What would your client do if you handed them a flyer for your business? Would they hang it up in their office? Probably not. In fact, if you hand a client a flyer for your business, it’s more than likely going to end up in the recycle bin. Now, instead, what if you gave that same client a useful calendar? Would they have that up in their office? Probably yes. While a client sees a flyer as a blatant advertisement, they see a calendar, even one with your logo on it, as a gift. A calendar gift is one that clients will keep around for the long-term, increasing visibility for your business, building your brand, and keeping your company top of mind.
Why Branded Calendars Work
Calendars with your logo are one of the most discreet but efficient ways to build brand awareness. They are also something that most people use daily. With just one promotional product, you are getting 12 full months of marketing. Your calendar will stay on a prospective customer’s wall or desk for an entire year, reinforcing your brand identity and creating brand recall. Promotional items, particularly ones that people frequently use, help make a positive connection between your brand and your prospects and customers. Whether you choose to hand out calendars at a trade show or send them out as part of a direct mail campaign, branded calendars work.
Who created printed calendars?
Printed calendars have been popular since the invention of the printing press in the 15th century. A printer named Jasper Meek is often considered to be the originator of promotional calendars in the 19th century.
Branded Calendars are Practical
Branded calendars don’t need to be cliche or boring. Make your calendar a practical gift that customers will love to use. Think about how many times a day the average person consults their calendar, remembering that each one of those glances equals another time your customer or prospect will think about your business. Even with the surge of digital alternatives, printed calendars have sustained popularity. In a study from the Advertising Specialty Institute, nearly 90% of consumers claimed that promotional calendars were useful and worth keeping.
Calendars are not only practical for customers; they are practical for businesses as well. Start by prominently displaying your business name, logo, and contact information. Use your calendar as a product calendar, promoting a different product or service each month, or even on specific days. Create a unique web address or QR code to include on every page of your calendar. Point out the address to customers and use it to promote offers specifically for calendar recipients. Finally, make the calendar personal by adding stickers or a handwritten note before distributing.
Branded Calendars Have Universal Appeal
Branded calendars have a universal appeal, making them valuable in any industry or line of business. Calendars are a common sight in offices and homes across the country. Everyone wants to be more organized at work and at home, and nothing offers the same satisfaction as checking off a task on a physical printed calendar. The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) reports that calendars generate the second-greatest number of impressions, behind writing instruments. Give your audience something they will use and get rewarded by staying at the top of people’s priority lists when making a purchase. You can further increase the appeal of your calendar by tailoring it to the needs or interests of your clients.
Branded Calendars are Cost-Effective
Branded calendars cost mere pennies a day to advertise your business. Let’s say you plan to order full-color custom calendars for a cost of $5 per calendar. That works out to less than 42 cents per month and less than 2 pennies per day. With that kind of affordability, thinking of all the existing customers as well as potential clients you could be reaching every day. Branded calendars are budget-friendly! A small initial investment could help you target hundreds of customers.
Branded Calendars Build Your Brand
What promotional product can give your brand over 2,000 impressions? According to ASI, it’s logoed calendars, with consumers reporting that they keep promotional calendars for about 12 months on average. Whether you put your logo on a mini-calendar or a full-color large daily calendar, your business name and logo are right there for your customers to see. Put your logo on a calendar and get 365 days worth of advertising.
Show your clients you are there for them every day of the year with a branded calendar. At Safeguard, we have the ideas and advice on how you can mix promotional items into your marketing plan. Contact us today and discover all the ways Safeguard can help you build your business.