It's a global world ..... Facebook, Linked In, Blogging, Twitter and Four Square enable like-minded 'tweeters', 'business contacts' and 'friends' .. even people who 'like' each other to interact.

With the increase and easy use of social media, tweeters and the 'like', can also express opinions, respond or act instantly and publicly.

Interaction via social media offers a new opportunity for savvy businesses to expand their audience ... to build loyalty and generate followers that will promote them.

Promotional products can play a helpful and supportive role to 1) reward participants and 2) create brand awareness. Best of all, for a business, a branded giveaway stands head and shoulders over white papers and other offers. They are long lasting and are a tactile 'take home' or 'take back to office' promotion of your brand

There are several ways to incorporate a promotional product reward in a social media marketing campaign. They can be used as teasers leading to a bigger prize or as stand alone rewards.

Use promotional products in twitter, facebook, foursquare or via blogging to drive enquiries or action (promotional products can also be used in reverse, to drive new customers to social media). - based on :

• Frequency/loyalty visit e.g. after 'X' purchase, receive a free gift
• Foursquare e.g. reward the Mayor
• Time limited specials e.g. 'only on Friday' or 'Respond by XX Date' receive free gift
• Action based - RT this tweet, Refer 'X' number of Facebook 'likes' or even 'turn up here by a certain time'
• Competitions e.g. 'RT this tweet' or 'post a photo' and receive entry for competition prize
• Alliances can be formed e.g. between local or complementary businesses or even a supplier
• Sampling e.g. use a promotional treat to encourage visits to a facebook page, blog etc.

Retailers, restaurants and other shop fronts/showrooms, naturally have a head start when it comes to attracting customers to a physical address via social media marketing.

With some creative thinking, there are lots of ways a service based business, B2B, not for profits organisations and event organisers can also create participation using promotional product merchandise rewards in social media.

The promotional product choice, will come down to the strategy and goals .. there is plenty of choice to fit any budget and importantly, appeal to the target audience.

article produced by: Thrive Promotional Products and Corporate Gifts - 2011 (copyright)

Thrive Promotional Products and Corporate Gifts would be delighted to help your brand stand out, make an impression and thrive at your next exhibition. Check out our promotional product catalogues  :: click here :: 

For an obligation free chat about your corporate gift, promotional product or hamper needs, please contact us on 02 9977 0215 or email immediately :: info@thrivepromotional.com.au ::