Quick response or QR codes have been around since about 1992, but have only recently become an effective advertising medium with the continued popularity of smart phones and apps designed to easily read the codes. A survey done near the end of 2011 showed that over 20 million cell phone owners scanned QR codes over a three months period. While this is not a huge number, more and more people are getting smart phones as they become more affordable.

The big question is whether quick response codes will become an accepted and effective marketing tool alongside print and internet media platforms. The answer is most likely yes, and below are some of the ways you can take advantage of this emerging tool to market your own business.

QR codes, for those who aren’t familiar with them, are bar codes that can be scanned by mobile phones that then give the user a variety of different information, from the company’s website address to discount coupons or promotional videos.

These codes can be used on websites or Facebook pages, but the best way to utilize them is offline. Because smart phones are a medium that can be used to take advantage of the internet, the QR codes are most effective when used to get potential customers from the offline world to the online one. Below are some great examples of how this can be effective:

- Many companies that place products in retail stores are putting QR codes on their items for sale giving potential buyers more information or access to special discounts.

- Real estate agents use codes on the flyers or signs at their various homes for sale, offering videos of the features within the home. This means that a tour of the home is often unnecessary.

- Salespeople in various industries utilize QR codes on their business cards, making it incredibly easy for the person to connect to their social media sites and email.

- Wine makers are starting to have codes on their wines so that consumers can learn more about the vintage, flavors, and more.

- Used car dealers have begun to put quick response codes on their stickers, giving people more information on the car, including mileage, value, and more.

- Companies are now using QR codes on their promotional items like tote bags and other corporate giveaways to give their customers more and faster information about their products and services. Having your personalized QR codes on your custom promotional product will give your clients and customers a better idea of your services and products. Recently I attended a trade show and upon entry received a security pass with a QR code. When I went to a stand that I wanted more information from them, they simply scanned my card, made a note of what I wanted. As the QR code provided all my contact details, by the time I returned from the show I had the info I needed. Pretty cool I thought.

There are tons of other ways to use QR codes to help you make sales or give consumers more information on your products or service. Because this is a relatively new way to market that many companies haven’t yet started to use, creativity is the key. It is very simple to use and set up QR codes, often costing almost nothing unlike bar codes, so there is no risk involved in trying out this marketing medium.

Many people in the marketing world will tell you that QR codes are a gimmick and not worth your time, but the more ways you market yourself, the more chance you have of making a sale. Quick response codes are a new and innovative way to do this that you should definitely look into.

In general, non-profit organizations don’t have the funding nor the staff to handle the marketing strategies that larger companies are able to afford. Fortunately, the Internet has provided them with a huge advantage for acquiring more exposure. In the following sections, we’ll talk about a few effective marketing strategies for non-profit organizations.

Create an Eye-Catching Website

The best way to stand out as a non-profit organization is to create a captivating, visually appealing website that demonstrates your purpose. You’ll need one to create and maintain a strong online presence.

A website for your organization can also provide you with a medium for interacting with other members or followers. Here are some tips to consider when developing a website for your non-profit organization:

• Incorporate the mission or cause that you represent.
• Include activities happening within your organization.
• Create a “Call to Action” and inspire visitors to take some kind of action.
• Include photography, social media posts, and blog posts.

Giving off a good first impression is key here. Your website should create as much trust as possible between you and your followers.

Keep Followers Involved With Social Media

In order to thrive as a non-profit organization, you need to build a solid relationship with your followers. The best way to do this is to keep them involved via social media. Social media can be a dynamic, unique, and focused way to share online testimonials as well as what is happening within your organization.

From the dozens and dozens of social media websites available today, you need to make sure that you have YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Google +1. That way, you can spread your message across several different platforms and reach out to newer members who haven’t heard about your organization yet.

Allow Others to Contribute

As a non-profit organization, you may be limited in the amount of funds that you have. This is why you should encourage followers to contribute in any way that they can. In essence, allow them to become “creators”, coming up with new ideas and implementing them for the good of your cause. For example, you could have followers publish posts on your blog, create videos for YouTube, and advocate your message on their social media accounts. This will save you money and allow followers to feel more involved.

