Bankers Advertising

By: Molly Beavers, CAS

The Super Bowl is, well, the Super Bowl of advertising. The Super Bowl is a rare occasion on television when people want to see advertising. The captive audience and high price tag forces advertisers to push the envelope of creativity and campaign development. This traditional phenomenon has broadcasters charging, and advertisers happily paying, millions of dollars for their moment, or seconds, on advertising’s finest stage. This year a 30 second ad is selling for as much as $7 million dollars. Prices are so high because marketers are willing to pay to access the enormous Super Bowl audience. Some 115.1 million people on average tuned into the 2023 Super Bowl to watch the Chiefs play the Eagles (The Kelce Brothers Showdown), making the game the most-watched broadcast in the history of U.S. television. That estimate doesn’t even account for larger viewing groups at private parties, or bars.

Most businesses don’t have a massive budget to spend on a Super Bowl ad. That’s where we come in….promotional products offer the same effect. They’re a rare advertising medium the people actually want to see and receive. And it’s not just one Sunday night each year, but all of the time.

While the ads are fun to watch they’re also great for gleaning valuable insight into advertising today. It’s about more than what is on the screen. Valuable marketing lessons are found in the buzz generated by the ads and their integration of other channels. Here are a few observations that can be applied when using promotional products.

Ads Are No Longer Linear
Commercials are evolving to be more than just interruptions of our regularly scheduled programs. Advertisers are no longer in control of how, when or where their advertising is viewed. Sure, they can still buy specific time slots, but with social media sharing, turning them into entertainment on demand, it’s not always a straight shot from advertiser to the viewer. To take advantage, Super Bowl advertisers are creating added entertainment value. For several years, in the buildup for the Super Bowl, commercials have been teased, released or even “leaked” prior the Super Bowl to start the conversations early. Just google – Super Bowl Ads for 2024 if you want a peak.

This year surrounding the big game, the commercials now have commercials for their commercials. No joke—the Super Bowl ad process has gone from dropping teaser trailers for commercials to straight up filming a commercial to promote an upcoming commercial. There are a lot that have sequel commercials – before, during and after the game. Others have “cliff hanger” commercials asking you to go online to see the rest. Some are integrating social media or mobile content to further engage. The goal is to give the audience additional engagement options once advertisers have their attention.

Takeaway – Visit with your Bankers Promotional Consultant about having a good marketing mix that gives your audience multiple options to engage your brand. Promotional products should be a part of that mix, because a relevant and useful item tends to integrate itself into the life of the recipient. The additional engagement is appreciated by the recipient and brings value to the advertiser. Few advertising methods are as welcomed into personal spaces like promotional products.

In It For The Long Haul
Super Bowl ads now have the ability to last longer than their time slot. People talk about the ads for days and watch them over and over again. In the days after the big game, websites and blogs are posting articles reviewing the ads thus adding extra life. Since $7 million is a lot to spend for 30 seconds, Super Bowl advertisers are finding value in the conversations that take place on social media and in the blogosphere after the ads have aired.

Takeaway – Look for long term marketing value beyond the initial touch. Promotional products have that long term value built-in as the typical item is kept for six months. They have the ability to start conversations about a brand and encourage people to share their experiences long after they have received the promotional item.

Promotional Products Savor the Moment
Every year you will see the winning team hoisting the trophy wearing promotional t-shirts and caps celebrating their championship. Usually there is a commercial selling the winning team official merchandise to commemorate the occasion. Talk about striking while the iron is hot! The inclusivity adds value by creating a stronger connection between the fans and their team.

Takeaway – People want to remember good times and significant milestones. Promotional products are tangible reminders of those occasions and can connect on an emotional level with the recipient. The effect is not limited to the big events.

People are always open to receiving promotional products. You don’t have to wait until Super Sunday for consumers to welcome our advertising…83% of consumers like receiving promotional products. Promotional products create the same opportunity and excitement.

Will you be rooting for the Chiefs, the 49ers or the Commercials? I admit…I am not much of a football fan and only watch for the commercials. My family and I always pick our favorites. After the big game, I would love to hear from you regarding your favorite commercial or commercials and why.

Contact your Bankers Promotional Consultant for winning ideas!

Well, we still don’t know which two teams will be facing off at Super Bowl 2024 but every year, when scrolling through social media, someone’s inevitably going to post: “And I’m officially only watching for the halftime show.” (That’s me every year, but especially this year since it’s Usher).

That’s the thing about the Super Bowl, isn’t it? Even if your team’s not in it, you watch. For many people, even if you don’t like football, you watch. It’s ubiquitous. It’s unavoidable. It’s classic. And, between the game, halftime show and commercials, there really is something in it for everyone.

