Thursday, April 28, 2016
Promotionally Yours: top promo apparel questions: - Promotionally Your...
Promotionally Yours: top promo apparel questions: - Promotionally Your...: Promotional Marketing Blog by HALO Branded Solutions Walks, Runs & Rides — Top Promo Apparel...
top promo apparel questions: - Promotionally Yours, Sheri Breaux Halo Branded Solutions
Promotional Marketing Blog by HALO Branded Solutions |
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Posted: 27 Apr 2016 12:23 PM PDT
 The
sun is shining, and with warmer weather comes more fundraiser walks, runs and
rides. Annual walks and runs are huge sources of revenue for many nonprofits,
but they’re also a lot of work and can be expensive to pull off. One of the
biggest expenses is promotional apparel. It’s a must-have for any of
these types of events, and your exposure through the promo apparel can last
for months (or years!) past event day if done right. Whether you’re in the
midst of planning a run or doing some preliminary research for one in the
future, these run/walk apparel tips should help.
Who Needs Promo Apparel? Primarily, volunteers and anyone else associated directly with
your organization should receive promotional apparel. This gives your
organization a cohesive look and makes it easy for participants and attendees
to find staff when needing help. Consider giving volunteers their apparel
with a thank you card to show your appreciation for their help.
Apparel for participants is a
great way to increase brand awareness before, after and during the event.
This should be different than the apparel for volunteers so there is no
confusion. If you use the same type of apparel, designate a specific color
for volunteers and one for participants. Another option is to add “STAFF” or
“Volunteer” to the back of the volunteers’ shirts.
Participants will look like
they’re all part of the same team—Your Brand. If you are giving the
shirt as a gift and not a requirement to wear during the run, make sure your
logo is prominent on the runner’s number so that you still get recognition in
every photo of the race.
What Type of Apparel Works
for Walks, Runs and Rides? T-shirts are
popular for all sorts of runs, walks and rides, but they’re not the only
option. Hats are nice and help runners keep sun out of their eyes during
the event. Armbands are another subtle, inexpensive option that people
may be willing to wear on event day. If your event is in the fall, consider a
light jacket or hoodie instead of a t-shirt, if your budget allows for it.
Click to
see the full sized diagram.
What Should the Promotional
Apparel Look Like? You’ll want your apparel to
incorporate an attractive design that not only represents your brand and
event but also is something people will want to wear after the big day has
passed. Check out HALO’s Three Parts of the Perfect Branded T-Shirt
for tips on creating promotional apparel that your audience will add to its
regular wardrobe. Your event name and brand message should be large and
clear. Sponsors’ logos can typically be smaller and are often located on the
back of the shirt.
How Do You Manage Sponsor
Artwork? Your sponsorship packages probably
include details on what’s included with each level of sponsorship. Some
levels likely included acknowledgement on the event apparel. Acknowledgement
could be as simple as a text-based list on the back of the shirt, but for
bigger sponsors (or everyone if you have enough room) it’s nice to include a
logo.
Request sponsor logos as soon as
possible to guarantee that you receive all the necessary artwork files in
time for t-shirt production. The typical file type for screen printing is an
.eps vector art file created by Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw. Keep this in
mind for your own artwork, too. Files created in desktop publishing programs
such as Microsoft Word or raster images such as .jpeg or
.png files are not vector files and may be subject to additional
charges. Your HALO Account Executive is available to facilitate all
your decoration needs and take the guesswork out of which files types are
acceptable or not.
What to know about ordering? Order promotional apparel at least 4 weeks before your event
date to guarantee that your apparel is shipped on time and you like the final
product. This will help you avoid rush shipping charges, too. To help you get
a jump on ordering, collect apparel money with attendee registration. Even if
you allow registration up to just before the event, you’ll have some funds to
pay for the bulk apparel order so you don’t have to wait too long.
