The UK’s economic and business environment has rarely been this hostile. All over the country, struggling businesses are trying to develop new ways to punch above their weight and beat the recession that has gripped hold and refuses to let go. With analysts projecting grim figures for the next decade, and banks reluctant to lend, many business owners are having to come up with new ways in order to get their brands recognised or to establish the brand loyalty necessary to make it through the crisis relatively unscathed.
One very effective way to do this is through the use of promotional gifts. Although initially it may seem difficult to justify the additional expenditure, research from the British Promotional Merchandise Association has shown that people who receive promotional, corporate or business gifts are far more likely to – not only make enquiries from the business – but also to buy, consistently return and even refer their friends to your service or company.
Brand loyalty has never been so important. With thousands upon thousands of competitors in each sector, it is absolutely vital that businesses seek out ways of keeping hold of their customers. Customer service, of course, is vital, but it is also often very beneficial to offer rewards and incentives. Even the most well established brands use this ploy to continually attract customers – McDonalds being a prime example. Through clever marketing of their Happy Meal ranges they entice children to their restaurants with the prospect of ‘collecting’ a new range of toys which, in turn, gets parents on side.
This is by no means a new thing, yet many businesses overlook the value of rewarding clients for their custom. Through special offers, incentive gifts and loyalty schemes such as the advantage cards available in the majority of high street shops, customers feel valued and are more likely to return, putting businesses a step ahead of their competitors and helping them to keep their heads in front in what is a hostile, uncertain business world.
