In order to understand how promotional products find their place in a variety of scenarios through time, we must first acknowledge their past. Many businesses use promotional products for different reasons. However, organizations, associations, and even individuals use them too. In exploring a brief history of promotional products, you’re sure to gain a better comprehension of their evolution and value.

The Purpose

Promotional products are powerful marketing tools that create a memorable brand experience. This form of advertising allows for interaction between brands and consumers. Additionally, promotional items keep the brand name, logo, and concept in the mind of consumers on a regular basis to maintain exposure and interest. They can be used to advertise, reward interactions, and introduce new things to the public.

The Beginning

When we think of promotional products now, we think of the loot businesses offer from time to time. Bulk plain snapback hats, shirts, drinkware, and more, all marked up with a particular brand’s logo or name. In the beginning, however, promotional products were a bit different.

From engraved coins and jewelry in 312 AD to advertising through the use of paper products such as the newspaper or business cards in 1440, promotional products have evolved many times over the years. In 1886, promotional products finally began to take on the form we know today by using printed burlap bags to promote a small business.

Promoting Items

Promotional material is important because it helps reach out to potential new customers but also offers a sense of camaraderie to existing ones. Identifying items that make people part of a group are very powerful. Additionally, these products are used to maintain business relevancy, cater to fans of a sport or team, or even declare relations and identity between people and individuals.

At KBethos, we think it’s important for you to understand a brief history of promotional products. Only then will you see how far these products have come and what they have the power to do. These items have been essential since the beginning of time. Keeping that in mind as you strive to build your brand or elevate recognition levels will help you get creative and find what’s best for your business.