Give your sponsors a hard deadline
so you have all the necessary artwork to include their logos and/or names on
your apparel. If they miss the deadline, they miss their chance at brand
exposure. If you are really in a pinch, you may be able to order on shorter
notice. Always explain your situation to your Account Executive, and they’ll
help you find a solution.
Click to
see enlarged version.
When ordering apparel in bulk,
sizing can be a little tricky, but if you want people to have their apparel
before the event, then you can’t wait to order.
Consider past events and your
audience demographics, then use HALO’s sizing guidelines to help place your
order. They’re not guaranteed, but they will help with mass ordering. If you
run out of a specific size on event day, offer to mail the recipient their
correct size after the event.
Have you ordered run/walk apparel
in the past? What lessons would you share with others organizing a
similar event? Leave a comment below.
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Monday, April 25, 2016
Promotionally Yours: How Game of Thrones Uses Promotional Products ~ Pr...
Promotionally Yours: How Game of Thrones Uses Promotional Products ~ Pr...: How Game of Thrones Uses Promotional Products Posted on April 22, 2016 by Samantha Massey It may be the middle of April...
How Game of Thrones Uses Promotional Products ~ Promotionally Yours, Sheri Breaux : Halo Branded Solutions
How Game of Thrones Uses Promotional Products
It may be the middle of April, but I promise you… Winter is Coming. The season 6 Game of Thrones (GOT) premiere is this Sunday, April 24, and even if you don’t watch the HBO series and/or never read the books, you probably know someone who’s talking about it. We can get into all of the marketing tactics used to promote the popular series, but we’d rather talk about our favorite: promotional products!
While your brand may not have the same following as Game of Thrones, you can still take a similar, creative approach to your marketing. GOT uses some of the most popular types of promotional products to endorse its brand. While these products may look unique and custom, it’s because of the design and creative approach, not the products. You can use the same types of products for your branding initiatives, too!
Drinkware
Official Game of Thrones mug, shot glasses, replica dragon goblet and coasters. Image source: Store.HBO.com
Your brand can use similar tactics. It’s as simple as adding your mascot, logo or tagline to a glass or mug. If you’re hosting a special event, create a commemorative item to encourage recipients to keep it. Consider drinkware accessories, too, like creative coasters in a custom shape or bottle openers and toppers.
Edibles (or Drinkables)
Game of Thrones has even created a series of beers inspired by the show. Like this idea? Consider adding custom label wine bottles to your marketing mix. They’re a unique gift for executives and top clients.
I haven’t tried the the GOT beers, but the brewer, OmmeGang has a few other popular brews under its belt, so I’d guess they’re tasty. With promotional food or drinks, taste is everything. Your branding is generally limited to the packaging, and once the food or drink is consumed, all the recipient will remember is how it tasted. When choosing candy, chocolate or other promotional food, ask for samples before ordering so you really don’t leave a bad taste in anyone’s mouth.
Official Game of Thrones umbrella. Image source: Store.HBO.com
Umbrellas offer a large imprint area for your brand message, but what I like about this one is the creative use of the handle. GOT used the handle to replicate the sword hilt of the well-known character Jon Snow.
Perhaps a sword hilt doesn’t fit into your branding, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative with your promotional umbrellas. Ask about handle imprint options, imprinting on the underside, custom shapes and bags. Those extra touches will help remind the user of who gave them the umbrella.
Official Game of Thrones dragon’s eggs book ends, Official Game of Thrones House Targaryen journal, Official Game of Thrones USB drive. Image source: Store.HBO.com
Books are definitely a big part of the GOT universe; it’s a fantasy series and there are ancient texts galore, so the bookends and journal are a clear fit. Plus, the TV series is based on a book series, so it’s safe to assume that at least some of the show’s fans are readers and could use bookends. But how does a USB drive fit into the GOT universe? Answer: it doesn’t. Well not really…but GOT made it work by creating USB drives shaped like popular characters. Almost anyone can find a use for a USB drive, and if it’s in the shape of one of their favorite characters they’re likely to use it more often and show their friends. Big win for GOT.
