Look around your desk.
How many branded items can you see?

I read this whilst browsing the internet the other day. The British Merchandise Association recently commissioned a survey to find out which promotional products people keep on their desks. The research provides evidence that there is a direct correlation between promotional product advertising and an improvement in brand recognition and an increase in sales.

66% of participants said they could remember the brand on a promotional product received within the last 12 months.
The ROI on promotional products is better than radio, outdoor advertising and equal to TV.
79% of clients who have received a promotional item said they would be more likely to do business with that company again.
87% of participants said they keep promotional items for more than a year.

The most popular gifts are pens and mugs. The impact of these items as great as they are used repeatedly. The surveyed people said the brand constantly come to mind, in fact, 94% said they do not forget the advertised brand.

So, what is your favourite piece of the promo?

Check out your desk, what has worked its magic on you? Which brands are grabbing your attention? Chances are if you have kept stuff then so will your clients.

This is proof that promotional merchandise deserves a place in your mixed media campaigns.