You’ve spent months perfecting the right product or service. You’ve refined your branding message, making it compelling, unique, and memorable. You’ve worked diligently on your website copywriting to make it interesting, engaging, and loaded with valuable information that speaks directly to your ideal customers.
Your pricing is affordable, you’re meeting every customer request and expectation, and people are lining up to purchase from you. You’re ready to go full steam ahead with your marketing strategy and get even more new customers.
But wait! Before you buy or sign up for one more thing — check this list for potential gift marketing mistakes that could cost you dearly.
Here are 5 major B2B gifting mistakes to avoid!
Stay away from discount stores
Keeping your budget in mind when selecting the right gift for your customers is essential, but that doesn't mean you have to buy the cheapest trinket on the market.
Sending cheap gifts may seem like a cost-effective option, but it could actually hurt your business more than it helps. Not only do potential customers view your company as unprofessional when they receive a low-quality gift that breaks or stops working after a short time, but they may also assume that your business is cheap and unreliable.
At Outgage, we understand the importance of quality and offer samples in advance to ensure our clients are satisfied with the items they receive in bulk. Investing in high-quality gifts impresses potential customers and sends a message that your brand is committed to providing exceptional products and services.
Don't send cheap gifts. In fact, don't send any type of gift unless you know for sure that it will be appreciated.
Why? Because even if the recipient doesn't say anything about it, they will remember the gesture — which could sour the relationship. Put the cheap ballpoint pen down, slowly back away, and seek help immediately.
Don't go overboard
We get it. You want to make a big impression on your client and wow them! Making it rain doesn't mean you have to make it rain to show them how important they are to you. Spending an absurd amount on a gift to a client can be cringy.
If you give a client or customer an expensive gift, they may feel obligated to reciprocate or even return it. Oof. This can be embarrassing for both parties, so keep your gifts understated and tasteful.
Your business doesn't need to spend insane amounts of money to impress a client in the hopes of sealing a new deal or showing your appreciation. At Outgage, we know that a well-thought-out and personalized gift can make all the difference. By ensuring that the gift aligns with your campaign messaging and is appropriately priced, you show your clients that you care about them and reinforce your brand’s value.
Make sure that the gifts you give out are relevant to their line of work or profession. If possible, tailor the gifts according to their interests as well.
This way, you'll be able to strike up an instant connection with them and make them feel unique. You'll also come off as someone who pays attention to details and cares about other people's needs and wants.
Less is more
Save your company's swag emboldened with large company logos for a promotional event instead of sending those items out as marketing gifts.
In the world of business, it's important to make a good impression on customers and clients. One way to do that is through effective marketing practices.
However, there are some rules to follow when giving out these gifts. Ensure they don't get too "commercial" so they don't become annoying to recipients. Here are some tips on how to do this:
While it’s a good idea to include branding in your gift, you don't want to go overboard and turn it into a marketing ploy. Rather than plastering your logo on every item, consider a tasteful placement of your icon on the item, along with a fully branded postcard or message. This way, you can maintain a personal touch while reinforcing your brand’s identity.
What's in the box?
Don't underestimate the power of a well-packaged gift. The packaging is important whether your business sends a physical or digital gift. Corporate gifting should feel like a luxurious experience, even if it doesn't come with a luxury price tag.
The first thing that comes to mind when you think about giving marketing gifts is the item itself — but what about its packaging?
Packaging is important when presenting a gift to your clients and business partners. It's one of the first things they see, so it must be appealing enough to make them want to open it.
If your company has a logo or slogan, use it! If not, consider using a simple graphic design that matches your brand identity. A clever design will help you get noticed by potential customers.
Don't limit yourself to using only boxes or bags as containers for your corporate gifts. You can use different shapes and sizes as long as they fit the product inside.
Personalized labels are an excellent way to make your products stand out from others in the market. They can also help promote your brand because people will know who gave them their gift.
Avoid sending boring gifts
You don't want your brand's gift to come off as a total snoozefest to your clients or customers. Thoughtful and creative gifts stand out and will likely get you a mention on the 'gram.
When choosing corporate gifts, it's important to remember that other people, besides just the recipient, will see these items. You want whatever you give to reflect well on your company and make a positive impression on everyone who sees it.
That's why it's essential to consider what kind of message you want your gift to send before choosing one.
A good rule of thumb is not to give boring gifts when you're giving a corporate gift — especially if there are going to be other people at the event who aren't directly involved with your company.
If you're unsure about what things work well as corporate gifts, get some insight from a stellar marketing team like Outgage.
Now what?
Now that you know to avoid some of these common gift marketing mistakes, you can start planning your next gift smarter. At Outgage, we can help you plan your next gift marketing campaign. Ready to start planning your next gifting campaign? Set up a call with us today.
