It’s a question every business asks — but few can answer with complete confidence. The fast-paced world of digital ads, social media campaigns, and sponsored content offers visibility, but at what cost — and for how long?
Promotional products offer a different story. A smarter story.
While impressions from online ads often vanish with a scroll, promotional products physically stay with your audience. They sit on desks, hang on keychains, travel in backpacks, or get sipped from every morning — providing repeated brand exposure, practical value, and a sense of connection. In an era where every dollar counts, promotional products don’t just offer visibility, they deliver value.
Let’s be clear: all marketing has its place. But in terms of long-term ROI, promotional products consistently outperform other channels, especially when you look at cost per impression (CPI).
According to the Advertising Specialty Institute, the average CPI of a promotional product is a fraction of a cent, lower than nearly every other form of advertising. Compare that to the costs of pay-per-click ads or print media, and the contrast is clear. But CPI is only one piece of the puzzle.
Promotional products also: • Build trust — People love useful gifts. A well-branded item adds value to your client’s day, which builds positive associations with your brand. • Foster brand recall — 83% of people remember the brand on a promotional product they have received. That’s recall most marketers can only dream of. • Reach new audiences — Every time someone wears your logoed hoodie or carries your branded tote, they are advertising for you.
That kind of staying power and reach is tough to replicate digitally, especially for the price.
The beauty of promotional products lies in their practicality and personalization. While ads are designed to interrupt, promotional products integrate into people’s lives. A pen, a calendar, a water bottle, they’re not just branded tools; they are helpful companions.
At Bankers Advertising, we have seen firsthand how thoughtfully chosen items can turn casual recipients into loyal customers. From classic desk calendars that become daily tools to tech giveaways that spark conversations, our clients leverage our century-plus of experience to find the right fit for their message and audience.
In an industry filled with fleeting trends, we focus on what works — high-impact, targeted marketing through physical items that serve real needs. And with our in-house production capabilities, you’re not only getting quality — you’re getting speed, consistency, and deep product knowledge from a team that truly understands your brand.
Many businesses operate under tight marketing budgets, especially small to mid-sized companies. Promotional products offer an accessible way to stretch those dollars farther.
For example, a $500 spend might get you a couple of days of visibility through online ads. That same investment in branded notebooks or mugs can last years in the hands of clients or employees.
And unlike paid ads that disappear when the budget runs dry, promotional items continue to work for you long after the invoice is paid. They go home. They travel. They’re passed along. That’s marketing longevity at its finest.
At Bankers, we are proud to be more than product suppliers — we’re partners. Our long-standing client relationships have been built on trust, follow-through, and a shared commitment to meaningful marketing.
We know that one-size-fits-all doesn’t cut it in today’s landscape. That’s why we guide each project with a blend of tradition and innovation, pairing time-tested classics with the latest trends to create promotional strategies that actually deliver.
By: Sarah Loula
Back-to-school season is a time of new beginnings for students of all ages — from preschoolers to professionals advancing their careers. Whether it’s the first day of kindergarten, the start of a trade program, or returning to higher education, one thing remains constant: the presence of promotional products.
Branded items play a key role in education. Daycare and school apparel build community and pride, logoed water bottles and totes promote school spirit, and practical items like clipboards and pens support daily success. These products are more than just giveaways — they create identity, foster connection, and leave a lasting impression throughout every stage of learning.
No matter the stage — early childhood, K–12, college, or continuing education — promo plays a vital role in building a school’s culture and community. As students, staff, and families gear up for the year, branded merchandise becomes a tool for: Welcoming new students and staff Celebrating achievements and milestones Raising school spirit and visibility Promoting school safety, consistency, and communication Fundraising through attractive, usable gear
Preschool & Daycare Branded T-shirts & backpacks Water bottles & snack containers Parent folders & communication magnets
K–12 Schools Spirit wear & custom lanyards Safety vests, ID holders & bus tags Field trip gear & classroom tools
Higher Education Orientation kits with notebooks, lanyards & drinkware Campus club merch & alumni gifts Study supplies, bags, and hoodies
Adult & Trade Education Durable gear like tool bags or branded workwear Journals, badge reels, and sleek water bottles Recognition items for certifications & achievements
83% of people can recall the brand on a promotional product they received — even after two years!
