SMPS Domains of Practice: Domain 5 - Promotional Activity
Posted by Communications2 on May. 4, 2021 / Member Resource / Subscribe 0
Written by Amber Craighill, BHB Structural
This past year has made us reassess and change the way we promote our firms, projects, and people. Some of SMPS Utah’s In-Kind Sponsors were generous enough to share trends and tips on how firms can build awareness.
Amy Stokes, Gift Hounds
TREND: We have noted a very intentional move from "off the shelf" gifting to more refined, targeted gifting programs that match the clients' aesthetics. This gifting is often termed "Curated Gifts," and many companies are collaborating with gift studios to create these types of designed, cohesive gifts.
TIP: When referring to promotional products, we encourage well-placed but subtle use of branding and logos.
TREND: Companies care about sustainability and giving back. For example, Gift Hounds gives back by contributing to reforestation efforts in the Mountain West states. Specifically, we work closely with and donate to One Tree Planted. We also make a monthly food donation to the Utah Food Bank. All damaged boxes and expiring products are being donated.
TIP: We take care to make sure our packaging is part of an all-around effort to increase sustainability. Our gifts are packaged in natural products—pine crates or in recyclable paperboard gift boxes.
TREND: More organizations are finding reasons to thank and recognize. We saw a steep increase in annual gifting programs conducted to highlight key milestones.
TIP: Think of new ways to celebrate new contracts, commencement of builds, anniversaries of doing business, recognizing significant achievements, key certifications of staff, employment milestones, etc.
Jared Kenitzer, Jared Kenitzer Photography
Visual promotion is a critical component of marketing our people and services in the AEC industry.
TREND: For project photos, drone photography isn’t just for exteriors anymore. Small drones are able to fly indoors to get very unique video tours of spaces.
TIP: Ensure your people look their best on proposals, the website, and social media with high quality headshots and portraits that are consistent and up to date. When you are able to wrangle them in for a new photo, have them do both a formal and more casual shot so you have more options.
Jeff Holley, Vision Graphics
TREND: There has been a shift towards awareness and branding of the companies we represent and work for. Whether it is with custom branded apparel or promotional items that can reflect the character of a company and its employees, it has never been more important to show pride in the organization that you represent.
TIP: Use Vision Graphics’s expertise and access to products to get your name out there!
Find out more information on our In-Kind Sponsors and how they can help you with your promotional needs.
Amber Craighill, CPSM, is an Associate and the Marketing Director at BHB Structural. Named SMPS Utah’s 2020 Marketer of the Year, Amber has been involved with SMPS Utah for nine years and serves on the Board of Directors as the Secretary.
0 Comments