When appealing to your audience with tech and office items, think about their daily lives. People keep items that are useful. Remembering this small tip can keep your promo items on someone’s desk instead of in the filing cabinet collecting dust.
Official Game of Thrones Renly Baratheon crown, Official Game of Thrones Eddard Stark peascod, Official Game of Thrones t-shirt. Image source: Store.HBO.com
Capes and replica costumes work well for a TV series, but you’ll notice that GOT uses more traditional promotional apparel, too. From T-shirts to hoodies, there’s something for every fan. If something thematic works for your brand (like a crown) then go for it. Those quirky items will get people talking.
If it doesn’t work, don’t force it. You want to generate buzz, but you also want people to continue to wear your product after the first day they receive it. (Need help with your promotional apparel search? Check out our new promo apparel white paper.)
GOT is a huge brand backed by a very large company, but their use of promotional products isn’t much different from most other companies out there. Thousands of products are just waiting to have your branding on them. Contact a HALO Account Executive to start planning your next promotion.
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Promotionally Yours: Branded T- Shirt... Promotionally Yours, Sheri Bre...
Promotionally Yours: Branded T- Shirt... Promotionally Yours, Sheri Bre...: Rewearable or Unbearable? Posted: 20 Apr 2016 11:50 AM PDT Sir Paul McCartney Wants a Brooklyn Nets T-Shirt courtesy of the NB...
Branded T- Shirt... Promotionally Yours, Sheri Breaux - Halo Branded Solutions
Posted: 20 Apr 2016 11:50 AM PDT
Sir Paul McCartney
Wants a Brooklyn Nets T-Shirt courtesy of the NBA.
How to create branded apparel
they’ll love.
There is no other promotional
giveaway that gets an audience going like apparel, especially t-shirts. It
doesn’t matter who you are when the t-shirts come out at an event, WE ALL WANT
ONE. (Don’t believe me? Here is a video
of Paul McCartney trying to get a Brooklyn Nets t-shirt.)
And with an 89% rate of recall with consumers and
an estimated 2,450 impressions in their lifetimes shirts are
popular among advertisers, too. But how can you ensure your branded apparel
keeps getting impressions instead of ending up in the bottom drawer, or worse
yet, in a landfill?
With that in mind, we came up with
this handy diagram of the three main components of a perfect promotional
t-shirt.
This graphic
is based off of the old “Good, fast or cheap. Pick two.” Venn diagram with an
apparel twist. Basically this states that if you’re not a global brand that
recipients identify with as part of their own personal identity, then you’re
going to have to step up your garment quality and put some serious thought into
the design.
Be aware of what
your style choice says about your brand.
Choosing the Right Garment
- Don’t try to save on the budget with apparel. As a giveaway this isn’t a purchase most brands can do well on the cheap.
- Do think quality not quantity. Giving to fewer recipients who will appreciate your gift and will wear it on a regular basis is far better than handing out gear that is only worn when they mow the yard… unless that was your goal.
- Do consider an apparel style and weight appropriate for your audience, event and brand. Be aware of what your apparel choice says about you, be sure to make it a message you want to convey.
- Do use a retail brand. If your budget permits, using a brand of apparel your audience knows and trusts will increase the perceived value of the garment and your brand.
The perfect branded
t-shirt (if your audience is me)
Using the Right Imprint &
Design
- Don’t design it yourself. Unless you have an art degree, this is one of those projects best left to the professionals.
- Don’t make it all about you. Unless you have a brand that recipients don’t mind being a walking billboard for, you’re going to have to do something more than just print your logo.
- Do sponsor an event (co-branding). By sponsoring an event that your audience cares about you can gain credibility with that audience.
- Do speak to your audience – It’s all about getting them to wear the garment over and over again. Messaging that is clever, graphics that impress and subtle branding will go a long way in winning your way into their wardrobe.
