Your customers are truly your bread and butter and without them, you wouldn’t be in business. So, how do you show your faithful customers that you appreciate them every single day of the year? You can show your gratitude during the holiday season by giving a gift to those who have made you successful all year. Give them a personalized gift that perfectly details your message, your logo, and corporate image, while demonstrating how much they mean to you.

This year when the experts tell us that we’re in the throes of a “recession,” it can seem to be a problem. Your business may have been affected and perhaps advertising dollars just aren’t there. All the more reason to give customers a gift–to keep your business name in front of your customers with a promotional product.

Think that promotional items are a waste of money? Think again. Your customers are more likely to remember your corporate brand name if you give them a pen, mug, or tote bag than if you run an advertisement in your newspaper. It’s the truth! A recent survey by L.J. Market Research for Promotional Products Association International uncovered some amazing data: 76.1 percent of the people interviewed could remember the name of the advertiser who had given them a promotional item in the past year, but only 53.5 percent said that they could remember an advertisers name from a newspaper ad within the past week. Promotional products get you noticed!

When used effectively, promotional products can:

1. Keep your name in front of customers wherever they go.

2. Support your brand’s differentiating characteristics.

3. Expose your company to new audiences when people wear, use or display your products in public.

You’re convinced that you want to give a promotional product this year, but what can you afford to give? The best types are the ones that have longevity and the handy-factor because these are the products that will keep your message in front of your customers as often as possible, for as long as possible.

Got some customers who love their java? Then, give a mug perfect for the holidays with snowflakes, your company name, and a special greeting Happy Holidays or Seasons Greetings imprinted for a cheerful way to start a morning or unwind after a day filled with celebrating. Or how about a calendar? Either for home or the office. A calendar for the office will remind your customer of your business every time they look at the calendar.

And when you are handing a promotional gift to your customers as a means of thanking them for the business that has been given to you these past 12 months, remember that this item will be bringing you even more opportunities in the new year. Your customers won’t forget.