Looking for a way to stay in front of your customers all year long? How about a permanent place at their desk, or in their trucks? We’re talking about promotional custom calendars. In our increasingly digital world, a paper branded calendar will stand out and be a great tool for keeping your business top of mind.
In this post, we’ll cover the benefits of branded calendars and how to get started.
What is a branded calendar?
Also called a promotional calendar, this is a calendar featuring your company’s logo, colors, or imagery custom-made to give away to your customers to help promote your business. These calendars can be any type – from wall hanging to pocketbooks to cards or magnets – and can be customized in a variety of ways.
And the numbers suggest that customers really do use them. According to research done by Promotional Products Association International, over 61% of the calendars people use at home, and 76% in the workplace, are promotional calendars.
How promotional calendars can help your marketing
You might still be wondering: is creating, printing, and delivering promotional calendars worth the effort? In short, yes. Here are a few key reasons why.
Brand visibility every day of the year
This is probably the top reason. A standard direct mail piece will get a glance or two and then likely end up in the trash – but a calendar is much more likely to be kept because it’s something functional. Every time your customer checks the date, your brand will be there. Whether you’ve included your logo, your tagline, or any other markers of your brand and its value propositions, your customers will see it and subconsciously be reminded of who you are and what you stand for.
Creating positive associations with your brand
Daily visibility leads to positive association, especially if your calendar is visually appealing. Think about your customers and their interests when considering the design of your calendar. Will they appreciate something funny or is motivational the way to go? Simple and modern or bright and attention-grabbing? Different design styles will resonate with different audiences. And you know your customers best.
Once you’ve created a calendar customers will enjoy looking at, checking it will become a daily routine for them. Giving away branded calendars also allows you to interweave your brand into customers’ daily lives and create a feeling of familiarity.
Cost-effective marketing strategy
Depending on the quantity ordered, custom calendars can cost as little as $1.30 each. There are not many ways you can get in front of your customer every single day of the year for less than that. The verdict is in: branded calendars are a smart way to spend your marketing dollars.
So how do you get started on creating a custom calendar for your customers?
How to create custom calendars for your business
With a company that specializes in custom print, like Quill, it’s easy to get started. At Quill, you just have to choose your type, quantity, and upload your logo and/or custom images to create your item.
First, choose the type of promotional calendar that’s best for your customers
There are many different types of custom calendars. The best one for your business is the one that will fit most seamlessly into your customers’ routines.
Let’s look at a few types you can choose from.
Folded calendar cards
These calendars give you a picture of the whole year at a glance. They’re small enough that they can even be part of a holiday card, like in this folded calendar holiday card option from Quill, giving your holiday cards a practical use.
Desk planners
Desk planners are a great giveaway if your business is in the B2B corporate space since you know your company is relevant while your customer is sitting at their desk.
Wall calendars
Wall calendars, on the other hand, are useful for business and home use alike, which makes them ideal for many B2C businesses to give away.
Calendar stickies and magnets
Calendar stickies and magnets can provide a helpful solution to both consumers and businesses. For instance, if your company is in the foodservice industry, a calendar magnet is perfect for an industrial refrigerator. And if your company sells consumer goods, a place on the home fridge is just right for your brand.
Customize, choose your quantity, and print
Once you’ve selected the type of calendar you want, you’ll want to decide how you’re going to customize it and upload the applicable files (logo, other images, etc.). Then all you have to do is select your quantity and place your order. With Quill’s fast, free shipping you’ll have your order the very next day.*
2024 Calendars and planners for your workspace
Custom or not, calendars are a good way to stay on top of tasks and important events. Besides our custom calendar options at Quill, we also have desk pads and desk calendars, wall calendars, and dry erase wall calendars to help you stay productive. Count on us for all your calendar needs.
*Items marked “Next-day delivery” will be delivered the next day to qualifying areas. Orders must be placed Mon.-Thurs. by 2 p.m. local time to qualify. Orders of $25 or more ship free within the 48 contiguous states. Visit Quill’s shipping and order policies for full info.