Don’t try to do it on your own. The best way to insure that you have
the perfect design, imprint and apparel style for your next promotion is to
work with a HALO Account
Executive. They have the know-how and experience to help you
reach your branded apparel goals.
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Promotionally Yours: Choosing Golf Apparel - Promotionally yours, Sheri...
Promotionally Yours: Choosing Golf Apparel - Promotionally yours, Sheri...: Golf Apparel Posted: 15 Apr 2016 11:36 AM PDT According to the World Golf Foundation there are more than 28 million go...
Choosing Golf Apparel - Promotionally yours, Sheri Breaux Halo Branded Solutions
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Posted: 15 Apr 2016 11:36 AM PDT
According to the World Golf
Foundation there are more than 28 million golfers in the United States. The
popularity of the sport should come as no surprise as it appeals to such a
large demographic. Golf is enjoyed by many individuals regardless of age,
gender and physical fitness level. There is however one thing that almost all
golfers have in common when they step on to the fairway, they almost always
must adhere to a dress code.
Golf is one of very few sports in
which the way you’re dressed can be just as important as the way you play,
and golf apparel isn’t just for the pro’s at the PGA tour. Golf apparel is
for business outings, sponsored corporate events, charity events and
fundraisers. Caddies, spectators and staff surrounding these events are
expected to be dressed for the green as well as the players. Golf attire has
a long history and includes everything from argyle socks to Bermuda shorts,
but today’s styles are designed for both performance and fashion.
Here are a few things to consider
when choosing golf apparel.
Comfort
Choosing styles that are
comfortable and allow for movement is important. The classic polo is
still one of the most popular apparel pieces you will see for men and women,
but it’s been modified for comfort with an athleisure design.
Breathable materials, Dri-FIT moisture management, side vents and tag free
are all things to look for. Wind shirts and jackets with mesh lining
and features like ventilated backs are also great for temperature regulation
and comfort. When it comes to pants and shorts they should be both
lightweight and breathable.
Dress Code and Style
Most golf courses do require that
men wear collared shirts in order to play. Unless you’re Happy Gilmore,
you probably won’t be wearing your favorite hockey jersey on the fairway.
It’s common for men to wear pants made of cotton or polyester, but dress
shorts are acceptable as well. The most common colors for pants are
khaki and navy. Ladies have a little more flexibility on the course
when it comes to dress code, but collared shirts are common and athletic
styles and cuts are prevalent. Bold colors are popular choices for both
men and women and many styles of golf apparel are offered in men’s and ladies
coordinating styles.
Weather
Going 18 holes often takes hours,
and weather conditions can change over the course of the day. Cotton
shirts are ideal because they allow you to stay cool in summer but are also
easily to layer with a sweater or jacket on cooler days. In warm
weather hats, particularly baseball style caps, are common because they are
great for blocking the sun and don’t interfere as much with your game as
sunglasses can. When it comes to staying warm, traditional vests and
sweaters will always have a place on the golf course, but modern choices like
fleece jackets and windbreakers are popular.
Branding and Decoration
Golf has a distinct advantage when
it comes to marketing its equipment and apparel. In team sports, the team
logo or brand often takes prominence and gets the bulk of exposure. Golf is
an individual sport with no official uniform. Everyone playing, from the
pro’s (hello endorsement deals) to employees playing in a polo with their
company’s logo, can serve as walking billboards. Decoration on golf
apparel needs to be tastefully done, but it’s an opportunity for impressions
that cannot be missed.
A few
examples of what the pro’s are wearing on the course. Image sources: Harry
How/Getty Images, Chris Trotman/Getty Images, David Cannon/Getty Images,
Andrew Reddington/Getty Images, Stan Badz/PGA Tour.
Golf is much more than a popular
choice for weekend recreation. It is a dominating industry in the U.S.
with an economic impact of $195 billion that provides more than two million
jobs. If you have a golf related event coming up contact your HALO Account Executive
today to learn more about choosing the right apparel piece for the golf
course.
