A notebook is a fantastic example of a useful promotional item you could use to build brand awareness. Even though most of us have smartphones, writing down notes, to-do lists, and ideas is still a favourite way for many people to make sure they memorise bits of their days.
Every time someone picks up a printed notebook with your branding on it, they become a part of your promotional strategy. Essentially, the notebook puts your brand name, logo, and any other branded content in front of curious eyes — some of which may become customers one day.
But how important is the size of the notebooks if you want to use them to promote your business? Is there a general consensus as to using A4 or A5 sizes to achieve the highest ROI?
The Size You Go for Depends on Various Factors
The Recipient
Depending on who will receive the notebook, you might have to go for different sizes and design options.
If you’re planning an internal corporate giveaway, you should consider your staff’s needs. More often than not, your employees may appreciate a bigger type, such as a custom A4 notebook. This size may also be ideal if you’re promoting your business at a university or in a school.
On the other hand, clients may prefer a branded notebook that clearly shows off your logo, tagline, and/or your brand colouring. However, they may not get much use out of a bigger notebook. Instead, offer them the more client-friendly branded A5 notebook .
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The Purpose
Another consideration to keep in mind is how the notebook will be used. Usually, this factors in primarily for internal giveaways when you’re creating branded notebooks for your own employees to use on a daily basis.
In general, you should take into account whether your staff will use the notebooks for notes and sketches — or perhaps at client meetings. If it’s the former, you’re better off ordering some larger format plain notepads (A4). However, if your employees will take the notebooks with them to meetings, it’s much more practical to get a smaller size (A5). These won’t take up much space in a folder or bag, so they’ll be easy to carry around!
Your industry also plays a crucial role in determining which size notebooks you should order. If your field of work is a bit creative (graphic design, fashion, etc.), then it makes more sense to hand out branded plain paper A6 notebooks. These should prove convenient for sketching on the go, short notes, and more.
In contrast, lined paper and A5 notebooks (easy to haul around in a briefcase or folder!) are a better option for an industry that doesn’t involve any drawing or visual note-taking. Accountants, managers, salespeople and the like should find these most helpful, especially if they must take neatly written notes for later use.
The Setting
But size also matters when you’re deciding on when or how you will be handing out your notebooks. For example, if you’re eager to give away bags full of freebies, a larger notepad or notebook (size A6, for instance) might not be so convenient. It may not fit into the bag, or it could take up so much space that you don’t have room for anything else.
On the other hand, a larger format and bold design could garner more attention at a trade show or convention. You want your freebies to stand out in those situations so that everyone gets a glimpse of your branding.
Don’t Forget to Consider Your Competitors and Their Giveaways
Finally, in order to maximise the impact of your promotional material, consider your competitors’ merchandise. Learning from others’ mistakes could get you very far in impressing your target audience.
In terms of notebooks, pick up your competitors’ and carefully study the format and the design. Take into account the pros and cons of their promotional material and then improve yours by avoiding their shortcomings.
For example, if their branding isn’t visible enough on their notebooks, ensure yours stand out more. Make it bigger and brighter than theirs so that it attracts more attention.
Similarly, consider using a different size to help your material stand out. If everyone else is giving away bigger notebooks, your smaller ones may prove to be more tempting. Their appeal grows since your brand is the only one that offers them!
Final Thoughts
Leaving a lasting impression is the goal here, so you shouldn’t order just any notebooks. Every time someone goes to use your branded product, it should boost brand awareness further by making your business branding linger in the user’s mind.
Therefore, take your time to consider your target audience, industry standards, and how and where the freebies will be used. Analyse which formats and designs are the most attractive to your audience — and which are memorable enough to both impress and stay in use for longer.
Above all, keep practicality in mind; otherwise, your notebook may end up being unused and instead stay forgotten in the back of a drawer. Even worse, it may get thrown in the bin right away!
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Take a look at our full catalog of promotional paper products which includes eco notepads, sticky notes, and desk calendars. If you require further information or have any specific questions, don’t hesitate to give a member of our experienced team a call on 0800 0148 970 or simply email us today. You may also wish to consider complementing your order of notebooks with some custom budget pens, branded highlighters, or even some printed colouring sets which are sure to be well received by customers and employees alike!
