At a time when the internet and other digital tech have dominated the market as promotional tools, pens remain one of the most cost-effective and versatile branded items. Why? Because they’re practical and portable, and they put your brand directly into your customers’ hands. However, to successfully use pens to promote your merchandise, boost visibility, and drive engagement, you must be creative with how you use and market them.
We’ve put together this list of creative ways to market your pen with minimal effort.
1. Leave Your Pens Behind
One of the most creative ways to market your pen merchandise is by strategically leaving them behind in high-traffic places where people typically forget or lose theirs. We’re talking about places like banks, hotel reception desks, trade show booths, seminar halls, or coworking spaces. “Forgetting” your pens in such areas is a natural and organic way to spread awareness about your brand because it also solves a real problem.
2. Pair with Other Products in Branded Kits
Using your pen alone can work, but bundling it with branded notebooks, tech items, or gift packages for clients or employees is even better. Using your promotional pens this way will raise your brand’s perceived value.
3. Giveaways at Events
You can give away your pens at conferences and events, but you can add a creative twist to make them stand out. Instead of just giving them away, you can turn the giveaway into an experience. How? By printing QR codes on the pen, which leads to an exclusive online offer, you can promote your business and increase customer engagement.
4. Donations
Schools, libraries, churches, and charity events all need many pens. You can donate a few boxes of your promotional pens to these places. This strategy will give your brand a positive image and quality exposure.
5. Launch Limited-Edition Pens
Special seasons or campaigns deserve special promotional pens. You can design your pen merchandise based on specific product launches, or special seasons like Valentine’s Day and Earth Month.
6. Collaborations
Collaborating with other brands to create co-branded pens is another creative method not often utilized. For example, you could partner with a business that complements your brand to promote both. This strategy benefits both brands in increasing sales and expanding their customer base.
7. Loyalty Programs
You can make your pens a reward for customer loyalty. Offer them as a freebie when a customer hits a milestone or include them in tiered reward packages. This method increases the pen’s perceived value and strengthens the customer’s emotional connection to your brand.
Bottom Line
Anyone can give away pens, but if you look beyond the norm by designing to give experience and value, you’ll turn a simple item into a marketing tool people want to keep, use, and share.
Need Help Creating Impactful Pen Merchandise?
Do you want to create, source, or design quality promotional pens? UCT (Asia) is your final stop! We specialize in creating fun, functional, premium brand merchandise that meets your marketing goals. Get in touch today to learn more!