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Thursday, April 14, 2016
Promotionally Yours: Benefits of Corporate Uniforms- Promotionally Your...
Promotionally Yours: Benefits of Corporate Uniforms- Promotionally Your...: The Benefits of Corporate Uniforms Posted: 13 Apr 2016 01:07 PM PDT Think back to your very first job. You were like...
Benefits of Corporate Uniforms- Promotionally Yours, Sheri Breaux - Halo Branded Solutions
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Posted: 13 Apr 2016 01:07 PM PDT
Think back to your
very first job. You were likely issued a uniform of some sort on your
first day. Maybe it was a simple t-shirt required to be worn with jeans, or a
button up long sleeved polo to be paired with black slacks. Whatever it was
likely had your company’s logo on it if not other brand messages.
Now that you’re a bit older, you
may still be required to wear a uniform of some sort. If you’re not, here are
a few things the person in charge of your dress code may want to
consider. (Hint: If that’s you, read carefully.)
 One
Unified Look: Whether in the
office, at an event, or running an errand, your employees will be easily
recognized in a corporate uniform. Clients will know who to turn to for a
question about your brand and feel confident that they’re speaking to a brand
expert.
Not only will each person match,
but your employees will coordinate with your other corporate branding.
Clients may see your brand message on signage and in marketing collateral,
but that messaging could fall apart as soon as an employee walks by wearing a
shirt from their favorite concert.
Adding your logo to something your
employees are already wearing is an inexpensive way to keep your branding
consistent and give your employees a uniform look. They wear clothes to work,
right? Choose a piece and claim it. Add your logo, issue the branded apparel
to all employees and you have a corporate uniform.
 Sanitation, Ease of Washing and
Affordability: Does your
workplace require a specific level of sanitation? Do your employees wash
their uniforms more often than the average person? If so, consider issuing
branded apparel that’s sanitary, durable through many washes and affordable
enough to replace regularly. One of the best examples of this work attire is scrubs.
Doctors’ and nurses’ scrubs
promote a clean environment. In fact, some doctor’s offices and hospitals
mandate specific color schemes to make it easy to see contaminants, bodily
fluids and other stains. Additionally, because they require so much washing,
scrubs are both durable and affordable. Scrubs also provide a non-restrictive
fit so wearers are free to move as needed to position and carry patients and
medical supplies.
Often in large hospitals and
offices, members of the same department will wear the same colors.
Bright, cheerful colors and prints can often be found in the children’s wing
whereas a surgeon may wear a solid green or blue scrub.
Scrubs are easy to customize with
a logo and/or name. With National Nurses Week just a month
away (May 6 – May 12), consider giving new scrubs to the nurses in your
office, clinic or hospital.
 Safety: Uniforms and workwear are not only for show. Some professions
require specific attire and accessories due to safety. For example,
restaurant employees are generally expected to wear nonslip work shoes to
avoid falls in the wet kitchen. Construction workers may need safety goggles,
helmets and reflective vests. If your workplace needs to comply with specific
safety requirements, providing these as a “uniform” to employees ensures that
everyone follows the compliance and gives you an opportunity to add your logo
to whatever they wear. Team
Building: When employees
match each other, there is an unspoken sense of equality that could help
boost morale in the workplace. No one is given special treatment; everyone is
part of the same team. Also, studies have shown that when employees
are happy, they are more productive. Attractive uniforms that make your
employees feel good and look good? Sounds like a sound investment to me. Now
watch that productivity skyrocket. Have you ever owned a uniform as
decorated as the Mooby’s uniform from the movie Clerks II? It may be silly, but the
restaurant’s branding is still spot on!
Do you have a
favorite uniform? Why? What was your least favorite? What do you wish
your employer had considered when choosing it? Leave your thoughts in
the comment section below.
