Most companies, no matter what they sell, struggle with getting brand recognition. However, instead of wasting thousands on pop-up ads or annoying flyers, one of the best marketing methods is actually a rather unconventional one. It’s called branded headphones. Yes, as unbelievable as it seems, branded headphones and earbuds are the ultimate way to promote a business. And this is in no small part thanks to the power of music.
Music is often called food for the soul. It’s fun, relaxing, and can even be therapeutic, alleviating symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression. Not to mention that everybody loves it, with 64% of Brits listening to their favourite tunes every single day. And since modern technology has allowed us to experience music in greater quality than ever, what’s the most common way people listen to it? Why, through headphones of course!
This is why headphones are the perfect logo branded giveaways. Since everybody owns a pair, they have massive appeal and an incredibly wide reach. Not to mention that they make a brand more likeable. Music is synonymous with pleasure, so any company that wants to foster a positive image amongst consumers should let branded headphones do their promo.
Types of Promotional Headphones
The world is full of incredible music. But not everyone is going to enjoy it the same way. Depending on one’s preference, there is a variety of headphones currently available on the market. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, and while they all make for good branded items, some are more expensive than others.
1. Supra-Aural Headphones
While this name might seem very fancy, it actually just refers to a pair of classic headphones. More specifically it refers to those big, chunky headphones with a headband that connects two speakers that go on the ears. These small earcups not only prevent the headphones from sliding off, but they also isolate sound very well, resulting in crisp audio quality.
However, their cup size is also their biggest weakness. Because the cups press against the ear, they don’t do a good job at isolating external noise. Their price range is also fairly budget-friendly. Most decent quality on-ear headphones start at £10. This figure is excellent for companies that want to gift a more prestigious branded item to a large number of customers.
2. Circumaural Headphones
Again, the name might seem fancy, but it also refers to a classic pair of headphones. However, the key difference between circumaural and supra-aural is the earcup shape. While supra-aural headphones press against the ear, circumaural go around it.
This not only completely isolates outside noise, but provides highly detailed sound quality. In light of this, it’s no wonder that circumaural headphones are a favourite amongst professional musicians. But the godlike sound quality comes at a price.
For one, these headphones are fairly large, weighing up to 500g. They’re also very expensive, with the most affordable pair starting at £49. While this makes circumaural headphones amazing luxury brand items, they’re most definitely not something that can be purchased in bulk.
3. Ear-fitting Headphones
Probably the most common and most affordable types of headphones, ear-fitting headphones are the kings of convenience. As their name suggests, they go directly into the ear, which allows users to experience music at its most intimate. They come in two varieties— earphones, which go into the outer ear, and promotional earbuds which go into the ear canal.
Both options are lightweight, easy to carry, and let users have greater spatial awareness. While they lack the noise-isolating properties of the previous two entries, they are capable of providing solid sound quality, especially if they come from a reputable brand. A bonus is that they’re incredibly affordable as well. Starting at just £2 apiece, they’re perfect for companies that need to do large scale promotions at a low cost.
4. Wireless Headphones
This next entry is technically cheating, since it doesn’t refer to a specific type of headphones. Rather, it just means any type of headphones that don’t have a wire. This can include circumaural, super-aural, earphones and earbuds.
The wireless variety of headphones has become quite popular in recent years, due to their convenience. Because they use Bluetooth technology to connect to devices, they spare users the hassle of having to deal with annoying wires. Their biggest downside, however, is their price tag.
While affordable wireless headphones exist, their starting price is still between £20 – £40. This might be good news for companies who want a fantastic luxury branded item to hand at the next corporate event. But, for those on a tighter budget, standard earphones/earbuds might be a better fit.
5. Noise-Cancelling Headphones
This entry is a definite must-have for frequent travellers. Noise-cancelling headphones boast large, cushy ear-cups that completely isolate outside noise. This makes them perfect for long flights when users just want to enjoy their favourite music or book without any pesky ambient noise to ruin the experience.
Much like wireless headphones, noise-cancelling headphones can be circumaural, super-aural and earphone/earbud variety. But, since they require high-quality materials to work, they usually cost a pretty penny. The most affordable pair starts at £69 apiece, meaning that they will make suitable gifts for things like corporate giveaways.
6. Bone-Conduction Headphones
This entry stands out amongst the others on this list. This is because bone-conduction headphones don’t actually transmit noise. Rather, they transfer sound by sending vibrations through the ear bones. This makes bone-conduction headphones the promo item of choice for companies that want to cater to customers who have difficulty hearing.
Since they’re such a nice item, they predictably have a big price tag. Most bone-conduction headphones start at around £50. However, for companies that want to be inclusive, they’re the perfect gift for employees with hearing issues.
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What are Headphones & Earbuds Good For?
As amazing as those different kinds of headphones are, are they really worth the investment? The answer is absolutely! As mentioned, music isn’t just a fun little distraction. It has serious therapeutic benefits that any company invested in their customers’ well-being should take advantage of.
