Promotional Products and Advertising Campaigns Throughout History

by On Point Promotions | September 9, 2020

Promotional products have been a part of successful marketing strategies dating all the way back to the very first trade show in 1941. However, the very first promotional product in U.S. history was created for George Washington all the way back in 1789. It was a commemorative button made especially for Washington's presidential run.

The buttons were a big hit, and because Washington's campaign was so successful, promotional items began appearing everywhere. That's how we got almanacs, rulers, calendars, and other small gifts conveyed to consumers in the hopes of driving sales.

In the late 1800s, a newspaper salesman was the first marketer to create a promotional gift bag. It was a burlap sack with marketing messages on the outside, which he gave away to a local shoe store. That shoe store gave the promotional bags to school children, and a new marketing scheme was born.

Many decades later, after the very first trade shows, promotional products are still king when it comes to retaining business and cultivating new relationships with customers. Promotional gifts create brand loyalty and recognition. They are a constant communication channel between you and your potential customers.

There are lots of reasons to go with this tried and true promotional product marketing model.

• Strengthens relationships between customers and other businesses
• Provides low-cost advertising options
• Stimulates sales
• Encourages brand recognition and recall
• Allows you to reach potential clients without geographical limitations
• Offers unlimited branding options

Because of the unlimited branding options, you can truly create unique gifts for your customers by using your logo and brand colors.

Throughout history, the most common, long-standing promotional campaigns offer:

An economic incentive. This could be a magnet that's also a coupon or a discount code on a notebook. Your economic incentive program could include a free plant, along with your company's information and a limited time offer on a promotional planter pot. A point-of-sale action. When attending trade shows, or talking to a customer at the cash register, a personal point-of-sale gift is a perfect way to introduce your company or end a conversation. Direct contact has a significant impact on a consumer's decision-making process.

An advertising gift. This is probably the most standard promotional offer. An advertising gift is a promotional item that's useful and practical, which also has your company information. Popular offerings include pens, cups, and t-shirts.

Just as the buttons secured Washington's win, these personalized elements are useful in the daily lives of your customers. The gifts ensure that your company is always at the forefront of their minds. Taking advantage of this unique marketing strategy nearly guarantees new customers and higher sales numbers.

If you're ready to talk about your next marketing campaign, call us at 317-762-4309 to discuss our special offers.

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