Start an Email Marketing Campaign

Email marketing campaigns are easy to set-up and can provide followers with regular updates as to what is happening within your organization. Make sure to include a “Sign Up” or “Join” page somewhere on your website or blog, along with an area for them to enter their name and email address.

Keep in mind that newsletters are far more useful than simply providing followers with updates. As the owner of a non-profit organization, you’ll have a list of emails and names of people who are already committed to your cause. From this point forward, it will be relatively simple to encourage them to take specific actions and make contributions.

Conclusion

Above all, it’s important that you remain dedicated to your organization and post updates on a regular basis. You want to develop momentum so that you can bring together as many people as possible.

Aside from keeping followers updated via social media and email, make sure that you’re hosting organization-related events at least once per month (such as meetings, fundraisers, etc.). This will keep your followers involved as well as really spread the word about your brand. These are effective tips that you can utilize as a non-profit organization owner who is low on funds for marketing.

We’ve all done it before: thrown someone a baseball cap and walked out the door. We use them to go fishing, shopping, walking and of course as a fashion statement. But how many of us actually know about the early origins of baseball caps? The truth is, baseball caps are an integral part of our culture and you may find it interesting to understand where they came from.

Vintage Baseball Caps – Where it All Began

Most people are always surprised to hear that the first baseball caps were comprised of straw. They were born on April 24th, 1849 in New York and slowly but surely started to be made from wool and other materials. The original models contained a “Bill” and a “Crown”, quite similar to what you see in today’s hats. The original vintage baseball cap would quickly become the prototype that would inspire most of the designs that you see today.

“No. 1” Baseball Cap

A company called Peck and Snyder developed a baseball cap known as “No. 1” around this time. It was worn by a lot of amateur baseball players and incorporated a star-like design. The cost for this cap back then hovered right around one or two dollars depending on the type of wool used. However, it wasn’t uncommon for a baseball cap to cost a few pennies if it was made from cheaper material.

Legends of the game including Albert Spalding and Jesse Burkett were among the first pioneers to make these caps popular. In fact, it was Burkett who, in 1895, introduced an experimental design that may not have succeeded, but sure pushed the production of the hats in the right direction. It wasn’t until the very early 1900’s (1901 and 1902) when the first baseball teams started putting their logos on their caps.

1903 – Birth of the Stitched Bill

In 1903, the birth of the stitched bill came into existence. It was after this movement that almost every single type of baseball cap out there became constructed this way. The “Two-Toned” bill also became quite popular, mainly being worn by teams such as the Washington Nationals and the St. Louis Browns. Unfortunately, these were relatively short-lived, having only survived for two or three seasons
A model known as the “Pillbox” became quite popular in 1905. While it was worn by a lot of different people, it never really broke into the major leagues. The only team that had really given the pillbox a shot were the Philadelphia Athletics. They were on such a winning streak from 1910 to 1915 that they decided to sport the cap every single game, crediting all of their luck to it. They went on to win a few American League pennants with the caps.

A New Era of Baseball Caps – 1954

The 1950s really encouraged new and revolutionized manufacturing techniques for baseball caps including the “59Fifty”, which became the official hat for all Major League Baseball teams. In fact, it remains very popular today and can be purchased by anyone. The years following, manufacturers began to experiment with designs for trademarks. Some of them became an instant success while many did not.

Conclusion

From 1970 all the way to 1990, the Montreal Expose wore some of the more memorable baseball caps to ever have appeared in Major League Baseball. Their colors were blue, white, red, and incorporated a six-panel design that was simply magnificent. Today, it can be quite difficult to not be able to find a baseball cap of your liking. There are literally thousands of different logos, colors, and designs to choose from and most of them are very budget-friendly. You can even design your own virtual cap online.

Promotional items can be a great way to spread the word about your business. They’re fun, cost-friendly, and can provide you with the option of increasing brand awareness quickly. There are a substantial amount of questions associated with promotional products, some of which we are going to answer for you below.

Can Items Be Delivered to Promotional Events?

