Perhaps now with the prevalence of the Internet, it is more important than ever to foster trust in our stakeholder relationships. Whether it's with your staff, your shareholders, or your clients, trust goes a long way to building your business in both size and standing. So how do you use promotional merchandise to build trust? We've put together a short guide to get you started.

1. Provide useful and personalised products.
2. Personalisation enhances trust and brand recall.
3. Promotional products build trust in relationships.

Trust-Building Through Promo Items: How?

Know Your Recipient

The most important factor in using promotional products to market your brand is understanding who you're aiming to give them to. If you plan to hand a set of promotional metal pens to your internal sales team, your motivation and even product pick are unlikely to be the same as if you were to select pens to distribute at a tradeshow alongside your competitors.

The first step is to do your research and learn about your ideal recipient; where they work, what they do, what they hope to gain from engaging with you. Then you'll be able to appreciate what product might be functional for their particular requirements.

Provide a Useful Product

One size doesn't necessarily fit all -- similarly, don't assume that the same branded product given to one audience will suit another. By researching your recipients, you'll come to understand what is important to them and what struggles they may face on an everyday basis. Using this knowledge, you can select a promotional product that best fills their gaps.

For example, if your client has a large sales team on the road, they might benefit from logo branded power banks to keep their phones charged while travelling. 

If you provide a product like this you'll enjoy regular brand exposure in addition to a growing sense of trust -- you know what they need, you've given them something they will use rather than providing something they won't (like a beach towel to a farmer's association).

Use The Product as a Stepping Stone

Don't just hand out products and assume your marketing is done. Part of what makes promotional products so valuable to businesses is the fact that they assist you in making connections. It might be as simple as distributing a notepad with your company contact details on it so recipients may refer back to it in the future at their leisure, or as complex as using the exchange of goods at a meeting to establish a one-on-one partnership.

The key to using branded merchandise well is to use it as one cog in your overall machine   For more marketing advice check out our Tips & Ideas section or give our customer care team a call on 1300 858 288 for tailored assistance.

Understanding the Power of Personalisation

Personalising promotional products can have a significant impact on trust-building efforts. Here are four reasons why personalization is crucial:

• Establishes a Personal Connection: By customising promotional merchandise with recipients' names or other relevant details, you create a sense of personal connection. This personal touch shows that you value and appreciate them as individuals.
• Enhances Perceived Value: Personalization adds value to your promotional products. When recipients see their name or a customised message on an item, it makes them feel special and valued. This increased perceived value creates a positive impression and strengthens trust.
• Increases Brand Recall: Personalised products have a higher chance of being remembered and retained. When recipients see their name or logo on a useful item, it reinforces your brand in their memory. This increased brand recall contributes to the establishment of trust and fosters long-term relationships.
• Reflects Attention to Detail: Personalization demonstrates your attention to detail and reflects your commitment to providing a tailored experience. By going the extra mile to customise promotional products, you show recipients that you genuinely care about meeting their specific needs.

Takeaway

In conclusion, using promotional products is a powerful way to build trust in your stakeholder relationships. By understanding your recipients and providing them with useful and personalised items, you can create a sense of personal connection and enhance the perceived value of your brand. Utilising promotional products as a stepping stone to further engagement is key to maximising their impact. So go ahead and incorporate promotional merchandise into your marketing strategy to foster trust, strengthen relationships, and grow your business.