Eco-Friendly Gear — Recycled materials, reusable drinkware, and sustainable packaging Tech-Integrated Items — Stylus pens, wireless charging pads, USB drives Bold Colors & Retro Styles — Think 90s throwbacks and modern pastels Clear Bags & Safety Wearables — Great for security and school compliance
At Bankers Advertising Company, we know what works — because we live it. We’re not just a distributor; we’re your strategic partner in building meaningful, useful, and memorable promo campaigns. With deep experience across all levels of education, we help schools and organizations find items that reflect their values, connect with their communities, and elevate their brand.
Whether you’re building a welcome kit, gearing up for a fundraiser, or just need help brainstorming fresh back-to-school ideas, we’re here to help.
Let’s create something students, teachers, and parents will be proud to use. Contact us today to start your custom back-to-school promo plan.
When it’s time to introduce a new product to the world, first impressions matter — and in today’s fast-paced market, standing out requires more than just a press release and a social media post. A strategic promotional campaign built around thoughtful, well-timed branded merchandise can create excitement, enhance visibility, and foster lasting connections. At Bankers Advertising Company, we have helped businesses across industries build buzzworthy product launches with smart, effective promotional solutions.
Whether you are unveiling a groundbreaking tech gadget, a seasonal service, or a rebranded classic, here’s how to structure a promotional campaign that elevates your launch and engages your audience.
Every successful promotional campaign starts with clarity. Ask: What do you want to achieve with your launch? Are you building awareness, generating leads, increasing pre-orders, or establishing brand authority?
Then, define your audience. Consider their industries, behaviors, and needs. The more targeted your campaign, the more impactful your promotional items will be. From trade professionals to tech-savvy consumers, the right products can connect on a personal level when thoughtfully chosen.
Seasonal timing can be a powerful ally in product launches. Aligning your promotional efforts with the rhythms of your industry or broader cultural moments creates relevance and urgency.
Launching in summer? Think outdoor gear, water bottles, or picnic blankets. Debuting a service in Q4? Cozy items like fleece blankets, calendars, or holiday-themed kits can add warmth to your messaging — literally and figuratively.
Plan ahead to ensure your promotional items ship on time and make the most of peak engagement windows. Bankers Advertising offers guidance on timing and product selection to ensure your launch aligns with key seasonal touchpoints.
The best promotional items don’t just carry your logo — they tell a story about your brand and product. Think beyond pens and mugs (though those are classics for a reason) and choose items that reflect your product’s unique value.
Launching a tech product? Consider branded charging cables or screen-cleaning kits. Releasing a wellness line? Branded yoga mats or eco-friendly water bottles may better reflect your message. A curated, cohesive package can deliver a branded unboxing experience that gets people talking on social media and beyond.
Our in-house experts can help you match product categories to your launch themes and audience interests, ensuring each item is useful, relevant, and memorable.
A product launch isn’t a one-day event; it’s a campaign. Building a launch calendar keeps your promotional strategy organized and sustained over time.
Start with teasers — branded mailers or samples can generate early excitement. On launch day, include giveaways at events or online contests. Post-launch, keep the momentum going with thank-you gifts for early adopters or branded reminders to encourage word-of-mouth.
Bankers Advertising can help you design a promotional campaign calendar that integrates touchpoints over weeks or months, maximizing ROI and engagement.
Promotional products are more than giveaways — they’re engagement tools. Use them to encourage interaction, whether that’s scanning a QR code, participating in a social media challenge, or attending a virtual event.
For example, include a branded item with a unique code leading to a landing page, exclusive video, or discount. Pair products with calls-to-action: “Post your new gear with our hashtag” or “Bring this item to our launch party for a surprise.”
This two-way interaction boosts your campaign’s reach and creates a more memorable, participatory experience.
One of the most powerful aspects of promotional marketing today is the ability to track impact. From web traffic to redemption codes to customer feedback, you can gain insights into what resonated — and what can be refined for future launches.
Partnering with a trusted expert like Bankers Advertising gives you access not just to great products but also to decades of campaign-building experience. We help clients across industries analyze results and evolve their strategies for continuous improvement.
Your product launch is a critical moment, and promotional products can help it take flight. With the right planning, the right timing, and the right partner, you can create a memorable campaign that engages your audience, enhances your brand, and builds lasting momentum.
At Bankers Advertising Company, we bring over 125 years of experience, in-house production capabilities, and a commitment to long-term client relationships. Whether you are planning your first launch or your fiftieth, we are here to help you make it a success.