Rulers seem like such an innocuous tool. They’re good for measuring, and seemingly nothing else. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Rulers are one of those household items that will always come in handy, especially for people who enjoy doing their own home repairs.
What’s more, due to their slick, simple design, they provide plenty of opportunities for advertisement. Companies can easily use plastic, wood or metal rulers to display their logo and company information. Plus, if they add a clever design to them, then the rulers will be that much more appealing.
Even though branded rulers aren’t the most exciting promotional item, they do have a lot of power. They’re useful and functional, qualities customers will appreciate. Not only that, but they’re a suitable gift for people of all ages. Regardless of their profession, everyone needs to do some measuring from time to time — why not do that bit of measuring with a side of brand awareness!
Rulers: A Brief History
Rulers have an extremely long history. In fact, for as long as humans have been building things, they’ve also used some kind of ruler to help them with their architectural escapades. Early Egyptians used a crude form of a copper alloy rod to construct the pyramids.
Measuring devices of different kinds came about in the following century as well. These were usually wood or metal sticks most architects used to make crude estimates. But the ruler as most know it today first appeared in the 16th century. It roughly coincided with the birth of the metric system. Before that, countries used different units for measuring length, capacity and weight.
The metric system was not only easier to comprehend, but it was much more precise than the imperial one. What’s more, it allowed manufacturers to create exact measuring tools for everyday use. They also started using different materials to fashion the rulers, like metal, and later on plastic.
Anton Ullrich created the first foldable ruler in 1851. Frank Hunt outdid him in 1902 with his innovative flexible ruler. The 20th century also saw the rise of desk jobs. As a result, office workers needed a simple way to measure things on the job. For this reason, manufacturers started mass producing plastic rulers that were both precise and compact enough for people to keep on their desks.
Nowadays, rulers are almost an art form. They come in many different shapes, sizes and colours. What’s more, they’re a must-have office item and an indispensable part of every school child’s pencil case. They’re the ultimate promo tool for any brand that wants to reach as wide a demographic as possible.
Benefits of Promotional Rulers
Rulers may seem like an uninspired promotional item. However, when it comes to advertising, that simplicity is actually an advantage. While a 10-second ad may be effective short-term, depending on its content, it can be a hit or miss with the general public. In contrast, promotional rulers are practical, low-key promotional items customers will definitely appreciate for a number of reasons.
1. Cost-effective
A good ad campaign can look impressive. However, it requires a lot of time, and a hefty marketing budget. Plus, since the market is oversaturated with flashy ads, companies may struggle to stand out above the rest.
This is why old-school promotional tactics are the way to go. Rulers are unobtrusive and very low-key. This is something customers will definitely appreciate, especially since they’re likely bombarded with ads every time they look at their phone or telly screen. What’s more, they cost virtually nothing. Less than a pound per piece, they’re the ultimate promotional item for large scale marketing campaigns.
Plus, if brands buy them from wholesale retailers like GoPromotional, they’ll likely get an impressive discount on their order. Thus, they will not only be getting a quality product but also save money along the way.
2. Customizable
Rulers are stunningly simple items. While some may think that’s boring, with a little creativity, they will see this as an opportunity. The slick, compact design provides companies with plenty of room to add their logo, slogan or other information. But the fun doesn’t end there.
Depending on the kind of image they’re going for, companies can choose different materials for their rulers. They can opt for the classic plastic ruler, or a more rustic wooden ruler. Brands that are looking to target customers in construction can add their logo to slick, long-lasting metal rulers. Regardless of the material, the company can colour these rulers however they like.
This will not only upgrade the quality of the rulers but make them as aesthetically appealing as possible.
3. Mass-appeal
The beauty of rulers is that they can be both a niche marketing item or a universal tool. They’re the ideal promotional tool for companies that want to target students, architects, construction workers, or artists. However, they’re also great for brands that want to broaden their customer base to include other demographics.
Rulers are the perfect gift for any child starting school. They’re also an essential item for any fan of DIY home maintenance, or anyone that wants to get into sewing. Overall, rulers are a useful tool for professionals and laymen alike, which is perfect for companies that want a wide promotional reach.
Final Thoughts
Promotional rulers are a simple, yet incredibly effective way to advertise. They’ve been around ever since humans have learned how to build, and continue to help people in every area of their lives. Be it at school, the office or at home, everyone can use a ruler to add precision to their lives.
This is why companies should take advantage of this versatility and invest in promotional rulers. They’re inexpensive, universally useful and easy to use. Plus, since they’re customizable, it’s easy to add a unique twist to them to break their monotony.
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Looking for something different? Browse our full range of custom printed stationery which includes erasers, pencil cases, and sharpeners. If for any reason you still can’t find what you are looking for, then simply give us a call on 0800 0148 970 or simply email us today. You may also wish to consider complementing your order of rulers with some custom pens or some printed paper products which are sure to be well received by customers and employees alike!
