promotional item | clearly conveyed communications

When the Livestrong Foundation (formerly known as the Lance Armstrong Foundation) launched the iconic yellow silicone wristband in 2004 as a fundraising initiative, I hoped it would raise some money for a worthy cause. I had no idea that it would catch on across the country — and around the world — as one of the hottest promotional products around. To date, over 80 million Livestrong bands have been sold, inspiring countless other charitable organizations, companies and brands to share their message in this popular manner.

Silicone wristbands are so popular even Elvis has his eye on them.

Like so many others, I thought this trend would never last. Who would want to wear these promotional wristbands? Nearly everyone, it turns out. From young to old and red to blue, people of all ages, nationalities, genders, political beliefs and lifestyles want to rock a wristband. That’s one of many reasons the silicone wristband is here to stay. Ten years later, this staple promotional product is produced in a plethora of colors promoting metro parks to marathons and everything in between.

If you’re interested in promoting your company or brand with a reminder around the wrist, keep the following variables in mind:

decoration method
imprint location
imprint colors
band sizes
band colors
packaging options
quantity
in-hands date

All of these factors can affect your pricing, and different options make sense for different objectives.

In addition to exposure, silicone wristbands are also helpful at events. Hand them out to attendees at concerts, conferences and sporting events to easily identify who should be admitted and who shouldn’t. They’re durable, easily spotted and can be kept long after the event for continued exposure and as a keepsake.

Whatever your message is, it’ll go far on a silicone wristband.

Weigh In

What silicone wristbands are in your collection?

Are you surprised at this product’s staying power or did you think it would be a hit?

When did you get your first silicone wristband?

Have you promoted your brand, company, cause, organization or event with one?

Rockin’ the wristband,
Jaime

We don’t have wristbands, but we do have social networks. Connect with CCC!

CCC is excited to welcome Jasmine from GadgetsFactory.com, who is sharing her insight on the effectiveness of promotional products as marketing tools. Enjoy!

Promotional products are considered powerful marketing tools because they can attract or gain the attention of potential customers in more efficient and inexpensive ways than other forms of advertising. Your company logo becomes more recognizable when people see it on products that are being used by several different people.

USB drives can be an effective way to promote your brand.
Pic credit: Best-Supplier, Inc.

One reason for their effectiveness is the utility that these products can offer to recipients. People will likely appreciate them and use them on a regular basis, so they are considered gifts and not just product advertisements. Other benefits of promotional products are their cost (especially per impression) and ability to be customized. Depending on the item and quantity purchased, costs for your order can be held in check so you don’t have to commit your entire marketing budget to one project. These items can also be easily customized to add different logos, brand names or company slogans at a very reasonable cost. With that in mind, you can be sure that your marketing dollars will not go to waste.

83% of American consumers surveyed like receiving a promotional product with an advertising message

Promotions and endorsement work in two ways with promotional products. First, receiving branded products motivates recipients to support the company who gave them the product. The next time recipients need your products or services, they’ll be more likely to remember you. Branded promotional products also do an excellent job of creating awareness and informing people about new goods or services. As recipients use the promotional item (or pass it along to a friend or co-worker), they’ll likely refer your company to others (verbally or just by using the branded item). Basically, your recipients will do the marketing for you. Remember, people are more likely to listen to product and company recommendations from friends, family, co-workers or others they’re acquainted with. If your promotional products impress people, recipients will be happy to let people know about your company.

Items such as custom USB drives and other technology products and accessories have become popular today and are generally well received. These products work well with newer gadgets or electronic devices, so people are usually familiar with them. If you’re trying to stick to a budget, don’t assume that technology products are out of reach. Accessories can lower the cost and still reach your desired audience.

Statistic source: The Effectiveness of Promotional Products as an Advertising Medium, PPAI