Sometimes the best marketing plan is a simple one: give away a free product in order to get more customers. However, before you just start throwing promotional products at people take some time to plan your marketing campaign carefully.

For one thing, your giveaway needs to tie into your product your service, and should be branded with your logo and contact information. Ideally the giveaway you choose will be unique and eye-catching, or will be something that the recipient finds useful. Ultimately, your giveaway works to boost your brand and communicates a message about your product, service, or company.

There is no perfect choice when it comes to choosing a promotional product. Different products will work for certain companies, but not others. Giveaways work best when they can tie into your company or product in some way, as this will help the customer associate the giveaway with you and establish your brand as a credible choice.

So where should you use giveaways? Just about anywhere. Promotional products can be used at trade shows and other events to attract potential customers, they can be sent to existing customers as a reminder or thank you, they can be given as a gift with purchase, and can be provided to your salespeople to hand out at their discretion. The opportunities to promote your company are practically endless.

Spend some time researching promotional products that could fit with your company and be used to promote it and your brand. Talk to employees and associates about the types of promotional products they have received that have encouraged them to make a purchase, then see what types of products will fit into your budget. Also consider personalizing the giveaway with the help of a graphic designer, who can incorporate your logo and contact information to enhance the visibility of the product and encourage recipients to keep you in mind for their next purchase.