Probably the best place to promote your brand, product, or service is at business-related event- like a convention or seminar. In short, companies can have your promotional products delivered directly to you and also ensure that your advertising needs are met exactly. Keep in mind that you’ll be able to choose from far more than promotional stress balls or customized water balls with your logo on them.

In fact, you’ll be able to have delivered a wide range of products including balloons, pens, and even coffee cups. There are also less common items to give away including stubby Holders. You can either have your promotional products delivered right to your place of business or to a promotional event of your choosing. They’ll be delivered in a timely manner and according to specifications.

How Much Do Promotional Items Cost?

There aren’t too many marketing techniques that are more effective than the use of promotional items for your business. Considering that most are offered at such a low price, you shouldn’t be reluctant to invest on a substantial amount of them. Keep in mind that the following marketing methods can be incredibly expensive:

• Television Advertisements
• Radio Ads
• Social Media Promotions
• Commercial Banners
• Goggle Adwords

With the above strategies, it wouldn’t be uncommon to spend several thousand dollars- for only one campaign. Promotional items, on the other hand, offer great long-term value. Although you’re giving them away for free, you may be gaining a lifetime customer for each one you hand out.

How long do Promotional Items Last?

Think about what the best promotional items have in common: their practical, visually appealing, and they reflect your brand. This is why items like pens, travel mugs, personalized water bottles, and stress balls tend to perform best with this advertising method. These are products that people use every day. Of course you know your market best so think of what will work for them.

For example, people who visit the gym on a regular basis may benefit from customized water bottles or a gym towel with your logo on them. Business owners and entrepreneurs may be able to benefit from items like pens or stress balls. To answer the question, the average lifespan of a promotional item can easily exceed two or three years.

Can You Order Samples?

It’s almost always a good idea to order a few samples of a promotional product before ordering them in bulk. First off, you don’t want to waste your money on a design or product that doesn’t appeal well to your audience. Secondly, you want a chance to collect some feedback customers to determine which promotional products they’re going to be most attracted to. Fortunately, there are a lot of companies that offer this option for business owners.

How Can You Choose the Right Supplier?

To choose the right promotional item supplier, you’ll need to do a thorough amount of research on the various options available. After all, you need to be sure that suppliers can meet your budget as well as deliver the size order that you require. For instance, if you need 6,000 personalized travel mugs within a week but a company can only deliver 500 then perhaps you should consider choosing a different supplier. This checklist may be useful.

Conclusion

With so many promotional item companies available, chances are good that you’ll be able to choose one that fits within your budget. In the long run, promotional products should provide you with a substantial return on your investment as well as make connecting with your customer easier and more enjoyable than ever.

Have you ever experienced a time where you’re drinking an ice cold bottle of beer with nothing to cover your hand while holding it? It feels like freezing your hand directly to the bones, right? That is one of the many reasons why this ingenious product known as a stubby holder was invented. The other was to keep that drink cold while you waited for that fish to bite.

Thanks to Malcolm Lock who had the brilliant idea of creating these little beauties out of a waste disposal problem. In 1972, Malcolm contemplated on disposing of a considerable amount of neoprene rubber but because of his business oriented mind, he came up with a “stubby cooler” just to recycle the neoprene materials.

The Science behind Stubby Coolers

Stubby holders are made from neoprene rubber that is an artificial rubber which is able to trap the internal temperature while protecting it from the external temperature using tiny bubbles within the material. Wetsuits are the most common and popular application or use of neoprene rubber. It is very light and buoyant, resistant to chemicals, waterproof, stretchable, and also resistant to abrasion, making it an ideal material in keeping the bottles right where they need to be without losing the drinkable temperature.

The Evolution

Today, stubby holders can be made from a variety of materials. They started out being made from Styrofoam, which then quickly changed to Styrofoam with a plastic casing. This method enabled the maker to have the logo on the outside and then the insulator on the inside. After a few years it came to be made from wetsuit material also known as neoprene. Because of its elastic nature this enabled a slim tight fit and further insulated the drink, far more than the fixed foam stubby which was never a tight fit.