Wouldn’t it be great if a company could make those claims?

Well, that’s why we’re here: to leverage the marketing power of promotional products to deliver your business Super (Bowl) Successes – campaigns that are ubiquitous, unavoidable, and classic. Campaigns that catch the eye and draw people in, even if they’re loyal to a different brand. Even if they couldn’t care less about the product.

Like the football game of games, a good promotional marketing campaign takes head-in-the-game hard work, like the players on the field. It takes a bold dash of creativity, like the halftime show. And it takes throwing a lot of humor and compassion at the part that people usually ignore in other contexts: the commercials.

So whether you’re in it to root for the teams, to check out the Usher halftime show or to pick up some tips from the commercials, remember that all three work together to draw in the over 113 million people who tune in every year. Work hard, get creative, and rely on us– and you’ll deliver Super (Bowl) Successes every time!

Contact your Bankers Promotional Consultant for more touchdown ideas!

Unless you avoided people, public places and all of social media in 2023, you know it was the year for 40 oz. tumblers. If you paid even a little attention to trends, you saw the Stanley 40 oz. Quencher take over in promo and retail. Suddenly, women and girls of all ages were lugging around huge tumblers full of water.

Stanley is a brand that’s been around for years. Founded in 1913, it was known for decades for its classic steel vacuum bottles and lunch boxes in its signature Hammertone Green, mostly used by the workers who first built the country’s infrastructure. The company’s items and its clientele were both suited to spend time outside in the elements.

That changed in late 2022, when a combination of brand flexibility, new executive faces, image retooling, earnest influencers, savvy affiliate marketing and swoon-worthy lifestyle shots – plus a bit of luck – launched the 40-oz. Quencher into the stratosphere. The tumbler is an object of adoration, lauded by millions of social media users and so worshipped that consumers this holiday season camped out in tents outside Starbucks locations to try to score the special-edition Stanley x Starbucks style, many with plans to resell them online for huge markups.

So, what caused this sudden success? Their marketing strategy pivoted.

In 2019, at Stanley’s behest, the three female influencers behind The Buy Guide (a popular ladies shopping blog) cautiously placed an order for 10,000 cups – all of which they promptly sold. Their success convinced Stanley to re-prioritize the Quencher and, at the same time, add a focus on drinkware for women.  Stanley’s new president decided they should go all in on this new female audience. They launched brand new colors that were pastels and colorful (opposite of what they done the last century).

We’ve been offering alternatives since the very beginning because of high demand, but companies who want the brand name are willing wait and have the budget for the popular brand.

While celebrating the product of the year, we also want to highlight similar products that have been able to keep up with the Quencher in terms of performance.

Pelican Drinkware Rivals Stanley®

Popular Science has been writing articles about the best technology for more than 150 years and they named Pelican’s 40 oz. Porter™ the best tumbler in the industry. The Porter™ keeps drinks cold for hours. This longevity is thanks to a copper lining that works with double-wall vacuum insulation to prevent thermal loss. Be sure to check out this style #PL1008 and other Pelican drinkware. The other Pelican styles shown have the same effective insulation that will leave your customers satisfied with the final product. Check out their wide assortment of trending colors!

While we have seen several Stanley orders this year, clients have also found success with similar styles that have been tested and hold ice just as long. Our favorites are the Intrepid , Denali,  Apex and  Maxim Tumblers shown below. Contact your Bankers Promotional Consultant for more information.

In early December, Pantone released their Color of the Year – Peach Fuzz.

“PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz captures our desire to nurture ourselves and others. It’s a velvety gentle peach tone whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul.” It’s a hue that echoes an innate yearning for closeness and connection, Pantone decided to choose a color radiant with warmth and modern elegance. A shade that resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace, and effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless.

Although Pantone named its 2024 Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz, in early December, the color experts released a whole palette based on New York Fashion Week trends earlier in the fall. These hues include some of the earthy colors that have been popular in the past couple of years, but perhaps most notably, the palette points to the middle of the rainbow, focusing on oranges and greens, plus a bright yellow and a handful of blues.

If your brand has a strong connection to design and aesthetics, staying updated on color trends is important. Our company and industry suppliers pay attention to the color trends throughout the year. We’re excited to see more of this sweet, peach color in 2024, along with the palette from fall 2023.

Check out our flyer of Peach Fuzz products to brand with your logo!

Contact your Bankers Promotional Consultant for color ideas that can help enhance your promo efforts.

