A study from the Advertising Specialty Institute found that in 2016 promotional bags generated more advertising impressions in the U.S. than any other promotional product. More than pens, calenders, mugs and even the beloved t-shirt. Although women in the U.S. are much more likely to own a bag than men (57% of women vs. 42% of men) promotional bags are an excellent way to showcase your business brand, logo or campaign/event message. A logoed branded bag generates over 5,700 impressions on average. That’s a pretty healthy number when considering the cost per impression compared to other advertising medium.
The age group among women most likely to own a logoed bag is 18-24 at 57% (Think college students and young professionals as a target market here.) 49% of senior women, ages 65 and older are also a great demographic for targeting with a promotional bag. Woman carry things. For everyone it seems. If they consider your company’s logoed bag a good looking and useful item, you can count on residual marketing for a few years at least depending on the material quality and functionality. I remember bags from vendors for years. Estee’ Lauder’s promotional gift bags are some of my favorites. Always well-designed with great quality workmanship. Its interesting to me (and a great lesson) as a marketer that the logo is not always pronounced on the item itself-a blind embossed logo or zipper pull. Minimal real estate is used to create a classy look, yet I remember and even refer to it as my “Estee’ Bag.”
Men too are increasingly aware of the brand value of carrying handsome bags to and from the office, home and travel sites.
“One of the key pieces that any guy can own is a nice leather briefcase,” says Sabine. “A nicely made bag should last generations.”
All types of branded bags are making inroads to once female preferred gift wish lists-laptop bags, backpacks, duffels, messenger, shopping and travel bags. Corporate Gifts that are most likely to be valued by men are name brand upscale leather bags. Many of our clients at Fina Promos are choosing handsome leather bags as executive gifts, service awards and client thank you gifts. One of the favorite golf outing gifts we provide for The Annual Arnold Palmer Golf outing for Latrobe Hospital is a black leather shoe bag.
According to a recent article on Forbes.com, a recent study found that half of the people working for large organizations in the U.S. would be proud to wear company gear outside of work. Do not underestimate promoting your company brand to your own employees, as they can have a positive impact spreading goodwill about your organization and company culture.
Read MoneyCNN’s article about why men should own a man bag.
Here is a revealing infographic from the Advertising Specialty Institute
- Promotional Bags are the most popular Promotional Product Item in 2016. Need help creating an effective promotional strategy for 2017? Sign up for our newsletter and get promo product ideas delivered to your inbox twice monthly.
The Design Is Simple (but not boring.) Stay focused on one strength. Not two. Not three. Just one. What is the one thing that you want others to identify with your brand? I know it is very tempting to want to emphasize the countless wonders of your products and services, but stay focused. What adjective would others use to describe your company? Chose your design and logo color accordingly. Use a focus group if you have to, but pick your strongest asset(s) and start from there. An excellent example of this is Cisco’s new logo and the colors they chose for their re-branding. Cisco is not an acronim. It is an abbreviation of “San Fransico.”
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