Screen printing soon then became the norm with this the main way of getting your logo or design onto a stubby. While this was effective, the costs to print multiple colours made it hard to do any more than a couple of colours per design. Screen printing ink also cracks over time so this was another downfall, but with the rise of sublimation printing the stubby holder found a new life when people started heat pressing full colour images onto them. Neoprene being a synthetic material, then enabled the outside to have an image heat pressed onto it. Photos of products started to emerge on the outside of coolers and this printing method is more cost effective and can last longer. Most companies today use the stubby holder to promote their businesses because of the versatility of this promotional product.

There used to be one style of stubby coolers because they previously just served one purpose. Today, you can find several great designs of stubby holders, there are reversible foldable types, some with bases, fishing reel covers and also a style with a “glove like” design so you never lose your drink. These products are now designed to match the needs of the companies and their customers and with great printing options you can have a customized product that your customers will surely love.

Promotional products can be personalized using a number of different methods, one of which is pad printing. This process is considered one of the most versatile printing processes; pad printing is most popular because of its ability to print on compound angles and three-dimensional objects. Pad printing is suited to small print areas and unusual shapes including round objects some with flexible surfaces like stress balls. With increasingly stylized and ergonomic printed pens and other promotional items on the market, pad printing is the obvious choice for a clear, defined image when it comes to quality printing.

But what exactly is pad printing? Well this is an indirect offset printing process through which a two-dimensional image can be transferred to a three-dimensional surface. This method of printing is comprised of four components: a printing plate (generally made of steel); a silicone transfer pad; quick-drying, solvent-based ink; and a substrate. Here’s how it works:

1. A sealed, inverted ink cup covers the etched artwork area of the cliché, or printing plate, and fills the image with ink.

2. When the ink cup moves away, it takes all excess ink with it, exposing the ink-filled etched image. Once the top layer of ink is exposed to the air, it becomes sticky, enabling it to adhere to the transfer pad and, eventually, to the promotional item.

3. The transfer pad, generally made of flexible silicone, presses downward onto the cliché. This compression forces air outward causing the ink to transfer from the printing plate onto the pad.

4. As the silicone pad lifts away, it picks up the tacky ink film from inside the etching, leaving a small amount of ink behind.

5. The ink cup moves back into position over the etched artwork area, ready for the next cycle, as the transfer pad moves forward.

6. When the transfer pad presses down onto the promotional product, it transfers the sticky ink layer to the printing surface, then lifts off and moves back into position in preparation for the next sequence.

As you can well imagine, the printed promotional product industry is only one of many for which pad printing is highly suitable. The unique characteristics of silicone enable the pad to lift an image from a flat plane and imprint it on a variety of surfaces (e.g. convex, concave, spherical, cylindrical, and textured), making it adaptable to multiple applications. Consequently, pad printing is used to print graphics on matchbox toy cars, golf balls, sporting equipment, automotive parts, medical devices, television and computer components, and hard hats. With such a flexible method of printing, there’s no limit to where your marketing ideas can take you. As pad printing suits smaller promo items the most effective way to buy is in bulk. Contact your favored supplier for more details and costs.

Most people can agree that any meaningful wedding or birthday party wouldn’t be complete without a bunch of balloons. They’re a world famous party item and have been for a variety of events, product launches and celebrations. And while they enchant us, most of us don’t really know where modern day balloons came from. That’s what we are going to discuss in the sub-sequent sections of this article.

Where Did Balloons Come From?

First of all, the word “Balloon” is French derived and basically means “huge ball”. It also carries the same basic meaning in both Latin as well as German. As far as records show, the earliest known balloons were constructed from the intestines of animals and on occasion, their bladders. They were more common used for entertainment purposes and often used by clowns.
Historians believe that the first balloons came into existence because of a man named Bartolomeu De Gusmao. The year was 1824 in a region known as Lisbon. This is where he made the balloon for a public gathering. Around the same time, a man named Michael Faraday came up with a formula that created the first rubber balloon. He eventually filled this balloon up with hydrogen, eventually calling it the “Cauotchouc”.