Promotional ceramic mugs are a cost-effective and enduring marketing strategy supported by empirical evidence and statistics. They offer repeated daily exposure, long-lasting visibility, and positive brand associations, making them a compelling choice for businesses looking to enhance their marketing efforts.
Daily Exposure:
Research shows that individuals use mugs an average of 2.8 times per day for hot and cold beverages, resulting in repeated exposure to branding elements.
Longevity:
A study by the Advertising Specialty Institute revealed that promotional products, including ceramic mugs, have a lifespan of up to 7 years, ensuring prolonged brand visibility.
Eco-Friendly Options:
A study found that approximately 42% of consumers have a more favorable opinion of companies that offer eco-friendly promotional products, highlighting the positive impact of sustainable ceramic mugs on brand perception.

Checkout the #222XX 14 oz. Ledge Ceramic Mug from ETS is on page 19 of the Fall Gift Guide and the #CW154CP Full-Color Ceramic Mug. Contact us for a variety of styles!

#2224

Did You Know? On average, 49 U.S. states see winter snow.

Whether it’s a light dusting or a full-blown blizzard, a clean windshield can make all the difference when winter weather strikes. It’s a scenario we’ve all faced and it’s not just an inconvenience – it’s a safety hazard. When you brand an ice scraper, you’re not just giving your customers a handy tool; you’re providing them with peace of mind.

The first patent for an ice scraper was granted in 1960. Since then, they have evolved from metal to plastic or acrylic, with some featuring extenders and even glove attachments to keep hands warm while clearing a frozen windshield.

#ISCP3576

Ice scrapers have experienced a 74% year over year increase in demand. Brand a product that people seek year after year and capitalize on this clear demand. There are so many different kinds to choose from at a variety of price points.

Check out the #2224 Deluxe Snowbrush Ice Scraper on page 20 of the Fall Gift Guide and contact your Bankers Promotional Consultant for more options. Another favorite of ours is the #ISCP3576.

Oh my gourd, NEW fall writing instruments are here!

Get ready to spice up your promotions this autumn with our lineup of fall-themed writing! Whether they’re writing down new pumpkin pie recipes, brainstorming the best orchard for apple picking or jotting down some brilliant fall marketing ideas – we have the perfect seasonal writing for your brand!

Don’t leaf your branding to chance this fall – let’s simply make it a season to remember!

These are just a few of the new styles available, contact your Bankers Promotional Consultant for more!

Who doesn’t love an almost impossible-to-kill desk plant? Plant promos are trending in the industry! 70% of millennials call themselves plant parents and 66% of Americans have at least one house plant.

But there is a WHY to desk plants.
Numerous studies have shown that including living plants in office spaces can have multiple positive health effects, from calming the eyes to reducing blood pressure. In a “green” office, generating ideas and creatively solving problems is easier. Here are some stats:

• 37% reduction in anxiety                                     • 58% reduction in reported depression

• Reduced chronic fatigue by nearly 40%              • 44% reduction in office hostility

Consider How Desk Plants Can Help you GROW Your Business.
Let’s face it, the average office atmosphere is stale and doesn’t inspire people to reach their potential. In addition, most commercial buildings contain harmful airborne toxins, known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), that can seriously negatively impact long-term health. Based on a groundbreaking study conducted by NASA, it was found that plants can filter out large amounts of VOCs within interior spaces. In fact, indoor plants remove up to 87% of airborne toxins in just 24 hours. Studies have also proven 15 minutes of interaction with plants/day reduces stress and enhance productivity.

We have a wide variety of options available. Ask your Bankers Promotional Consultant! We also partner with these tow Give Back organizations.

Moderne Sprout®
Modern Sprout’s mission is to uncomplicate indoor gardening. They use hydroponics redesigned to create beautiful, space‐savvy products. Modern Sprout® is on a mission to help reforest the future – for every kit purchased, a donation is made to plant a tree. Tending to plants is also tending to the self.

One Tree Planted
One Tree Planted is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to global reforestation. They plant trees to restore nature and biodiversity. They also raise awareness about the importance of trees, offer businesses like ours a simple sustainability solution, and motivate younger generations to do something positive for the environment.

For our sales manager’s birthday last year, our team was surprised with the #5652 Wooden Wheel Barrow Blossom Kit. It was such a cute interactive promo that had the office talking in the following weeks and comparing how their plants were growing.

Contact your Bankers Promotional Consultant for more ideas!

Taylor Swift is #34 on the list of wealthiest women in the U.S. with a net worth of $740 million. She recently finished the first leg of her U.S. “Eras” Tour. I think there is something everyone can
learn from how Ms. Swift and her team have marketed her brand to create her empire.

