A candidate can guarantee a bigger impact if there is something that can reverberate their passion and vision, constantly reminding why they can make a difference. Promotional items can do that, while guaranteeing continuous impressions for a good while.
In the high-stakes game of political campaigning, the right swag can make or break your chances.
Why Swag Matters in the Political Arena
Impression is what matters in politics. Both literally and in a marketing sense. Because voters will be bombarded with messages from every direction, campaign managers seek something that sticks. And to do that, they employ several different tactics. Promotional items are simply tools that significantly enhance their campaign strategies.
Among all the promo items that are used, promo headwear seems to be the most popular.
Promo Headwear For The Win
Speaking of headwear, trucker hats have been getting too prominent for the past couple of years. Campaign managers source wholesale trucker hats months ahead to plan their campaigns owing to the affordability and functionality. These hats have that all-American vibe that seem to appeal to voters better. And all they need to do to spread the message faster is to have their slogan embroidered or printed on a trucker hat.
Still, trucker hats may not be the best option if elections are right in the middle of the Fall season. I expect to see many campaigns that will use beanies to get people’s attention. Sourcing beanies wholesale doesn’t demand a heavy investment considering the returns.
But headwear isn’t the only option out there.
Other Promo Picks That Pack a Punch
Water Bottles: Eco-friendly custom water bottles deliver a refreshing sip of political savvy. Particularly effective when the campaign includes messages about taking care of the environment. As the bottles sit on voters’ desks, they get subtly reminded of the message.
Bumper Stickers: Essentially what you can call the OG of political promos. They are good enough to turn rush hour traffic into a campaign rally, as long as the design is catchy and readable.
Drink Racks: Drink racks (aka can coolers or koozies) are very impactful provided the right audiences are targeted. They easily make their way into backyard BBQs and tailgates; places where a lot of people gather while keeping drinks cool and sparking conversations about the candidate.
DIY Items: DIY planting kits are the new kids on the campaign block. They symbolize growth, hope, and literally put your grassroots efforts in voters’ hands. When targeting a specific demographic, DIY planting kits can be just as impactful as headwear.
Tips For Crafting A Promo Strategy
Know your audience: Millennials might dig those eco-bottles, while boomers might prefer classic bumper stickers.
Quality counts: Cheap swag = cheap candidate. Invest in items that’ll last beyond election day.
Be memorable: Quirky can be good. Remember the candidate who handed out custom fly swatters with the slogan “Swat out corruption”? Genius!
Timing is everything: Once again, the “fly swatters” idea came at the right time when a fly landed on the head of a specific person during the vice presidential debate a few years ago. Launch the promo items strategically. Save some budget for that final push.
Variable tactics: Don’t invest in something random for every audience. Use different promo items and track the effectiveness.
The Bottom Line
Invest in impressions because at the end of the day, political campaigns are about connecting with voters. The right promotional items can bridge that gap, turning passive observers into supporters. A well-chosen promo item is worth a thousand TV ads. It’s tangible, it’s personal, and it can keep reminding the supporters of the message and consequently the candidate with the message.
