5 super useful things you can give away to promote your startup

Promoting a startup business can be a hugely daunting task, particularly when it comes to deciding which method is likely to deliver the most effective results.

Digital marketing has become the go-to resource for many new entrepreneurs, although it is still possible to utilise more traditional offline methods to promote a company.

Spending time marketing your startup will reap rewards further down the line, helping raise awareness of your business and thus growing your customer database.

It is important to find methods that are suitable to your particular industry by avoiding things that your customers don’t wish to engage with.

Read on as we look at five super useful things you can give away to promote your startup.

Traditional business cards still work

Investing in a well-designed business card remains one of the most effective ways to get your startup business noticed. Make sure you choose a unique design that reflects your brand values and creativity.

Always ensure that everyone in your company who deals with customers or prospective clients has their own to give away, as they are the easiest way to get your details into the hands of key decision-makers.

There are plenty of cheap, templated business card generators available, but if you want something that stands out from the crowd it pays to source a specialist designer and print shop.

Remember that your business card is a physical extension of your company’s brand, so keep all of your printed marketing materials consistent.

In an age where digital platforms have taken over many aspects of marketing, printed business cards are still a fantastic way to promote your startup enterprise.

Customers love freebies

There are thousands of different products you can give way that will help to spread the word about your new business.

Ordering promotional pens is one of the simplest ways to gain instant brand recognition, whether they are used around the workplace or handed out at external conferences and events.

If you’re looking for something more substantial, a pair of headphones are another great way to get your brand noticed. With many people using them for gaming or listening to music while on the move, they are an innovative way to promote your company’s message.

It is important to choose the right pair of headphones for your brand. Always keep in mind that the product reflects your business, so make sure you buy something that is built to last.

Mugs, bags, flasks and items of clothing are other great promotional items that will attract customers to your brand.

Head down the technology route

The best promotional products are all about usefulness, and tech giveaways are amongst the most popular items with many recipients.

USB flash drives, chargers, power banks, stylus pens and USB hubs are super useful products that people will use time and again. Mobile or tablet cases, laptop bags and mouse mats are other cool tech items worthy of consideration.

However, one of the most effective tech ideas is a promotional USB flash drive bracelet. Traditional flash drives are easy to misplace, but a bracelet version is the perfect giveaway for people on-the-go.

Bluetooth speakers, phone stands and selfie sticks are other modern promotional items well worthy of consideration.

Make the most of printed marketing material

Much like business cards, printed marketing materials are still a great way to get your message out to your target market.

Printing flyers or producing catalogues may seem an old-fashioned tactic, but they are a cost effective way to quickly get your message to hundreds or thousands of consumers.

Spending time creating something that is informative will ensure that your printed materials aren’t discarded easily, so make sure yours are practical for reading, keeping and saving for a significant period of time.

It is also important to make sure that whoever designs your marketing materials understands the basics of colour and design psychology and function, in order to maximise the return on your investment.

Knowledge is power

If you can position yourself as an expert in your chosen industry, there are numerous opportunities where you can help people and get airtime for your business at the same time.

Appearances on local radio, contributions to newspapers or features in magazines are excellent ways to gain advertising for your startup business.

Giving away useful content or information free of charge will also help to expose your company to a much wider audience.

Setting up a blog, building a strong social media profile or creating instructional videos are superbly creative ways of adding value to the lives of existing or new customers.

Investing time into developing an active online presence will show that you are serious about making your startup a success and give people confidence that your business is one worth dealing with.