Are you Ready for It? Let’s start with the basics. Taylor Swift has released 10 albums in her lifetime. Each one represents a specific “era” of her life. The 2023 all stadium tour is called The Era’s Tour because it features top hits from each album. Fans took this idea and ran with it. Each album has its own distinct color theme and style as Swift reinvents herself with every new release. From a marketing standpoint Swift is a Mastermind because with the differences between the eras, they are still easily identifiable as her brand. This was seen when she chose outfits to perform in from each album with inspiration from her songs and life at that time. Concert attendees took to social media to showcase their own versions.

On September 12th at the Video Music Awards, Swift was nominated for 11 awards and took home a record breaking nine of them. This secured her spot for most wins in one night and second-most overall wins with 23 to date (right behind Beyonce who has 26). Swift took home trophies for Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop, Best Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects, Show of the Summer, and Album of the Year. Last year she made history by becoming the first artist to win Video of the Year three times and this year she made it four.

We’ve identified five major takeaways you can adopt as a strategy and avoid missing out like a Foolish One:

1. Appeal to Emotions – Dig Deeper
One of the most effective marketing strategies is to create an emotional tie with your medium. Almost every connection Swift makes with her audience is emotional – sharing in hardships and low points or celebrating the highest highs. Each promo offered at her in-person merch truck or online storefront pulls on an emotion like an Invisible String. They can be Tied Together With (A Smile) a song title, lyric or inside joke between her and her fans. They want to leave the event with something to remember it by. Talk through ideas with your promotional consultant to make your campaign more impactful.

2. Offer a Variety – But stick to brand standards.
It’s essential that your audience can identify that the promo is for your brand. Swift has done this in a huge way. Each of her 10 albums essentially has its own brand. Whether your colors are Red or Maroon, you want to create promo that is identifiable as belonging to your brand, yet easily integrated into the recipient’s daily life and Style if it is a Cardigan or other apparel piece.

3. Exclusivity – Elusive Blue Crewneck
Make every product feel special! There are a lot of similar options on the website that are offered in person at the merch truck but not all are exactly the same or available in both places. There is a blue crew neck sweatshirt that was notoriously sought out because it was only offered at the concerts. Swifties stood in the Daylight for hours waiting to purchase the rare item.

4. Once in a Lifetime – Limited Time Only
This tour and the promotional products offered are special because they won’t be around forever. The newest rerecording of her “1989” album comes out in October of this year. Swift has been bringing back the use of vinyl and record players. The album has been available for preorder in the standard baby blue since the announcement but over the last couple weeks there has been a yellow, aquamarine and pink version offered for a limited time of 48 hours. This creates a buzz and excitement for each new product.

The Eras Tour itself is a hot commodity. Before this year, Taylor Swift hadn’t been on tour since 2018. After being denied the right to own her music, Swift took matters in her hands and rerecorded them all with the extended name of “Taylor’s Version” attached to each song title. Fans theorize that this may be the last time she performs songs from her past albums and rerecordings – making this a must see show and something no other Taylor Swift concert will have. Classic promos are Timeless but trying something new and different at a low quantity will surprise end users and create something special for a select group.

5. Broaden your Audience – Extend your Reach
Swifties that grew up listening to her music are 18-34 years old and attending concerts with their parents, friends and now their children. Swift’s music and merch has something for everyone. Your customers are always hoping to extend their reach. Target a new audience or demographic with a product tailored to their general interests or daily routine.

Example:
Some car insurance companies offer a significant discount for not being a Treacherous driver. They track phone usage while driving along with speeding and hard brakes. This means that phones needs to be in a secure place to show that it is not being used. I have a phone stand that fits right into my cup holder and secures Mine for the drive. A product like this would be great for agencies to hand out for new clients or policy changes.

Looking at the list of promos Taylor Swift has on her website, you’ll notice that a lot of these items aren’t out of the ordinary – they’re classic and they work. She offers multiple rain poncho styles so their audience won’t get caught in the Midnight Rain. The luggage tag can be used when Swifties are traveling to the concert. The scarf references an emotional song with the title on it and in the color of her album. The pillow is in the shape of her cats face. For someone who doesn’t know anything about her, the products can seem random but they leave a Blank Space to be filled in and a hidden meaning like a secret she shares with her fans.

Get inspired and dig deeper into products you want to represent your business. Maybe you’ll see Sparks Fly.  Contact your Bankers Promotional Consultant to brainstorm ideas to make the promotional products in your next campaign unique.