Have you noticed? Trade shows are packed again, goodie bags are flying out the door, and even the most digital-savvy marketers are leaning back into good old face-to-face contact. What’s going on?
The digital overload is giving way to real experiences. Things you can touch, hold onto, remember. And that’s exactly where promotional products take the spotlight.
Back and (never really) gone: Live encounters
As soon as we start focusing on personal interaction again, events, trade fairs and networking meetups become the perfect opportunity to build lasting relationships. But if you really want to make an impression? A friendly chat won’t cut it.
A well-chosen giveaway does more than a business card ever could. It creates emotion, reminds your visitor of your meeting and, quite literally, takes your brand home with them. Think: a reusable tote bag with your logo or a pen they use every day. Want to know more about the psychology behind promotional gifts? Read our blog: Why promotional gifts: the psychology of giving.
Haptic vs click: Why tangible always wins
A click is fast, fleeting, and gone before you even register it. A physical item, on the other hand, tends to stick, in both minds and handbags. Branded merchandise creates emotional engagement and long-term visibility. That makes it far more effective than a digital impression that disappears in a scroll.
In other words: your marketing budget works harder when you invest in branded giveaways with real impact.
Phygital: Where offline meets online
Buzzword of the moment? Phygital, the smart blend of physical and digital. Think DOOH (digital out of home): digital billboards, posters with QR-codes, or flyers linking to augmented reality content.
And yes, promotional products are joining the trend. How about:
- A tote bag with a QR-code that links to your catalogue,
- A pen with an NFC chip that opens your business card, or
- A charging cable that triggers a 3D product demo via AR?
✨ Pro tip: Want to print QR-codes on your products? Don’t miss our QR-code printing tips.
Need a quick refresh?
- QR (quick response): Scan with a smartphone to open a landing page or video.
- AR (augmented reality): Adds digital content to your physical item, like a 3D product demo.
- NFC (near field communication): A chip embedded in the product opens digital content when scanned with your phone.
Promotional products: Your brand, tangible and visible
Don’t get us wrong, we love digital too (hello, webshop!). But promotional products still have the upper hand. Why? Because they do more than just reach people. They build connections, boost recognition and keep your brand visible long after the campaign ends.
Yes, the future is phygital. But it starts with something you can hold.