I'm going to Blog World Expo to Market my movie: Blogging The Movie. Would you rather have a pen or a t-shirt..
I'd have to say a T-shirt, because honestly I don't use pens that often and I already have tons of them anyway.
Ditto on the shirts. They wear out, get holes, turn into rags when the oil light comes on. I really haven't used pen and paper since Notepad. I'd wear a free tee shirt, though. One can never have enough of those.
Actually - a different idea. Hats. They last a long time, and every man own's a hat that they don't care what it says on it. check here -http://www.4imprint.com/Bedford-Cord-Cap/EXEC/DETAIL/~BSID5/~SKU007076-CL/~CA7076-CL.htm they're on closeout. most likely cheaper than the tee's
What about "half" Tee-Shirts worn by some smoking hot models? That way you'll get online media exposure with the "hottest models" websites ;-) If you REALLY want to keep costs low - make the tshirt as small as possible
I have been exhibiting at trade shows for over 20 years (yeah, I am pretty old for this forum). I strongly recommend AGAINST using most giveaways at a trade show. Why, because the VAST majority of people who will come by are ONLY interested in the giveaway. This means that not only are you spending money on uninterested prospects, but you are also clogging up your lead sheet with unqualified prospects that you will have to weed through to get to the people who are actually interested in your offerings. That said, I do offer things that are relevant to my products/services. E.g., a 10% discount coupon off the first purchase, a drawing to win a free widget (the widget that I make, of course.) But the difference is that my giveaways and/or contests only would be of interest to a real prospect of mine. Anyone else will not care and stay away from my booth and that is exactly what I want them to do. I let my competitors give away the pens, t-shirts, etc. In fact, I make a point to get one of each from them while at the show. They do not want to carry them back on the plane, anyway...
True true jrbiz. Usually if you just put a website name on a cap or shirt it gets some hits however. In my opinion branding a cap without a www. of anykind is just throwing away money.
I think people would want a T-Shirt 10 to 1. I LOVE free shirts, use around the house, go to bed, when i'm working outside, sometimes when i'm at the gym. They are great! lol
Yup! You will spend more on that stuff than actually bringing in. Giving away T-shirts only makes sense if you are already established, and you have a really kick ass idea, like "HOOTERS." But by then, you no longer need the shirts. Besides, why would I want to wear a shirt with your URL on it??? And I have pens already. Everyone does. Save it for your own back, by being a walking, talking ad.
A pen, because.. 1. I wouldn't wear a t shirt outside, nor would most style conscious people but that's probably not who you'll be meeting at a blogging expo. 2. Pens are actually USEFUL, and are passed around. Like the person above said, why would anyone want to be a walking billboard for you? I still think promo items are a good idea. You can make your own stickers or give out branded mints or something more useful like that. Just my 2 cents.