Death of Hydrogen Filled Balloons

For a long time after, balloons were filled with hydrogen gas. However, it was quickly discovered that hydrogen was incredibly dangerous. More specifically, it was very flammable and was simply too dangerous to be used on a large-scale basis.
As a result, the hydrogen filled balloons was replaced with helium gas. This was because helium was not flammable and wasn’t toxic either. It was a much better option than hydrogen gas. And it wasn’t until the 1970s when another major breakthrough was made.

1970s – A More Durable Solution for Balloons

Throughout the 1970s, a more durable solution was discovered for the construction of balloons. More specifically, aluminum films coated in plastic were used as they were more durable and didn’t allow helium to escape as easily. As a result, they could be used for longer periods of time.
Unfortunately, researchers later discovered that this material wasn’t as flexible as previous materials used to construct the balloon. They wanted to create a solution that wouldn’t allow helium atoms to escape as quickly. They also wanted to make sure that the balloons would remain flexible and durable throughout the process.

Major Breakthrough in Balloon Science

After decades of experimenting with different materials for balloons, researchers began to experiment on hot-air balloons. While they were incredibly more complicated, builders already had a firm understanding about the fundamentals of balloons. As a result, there was far less trial and error involved.
The first hot-air balloon was created in France by two brothers (Etienne Montgolfier and Joseph Montgolfier). To construct their balloon, they used cloth that was lined with paper. From there, they used a fire to light the material and the results were astonishing: they were able to float for nearly a mile and a half before landing. It was the first major breakthrough of balloons science in a very long time.

Conclusion

On November 21st, 1981, a man named Ben Abruzzo partnered with another pair of researchers named Ron Clark and Larry Newman. Together, they became the first crew to take a balloon over the Pacific Ocean. It was another major breakthrough in the field of balloon science and engineering. Today, balloons are used for all kinds of purposes including the entertainment and as decorations for major celebrations. They’re also more durable than ever, and come in thousands of sizes and colors.

Australia is world renowned for their premier surfing spots and beaches. And with close to 40,000 kilometers of coastline to work with, it’s easy to see why. In short, they offer the perfect amount of point breaks and swells that surfers are bound to love. Keep reading to learn more about the best surfing beaches in Australia as well as what they offer.

Surf Spot #1: Angourie

In the 1960’s, when surf culture began to rise in Australia, this beach quickly grew in popularity. In fact, it became known as the “Promised Land” for any surfer looking to catch a decent wave. It was during the 1970’s when its admiration slowly began to decline and for close to 2 decades, it remained a relatively coveted surf spot within Australia.

However, today, it has regained its national and international exposure and it’s even a sought after area for shooting surf films. For anyone thinking about visiting this beach, be prepared to come face to face with a Zen-like vibe, hippie dreadlocks, and surfers who are dedicated to their sport.

Surf Spot #2: Noosa

For anyone who visits this beach on a regular basis, you already know that it’s capable of producing close to 200 meters of rides on any given day. Needless to say, it’s perfect for the advanced rider and its massive swells are perfect for those individuals looking for an adrenaline rush. Nonetheless, it is also well suited for novice and intermediate riders alike and local riding crews gather here on a daily basis to see what Noosa has in store for that day.

Surf Spot #3: Seal Rocks

This Australian beach is south-facing and is well known for producing some of the larger waves on the East Coast, especially when swells from the south start to roll in. Not only is Seal Rocks blessed with visually appealing attractions like dolphins and large waves, but they’re also known for their unmatchable atmosphere. To put simply, if you are searching for the “Soul Surfer” experience then you shouldn’t look past Seal Rocks as place to take your board.

Surf Spot #4: Torquay

This beach sits in a very significant slot of Australian surf history and remains as a prime surf spot to this day. As a matter of fact, it houses the oldest and better known surfing events in the world on an annual basis (Rip Curl Pro). The winner of this event receives a staggering trophy after tackling some of the toughest waves on the Southern coast of Australia. It isn’t unusual for swells to rise more than 6 meters and because of this, you’ll typically find more advanced surfers on this Australian surfing beach.

