It goes without saying that non-profit organisations are not in the business of making money. As a result, they rely on donors to get the necessary funds to help achieve their goals. However, coming up with engaging marketing strategies to attract people willing to invest can be a daunting task. Fortunately, promotional products are an affordable and efficient tool that can increase the non-profit’s brand awareness and entice potential donors.
How Can Promotional Products Boost Non-Profit Organisations?
Generally speaking, the purpose of promotional items is to spread the word about a brand, its mission and its values. That way, people will be able to recall the said company and do business with them in the future. For example, think about how many branded products you see every day such as pens, bags, or polo shirts, and how they influence your decision to purchase or support a company. The chances are that you also use those products each day in public, enticing others to give that brand a try.
By investing in high-quality promo items like tote bags, customised mugs, or even jelly beans, you also build a strong relationship between your organisation and its partners and volunteers. That will increase the success of your non-profit organisation and its cause. But let’s look closer at each of these benefits and get a better understanding of how you can use promotional products to benefit your organisation.
Promotional Items Help Build Connections
Let’s be honest — everybody loves gifts. So, why not use that in your organisation’s favour? Gifting branded promotional items will show that you care about your recipients, no matter whether they are your volunteers, donors or partners. That way, you increase their loyalty and the likelihood of supporting your cause.
Additionally, connections built through promotional items can last for years on end. As a matter of fact, your audience will remember your brand whenever they use or see the branded products, despite how much time has passed since they received them.
Just remember to choose promotional products that align with your non-profit’s mission and values. For instance, if you promote eco-friendly values and use your organisation to combat climate change, you should focus on giving biodegradable or recycled items.
Promotional Items Improve Your Non-Profit Outreach
An important benefit of promotional items is their ability to increase your outreach, thus opening up more partnership opportunities. That’s because they have the ability to encourage conversations about your non-profit. More specifically, people who receive branded items are more likely to share stories and opinions regarding your organisation, particularly online.
To get the most out of promotional products, make sure to tie them with other methods of outreach, such as trade shows, fundraisers, and conferences. As an example, you could give away specific products when a certain donation goal is reached, or offer them to your long-time partners. Either way, you’ll make people interested in your mission, thus increasing your chances of getting (bigger) donations and volunteers.
Although most promotional items have the ability to improve your outreach, some are more effective than others. Try to go for products that spark conversations and catch the attention of people passing by. So, while pens or mugs can be effective, a branded notebook or drawstring backpack is ten times more noticeable. Similarly, you can fill gift bags with promotional products to create the ultimate swag box.
Promotional Items Increase Brand Recognition
At the end of the day, having your brand recognised by people, even those who are not invested in your organisation, is extremely important. Even though branding promotional items are typically used by large corporations to entice people to their products, non-profits can also take advantage of this marketing strategy. Just choose a product that aligns with your mission, customise it with your logo, organisation name, or slogan and give it away to your volunteers or donors.
Don’t forget that the more your branded items are used in public, the more people will notice them and eventually search for your non-profit to learn about the cause you promote. Therefore, consider products that can be used in social places, such as libraries, parks or at the office. Items like branded bags and water bottles are practical and versatile, allowing your recipients to use them on the go.
Another way to use marketing campaigns is to brand a couple of apparel items and have your volunteers wear them. That will create a sense of community and make your team feel like an actual family. Additionally, if your volunteers wear the branded equipment during special events like fundraisers, they will increase brand recognition and spread awareness about your cause.
Promotional Items Don’t Require a Big Budget
One of the biggest challenges for non-profit organisations is having to manage a limited budget. And with so many expenses, few have enough money to launch professional marketing campaigns. Luckily, promotional products provide a low-cost and effective alternative to traditional marketing strategies.
Since there are dozens of manufacturers, each with different prices, you can choose the one that fits your budget better. If you can afford to spend more, it’s best to pick high-quality products, but if you are short on cash, you can search for a new manufacturer that offers its products at a lower price.
Furthermore, promotional suppliers allow organisations to buy items in bulk for conferences and other events that they might plan. That way, you can scale the size of your order based on your budget. And thanks to discounts and special offers, you’ll constantly find new ways to save money.
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Make a Difference With Branded Promotional Products
All in all, the end goal of any non-profit organisation is to have a positive impact on society. These goals often involve supporting a group or a cause through the use of donations and sponsorships. However, you’ll have to build relationships with potential investors and donors by making them aware of your mission.
With the help of promotional products, you’ll be able to reach a wider audience and send your message without having to spend thousands of pounds on big-budget marketing strategies. And best of all, with so many options, you’ll be able to find the perfect promo item regardless of your target audience and the cause that you stand behind.
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Go over our vast collection of promotional products, and choose the ones you like best. Then, contact us at 0800 0148 970 or simply email us today — your way to seamless marketing is just a call away!
