Mad 4 Blog

With the holidays wrapping up, we began to think creatively about some of the missed marketing opportunities from the recent weeks. Creative businesses might be able to take advantage of corporate gifting in ways they’ve never thought of before. Here are just a few ideas:

1. Wrapping. Have you ever designed your own wrapping paper? With all of the glitter and glitz that’s appropriate for this festive season, it’s a great excuse to go all-out with customized wrapping paper. You can use your logo and key messages in artistic, expressive ways that really catch the eye — before your recipient even sees what’s inside. It’s a way to make an impact in an affordable way, even if your gift-giving budget can only afford the same old pens, magnets and mugs. Another thought is to send presents in reusable tote bags with your businesses name tastefully reflected, which not only means you’re helping the environment, but the person who receives your present can also think of you year-round as they keep using the container in which the present was sent. It’s two gifts in one!

2. Packing. Forget those boring and messy packing peanuts or layers of tissue paper. You can personalize the Styrofoam, bubbles, parchment or other filling that’s used to keep your gift in place. Although this one’s not as cost-efficient, since the impact will likely only last a moment before the stuffing is thrown out, it can prove to your recipient that you’re willing to go all-out when it comes to business and make them feel important. When someone’s opening a stack of gifts at the same time, these little extras will help your package stand out.

3. Shipping. Did you know that UPS expects the first week of 2012 to be record-breaking when it comes to consumers returning gifts that were received through the mail or ordered through e-commerce websites? With online sales soaring, we often think about posting advertisements on the Internet. We might even think about designing special holiday cards to go along with those items. But what about advertising on the boxes and return labels that typically come with gifts? Next year, if you’re thinking about mailing presents to your clients, colleagues and competition, considering ordering specialty boxes and labels to help promote your brand at the same time — it’s two birds in one! And as your items soar through the processes of shipping and handling, who knows how many eyes might focus on your logo en route.

Do you have any creative marketing inspirations to share? Let us know!

Last week, we answered some tough questions about handling gift-giving to clients and affiliates during the holiday season. Here are two more frequently asked gift-giving questions answered, with ideas and examples to help spark your imagination.

How can my gift stand out among many others during the holiday season?

Don’t Google “unique gifts for clients.” Seriously—now it is critical to think outside of the box. And you’ll also want to think very strategically about what gifts make the most sense in particular for your type of products and services—as well as your type of clientele. Just sending a gift, any old gift, serves as a mere token. It won’t get you the attention, fond remembrance and return business that you’re ultimately seeking. And trust us, if a high-ranking website told you about the coolest new client gifts for 2010, your recipient will probably already have four of them by Boxing Day.

How can I promote my business through my gift?

Practical gifts are especially useful when they’re doubling as a promotional tool. Every time your client reaches for your gift, he or she will think of you. Of course, you’ll have to go beyond branding a ballpoint pen. If its not practical, anything that’s exciting enough to make your clients tell someone else about the gift—even if it’s just their spouse or hairdresser—will get them talking and thinking about your brand.

You should also consider double-personalizing a gift. Instead of just embossing your company’s iconography on an item, add the recipient’s name and logo, too. This extra measure doesn’t just remind them of you—it reflects your partnership. Companies are more likely to hold onto the gift because it displays their name. And it shows that they’re a special client to you because you took the time to tailor a gift to them—rather than sending over one of a hundred generic, single-branded, you-centric items.

Two examples …

These days, technological gifts go a long way and are a little more exciting and cutting-edge than non-digital counterparts; for example, earlier this year we discussed the USB Insert. This flat device is an inventive way to share digital art, games and other media as a combination of advertisement and gift–and fits perfectly inside a card for easy shipping.

Our favorite recent gift was last year’s desktop Ecosphere, from Blue Ocean Press. We still enjoy watching these critters play around in their habitat, and it’s a great conversation-starter when clients visit our office. Plus, the long-lasting present ties in perfectly with the company’s brand name—bonus points!

Next week, we’re discussing the idea of giving the gift of charitable donations, including the benefits and opportunities available with e-philanthropy. Don’t miss it!