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Thursday, April 7, 2016
Promotionally Yours: New Specials... Promotionally Yours, Sheri Breaux
Promotionally Yours: New Specials... Promotionally Yours, Sheri Breaux: New Specials – BrandED by HALO Posted: 06 Apr 2016 11:53 AM PDT Prep for summer promotions with trendy items your clients and prosp...
New Specials... Promotionally Yours, Sheri Breaux
Posted: 06 Apr 2016 11:53 AM PDT
Prep
for summer promotions with trendy items your clients and prospects will enjoy
using again and again. This quarter’s BrandED by HALO features
popular retail brands, outdoorsy items and Made in the U.S.A. favorites.
Associate Your Brand with a
Brand They Already Know, Love & Trust
When you put your logo next to a
trusted brand name, people associate its attributes with your brand. Want to
appeal to athletes? Choose Reebok or Endurance brand apparel.
Men’s Reebok®
Crossover 1/4″ Zip Pullover Jacket
Does your brand value reliability
and durability? Choosing drinkware from Tervis or Thermos signals these values
to your clients.
Tervis Tumbler with
Travel Lid – 16 oz.
Take Your Brand Outside
With summertime just around the
corner, BrandED also features many products for the great outdoors. Some of
these items are value-priced giveaways like sunscreen packets and bug repellant
wipes. Others make thoughtful gifts like a grill set, picnic cooler or
lightweight branded jacket.
Grill Master BBQ
Sling Grilling Tool Set
If you’re hosting an outdoor event
such as a golf outing, make it extra memorable by adding a special sunglasses
fitting for each attendee. The Glorious Golfer Tournament Sunglasses Fitting
gives each guest an opportunity to take home a pair of tour-proven sunglasses
in a hard case and soft sleeve, both featuring your logo!
Glorious Golfer
Tournament Sunglasses Fitting
Join the Made in America Movement
In the summer, patriotism runs a
little higher. It could be because many people consider Memorial Day as the
unofficial start of summer or because we celebrate Independence Day in the very
middle of the season. Whatever the reason, your brand can help support the Made
in America movement with promotional products that are produced right here in
the United States. This quarter, our BrandED selection includes 15 useful items
proudly made in America. Whether you’re looking for simple giveaways or a party
favor, BrandED by HALO has Made in the U.S.A. options for you.
Political Emery
Board
Friday, April 1, 2016
Promotionally Yours: April Fools from Halo... Looking for edgy ideas?- ...
Promotionally Yours: April Fools from Halo... Looking for edgy ideas?- ...: April Fools from HALO Posted: 01 Apr 2016 06:39 AM PDT In honor of April Fools’ Day, we had some fun thinking up bizarre promotio...
April Fools from Halo... Looking for edgy ideas?- Promotionally Yours, Sheri Breaux
Posted: 01 Apr 2016 06:39 AM PDT
In honor of April Fools’ Day, we had
some fun thinking up bizarre promotional products. Check them all out below.
Street Cred Stickies: Your brand will be recognized in every back alley with this spray
paint-like decal. Sticks to any surface so you can tag everything from
buildings to train cars.
Underwater Pens: Appeal to scuba
divers, synchronized swimmers and marine biologists with this handy, branded
underwater pen. Perfect for those deep-sea moments of inspiration. *Underwater
paper sold separately.
Tactical Branded Shoe: No need to lug around utility knives and cell phones anymore.
Clients will have everything they need with every step they take.
Employee Branding: You can put your logo on anything, right? Add your logo to your
employees upon hire for a lifetime of impressions. Note: Logo may appear
distorted after many years due to aging.
Grill Cap: In the summertime everyone’s thinking ball games and barbecue.
Combine the two in this grill cap! Sports fans can have a bite of delicious
grilled food anywhere they go. *Grill cap food not to size. Cap only fits
a few bites of meat. Use for snacking. For larger portions, try the Grill Bed:
for those who dream of barbecue.
Can you think of other fun, fake
promo items? Share your ideas in the comments section below. Looking for
real promotional items? Contact me today... 281-658-1392 or sheri.breaux@halo.com
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