1. They Can Boost Memory
While a lot of people prefer peace and quiet while they’re studying, a surprising number of learners enjoy playing music while in their books. This is largely due to different learning styles. About 30% of the world’s population are classified as auditory learners. This means that they remember information best if they hear it, or if it’s accompanied by some kind of rhythm or tone.
Therefore, anyone who is currently cramming for an exam will appreciate receiving a pair of branded headphones. What’s more, they might even associate their learning success with the company generous enough to have gifted them.
2. Listening To Music Improves Mood
Not only are headphones remarkable study companions, but they’re the ultimate mood boosters. Studies have shown that music releases dopamine, the hormone responsible for feelings of happiness and pleasure. This means that listening to quality music can greatly negative feelings, and even minimise symptoms of depression.
What’s more, music has the power to bring people together. Apart from dopamine, a catchy tune influences the body to produce oxytocin, the hormone responsible for human bonding. This makes headphones the perfect gift for any brand looking to establish strong business connections.
3. Good Tunes Reduce Anxiety
Probably the most prominent health benefit music has is stress reduction. A recent study done by the Spiritual Care and Support team at North Shore University in Chicago showed that music decreased cortisol production, the hormone responsible for stress. What’s more, music had a significant impact on serotonin and endorphin levels in the bloodstream, all of which significantly reduced feelings of unease and tension.
In light of this, any company that wants to maintain a healthy, stress-free work environment should turn to promotional earbuds.
How to Market Using Custom Printed Headphones / Earbuds
While the above info showcases the benefits of music, it doesn’t really explain how to use headphones to raise brand awareness. Fortunately, the marketing part is actually incredibly easy. As audio promotional products go, headphones are incredibly versatile, and they pair well with company logos and slogans. What’s more, they can serve as vehicles for distributing a whole host of additional promotional materials.
1. Custom Printed Headphones & Earbuds Boost Brand Appeal
The first step to creating good promo items is adding a company logo to them. And nothing takes logos better than headphones. On-ear headphones especially, offer plenty of surface area for brands to print their company information. What’s more, at GoPromotional we offer branded headphones in a variety of styles and colours. This means that they will be both eye-catching and appealing to everyone, no matter their tastes.
Even earbuds and earphones can be custom designed. They admittedly provide less surface area to work with, so printing a visible logo on them can be tricky. However, their biggest advantage is that they usually come in cases, plastic packages or cotton pouches. Both of these items make for convenient additional promotional material, which a company can use to print more info, such as their slogan or website link.
2. QR Codes
Another great bit of information companies can add to their branded headphones is a QR code. Short for quick response, QR codes have become a quick way for customers to get access to brand websites, without the hassle of having to type in the URL. All they have to do is scan the QR code, and their phones will immediately take them to the company page.
But QR codes don’t just have to be URL shortcuts. A company can easily use them to give clients access to coupons, add them to an email subscriber list, take them directly to the online store, or even allow them to view a PowerPoint presentation during a corporate event. Plus, since they look like a small barcode, they can easily fit where other bulky info can’t when there isn’t a lot of surface area to work with.
Moreover, they can be custom branded too. Thanks to countless online generators, a brand can craft a colourful QR code for absolutely free. This will guarantee that, even if the headphones on their own don’t attract attention, the creatively designed QR code surely will.
3. Provide Business Podcasts or Books
The great thing about headphones is that a company doesn’t just get to use them for visual promotion. They can use them for some auditory advertisements as well. Alongside the headphones, a company can gift clients access to a company podcast, where they can familiarise themselves with the brand and what they offer. For business partners, there’s the option of summarising the brand’s mission statement and benefits through a brief audio file.
Going beyond that, a brand can easily offer access to business or sales-themed audiobooks, their clients and employees alike can enjoy. This will not only entertain them but boost their overall success, something which they will be grateful for.
Final Thoughts on Printed Earbuds & Headphones
Any brand that wants a promotional item that is both affordable and versatile, should invest in promotional headphones/earbuds. Since they’re a ubiquitous item everybody uses on a daily basis they have an incredibly wide reach. Not only that, but they also have mass appeal across all demographics, regardless of their age or gender.
What’s more, they’re a fairly affordable kind of branded item. As a piece of tech, they have an air of prestige about them, making them much more valuable in customer’s eyes than a simple flyer. Because they offer access to music, one of the best forms of natural therapies, their value extends far beyond the material realm. Therefore, any company that wants to show customer appreciation should turn to branded headphones.
Lastly, this incredible piece of tech is incredibly easy to customise. We offer an extensive range of branded headphones and earbuds, as well as accompanying cases and pouches for their storage. This not only offers companies plenty of surface area to add their design but an opportunity to market themselves through other means, like podcasts, QR codes and audio files.
So, in a world oversaturated with traditional ads, any brand that wants to stand out should use branded headphones. They not only make the brand more appealing but allow companies to spread their message through the most effective media ever — music.
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Take a look at our full range of promotional technology products which includes phone and tablet giveaways, power banks, phone chargers, charging cables and much more. We are sure you will find the perfect item for your business. If however, 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.
