Picture yourself walking into a busy networking event with a lot of business cards in your pockets. You shake hands, talk, and trade cards. Then, most of those cards end up in a messy drawer where they can't be found. But that pen you gave to someone? It probably stays around, either on a desk, in a purse, or in the car waiting to write down a grocery list. Your brand is now working extra hours in kitchens, waiting rooms, and meetings all over the place. Finding more about the author at this page!
When money is scarce, every dollar counts for small businesses. That's where branded pens really stand out. They're useful, surprisingly cheap, and they don't scream "useless" like some novelty items do. A pen that costs a lot of money and skips ink halfway through a note? Garbage. But a pen that writes smoothly and works well with your logo on it? That little thing reminds you of who you are and what you do every day.
A pen can become a memento with a few personal additions. It may be a barrel that is excellent for the environment and feels wonderful in your hand, or a funny tagline that makes people grin during a lengthy conference. A pen can create a conversation just by having a little bit of color that fits your brand. A small business owner joked that her branded pens get "accidentally stolen" by coworkers all the time. She doesn't need a billboard to receive free exposure.
Are you worried about big minimum orders? Don't worry. Many vendors have low-quantity alternatives just for small and emerging businesses. They realize you want to make a difference without spending too much.
People carry pens around all the time without thinking about it, which is what makes them so beautiful. They're great for trade exhibits, onboarding packets, or fast thank-you presents that won't cost you a lot to ship.
In the end, strong branding doesn't always have to be loud. Sometimes, it's the small things, like your logo moving across a notepad, that help people remember your name. That's free advertising for small businesses that you can actually grasp in your palm.