction of stress, and the increase in positive hand-mechanics then you have a giveaway that is going to be popular with customers. Even better, is the fact that contrary to earlier belief, a stress ball doesn't even need to be round to be effective. Any shape will do! This is where you step in and make a health-promoting item your own brand campaign.

Take our company for instance. We could make a stress ball in the shape of a gorilla head or maybe a miniature gorilla. The stress ball (or stress gorilla) would promote the benefits of good health, but people may walk up to you curious as to why you are so intensely squeezing onto a miniature gorilla. We could take our promotional campaign a step further and create a banana-shaped stress ball, with all the colors and features of your normal grocery store banana. Outfit the stress banana with our logo and company name and TA DA, another great product to easily promote our company.

So, the more unique the shape, the more it will catch people's attention. Don't be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to using a stress ball for your next promotional product. Custom orders are our specialty!