6 Ideas to Turn Your Customer Holiday Gifts Into a Marketing Tool

Remind them of you:

The simplest way to make your holiday gift a marketing tool is to choose a promotional product with your company’s name and/or logo on it. But for best results, make sure it’s something your client will actually use-ideally, in a setting when they’ll be thinking about buying what you sell. Also make sure it matches your brand and is relevant to your business.

For example, if you sell accounting services to businesses, a high-quality pen set, a pad folio for notes, or a travel coffee mug is likely to be used at or on the way to work when the client is thinking business.

If you are a cyber security company, a tech item would be a great gift.

Personalize it:

A promotional product with your logo isn’t the only way to put your personal touch on a corporate gift. For instance, if you own a graphic design business, you could design your own wrapping paper or gift boxes for your gifts (be sure to add a label that says you designed it!). This way, you’re subtly reminding clients of your talents while they open your gift. If you own an interior design firm, you could make gift wrap or ribbons out of leftover fabric swatch.

Give what you make or sell:

This not only saves money because you’re using your own inventory, but also reminds the client of your quality product. Every time the client drinks a cup of coffee made with your fresh-roasted beans, uses your handmade stationary or puts his iPod in your leather case or holder, he’ll be reminded why he does business with you.

Deliver your gifts by hand:

If your clients are local, make an impact by delivering your holiday gifts yourself. THE PERSONAL TOUCH! Make a brief appointment so you’re not interrupting, and spend the time catching up with the client. Don’t make this a hard-sell sales call, but listen for clues as to how you may be able to help them in the future, and cement your interest in working with them again next year.

Give the gift of time:

Instead of giving a physical gift, take key clients out to breakfast or coffee-something brief that provides a break in their busy days, but also gives you time to reconnect. You’ll stand out from the crowd of social media connections by simply being present in real life, and you’ll be top of mind when the client turns to next year’s budget.

Give the gift of information:

A business book or magazine subscription that’s relevant to your client’s industry, challenges and interests shows you put some thought into what will help her get ahead in the coming year. Plus, you can follow-up later by asking the client how she likes the book and why you thought it might be helpful to her… inquire nicely into how your business might be helpful as well. And if you’ve procrastinated, this is a quick and easy gift.

This article was written by Patricia Desiderio, founder and owner of Patty’s Gifts and Basket LLC, Trading As: Patty’s Promotions, a promotional products / ad specialty distributor and gift company. Contact info: http://www.pattyspromotions.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Patricia_Desiderio/64655
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