Year in Review

Although there are still a couple of months left in the calendar, we can confidently say that 2023 has been a superb year for promotional advertising. From innovative design concepts to newly added products, we can appreciate the growth and evolution of this 24-billion-dollar industry over the last 12 months. Join us as we explore the consumer preferences, technology advancements, and global events that have influenced the promo market and captured the attention of businesses just like yours! Whether you're a seasoned event planner or just getting started, this review will provide valuable insights and inspiration to help you stay ahead of the curve in the year to come.

Personalization

Customers appreciate products that feel personalized to their preferences. Personalized promotional items with individual names, messages, or other insignia have been popular this year for their ability to create a more personal connection with recipients. This year, we saw a number of businesses opt for more unique products that are specifically tailored to their customer’s preferences. High-quality clothing from name brands such as Puma, New Era, and Dickies have been flying off the shelves as organizations attempt to give their audience more of the products they desire. These products are often made of premium materials that are not only more comfortable for the wearer but also provide the perfect area for imprinting.

Nostalgia Marketing

Perhaps the biggest trend this year has been nostalgia marketing. Retro aesthetics are making a big comeback as consumers crave comfort, allowing for nostalgic and uplifting content to trend upward. As a small business owner or event planner, you can also incorporate nostalgia into your campaigns. Whether your heartstrings tug you back to the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, or early 2000’s you can bet there’s a customizable product that can take you there.

Virality

As promo products are like a real-world version of product placement in a TV show or movie, their effect is magnified when combined with the power of social media. The rise of influencer marketing has also left its mark in the promo world. As part of an effort to attract younger generations, brands are turning to more creative marketing strategies in order to connect with their audience. Adding catchy slogans or bold messages to tote bags, t-shirts, and drinkware is one of the ways to get as many people as possible to talk about a brand and increase online engagement. Products are often paired with customized QR codes linked to landing pages, and social platforms in order to encourage virality.

While some trends will never go out of style, other trends are evolving and rapidly growing. Beyond having a great product and service, staying in the loop with current promo trends can help your brand stand out. As you prepare your marketing campaign for next year, try to incorporate items that invoke an emotional response from recipients through nostalgic and uplifting content. Look into tech-related items that can be used to spark virality and consider the preferences of your target audience when personalizing apparel. For more tips on how to get the most out of your promotions check out our blog!