Whether you are looking for a specific item or just browsing for ideas, our site is your one-stop shopping source. You can get anything from custom flip-flops to a trusty pen to an umbrella. From fun items to the traditional; you can easily shop for some of the hottest items on the market.

With promotional goods, the sky’s the limit on what you can customize with your message. A common problem is that most people have no idea where to start. It’s an incredibly daunting task if you’ve never ordered promotional goods. Not to mention, once you find what you’re looking for, dealing with the vendor can be nerve-racking and more time consuming than you may imagine. There are thousands of options and many things to consider, from price and production time to color and imprinting options. If you’re having problems, we’re here to help. Marketing Matters can help you with suggestions and even step him to help you choose which item is best and set up your order.

Marketing Matters makes this agonizing and often confusing situation as easy as a few clicks of the mouse. And, should you need it, we have our own graphic designers and can lend our expertise to hone your message, helping you to convey exactly what you intend.

Just visit our promotional goods page when you need products for a special event, client appreciation program or branded materials. When you are ready to buy, our secure check out makes it safe, easy and convenient. Or, if you are just browsing and need help, use the ‘information only’ option and we’ll get back to you.

Promotional goods can be an effective weapon in your marketing arsenal. Don’t miss out because you don’t know where to start. Check out our Web site or give us a call to help you Be Seen. Be Heard. Get Results

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While there are myriad types of media to promote your message, print ads still seem to be a relevant and effective tool, especially if you’re looking to reach B2B audiences, readers who rely heavily on trade journals for industry trends and business advice.
 

The challenge is we’re all constantly bombarded with information via magazines, newspapers, television, computers, billboards, radio, smart phones and more. And this deluge of data creates a daunting challenge for marketers looking to get their message to the right audiences in a way that readers take notice.

 
So, how do you cut through the clutter and create a print ad that grabs your readers’ attention and moves them to action? Here are the three fundamentals.

 

1. Select an eye-catching image that makes the viewer stop and take notice. Of course, it still has to relate to what’s being advertised and to the audience. If you have a large budget, it’s best to set up a professional photo shoot to create the exact photo you want. This is an expensive endeavor so you most likely will have to rely on stock photos and graphic design experts to create that amazing image.

 

1. Write copy based on an old marketing acronym, WIIFM (What’s In It For Me?). Your copy must state why the reader should care, purchase, donate, call, click, etc. The copy needs to be as strong as your image, but should be minimal as possible. I’ve seen plenty of very strong ads that consist of simply a headline, an image and a call to action.

 

1. Motivate your audience to ACT! No ad is complete until you’ve written a strong call to action. Once you’ve interested your reader enough to stop and read, you need to tell them what to do next. Usually the idea is to get them to buy your product or services, pick up the phone and call, or go to their computer and log on.

 

SAMPLE PRINT ADS

 

What does it look like when you combine these three elements in your ads? Check out these links:

• Header: Pizza from a Chinese Restaurant?
• Header: It Only Takes a Moment to Lose Something Precious
• Header: How’s That Carrot Working?

 

Comments? Suggestions?

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Last week, the Federal Trade Commission updated its Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (Guides). These updates are by far the most radical changes made in 30 years. The Guides are just what consumers need to help them find truth in the plethora of information they are bombarded with on a daily basis.

Robert Urback of Davis & Gilbert LLC, a legal firm specializing in advertising, marketing and promotion issues, feels the new guidelines will affect the advertising and public relations industry’s use of endorsements and testimonials. Some of the key points he outlines from the new FTC Guide are:

• Use of “results not typical” or “results may vary” statements will require substantiation
• Bloggers will need to disclose if they have been compensated or provided free goods or services for their endorsement
• Social media posts will require relationship disclosures
• Celebrity endorsers must disclose their relationship with the advertiser if it’s not readily apparent to the audience
• Disclosure is required when sponsoring clinical trials

The FTC makes it clear that both the endorser and the advertiser will be liable for false and unsubstantiated claims. Consumers will now know if they are being fed a fish tale. It’s about time.

These changes will have little to no effect on agencies or corporate public relations practitioners who follow general ethical guidelines such as PRSA’s Code of Ethics, the guiding document at Marketing Matters. For others, being forced to become transparent will clearly change their game.

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