Surf Spot #5: Lennox Head

Located in New South Wales, this Australian beach isn’t protected but is perfect for the surfer who wants to tackle massive waves in relatively warm waters. During exceptional conditions, it isn’t uncommon for waves here to grow close to 5 meters high. As a result, it’s perfect for surfers of all ages and level of experience.

Surf Spot #6: Kirra Beach

Located on the “Gold Cost”, Kirra Beach offers the perfect mix of white sand, large waves, and perfect water. As a matter of fact, for the everyday surfer, you’ll more than likely find some ofthe best barrels on the east coast here. Nonetheless, it is an ideal spot for both locals and tourists alike and gains massive attention on an annual basis.

Conclusion

Australian is world renowned for their amazing surf spots. With so many to choose from, it can be difficult to spend all of your time at any single one (much less choose your favorite). Refer back to this article should you have any questions about the best surfing beaches that Australia has to offer.

It is quite clear that there are a wide variety of ways to advertise your products and services these days, and the advertising industry has been going strong for many years already. If you want to get the message out there about some amazing new product or service that you have to offer to the world, it can at times be difficult to know for certain what the best style of advertising would be. Or maybe you have a good idea of what would work but you do not really have enough money to pay for it at this point in time, which could certainly be the case if you were a smaller business just getting started. Finding the right method of advertising that would not cost you too much but that at the same time would be very effective is something that can take a good deal of time to figure out.

One way to advertise that many people have been using is branded promotional products. If you do not yet know how this works then it is possible that you are missing out on a great way to advertise your products or service. You see, with promotional advertising basically what you do is purchase a number of simple and cheap items that may or may not serve a functional purpose, such as key rings and coffee cups. Then you have your logo or advertising message displayed on the surface of these items. This is really only the very first part of the process.

In most cases you will find that the most cost effective way to make the most of promotional products is to purchase them in bulk. This can be especially cost effective by using sea freight which can save 30-40% depending on the item. When you have done this, you will need to set up a way to distribute these items either for free or in a very cost effective way, and this will help to spread the word out there.

You see, if someone has a look at a key chain or magnet with your logo on it, there is a good chance that they will remember it. This is really the primary value of promotional product advertising, and it is the reason that it has been so successful for so many years already. Of course, you will need to go out of your way to find the very best promotional products around, and this can take some time. You may also have some questions about the services that are provided, which is of course entirely normal. Doing a bit of additional online research into promotional product advertising will certainly make it easier for you to decide on which type of advertising system would be the best for your business.

When you’re forced to stretch your budget, marketing your small business with promotional products can be the most cost-efficient route to take. In fact, this is an advertising method that will provide you with a significant return on your investment.

What Are Promotional Products?

Keep in mind that promotional products aren’t just about plastering your contact information on a balloon or pen and hoping for the best. Quite the contrary, engaging with your customers and creating a memorable experience for them will ensure that they remain loyal to your services or products.
By carefully planning the launch of a promotional product advertising campaign, you’ll increase your chances of increasing brand awareness as well as creating a positive link between you and your customers. Keep reading to learn more about what Australian promotional products can do for small businesses.

Save Money on Marketing Campaigns

Saving as much money as you can on marketing is very important, especially in today’s economy when funds are tight. Fortunately, customized promotional products can save you a lot of money as well as offer you a huge return on your investment. By designing exactly what you need, in a budget-friendly manner, you’ll save money as well as successfully create a connection between you and your followers.

Remember that your goal should be to build stronger ties with your customers, and promotional products are ideally the best way to make this happen. If you’d like to start experimenting with this marketing method then feel free to inquire about sample items to test with. This will ultimately let you know whether or not a specific promotional product will work within your advertising campaign,

Choose From a Wide Range of Products

For anyone who has ventured into the world of promotional products, you already know how enormous the range is. With such a wide variety, you’ll almost be certain to find a product that customers are sure to love. Here are some of the more popular options that small business owners tend to choose:

• Ballpoint Pens
• Balloons
• Brochures/Flyers
• Stress Balls
• Stubby Holders

The list can go on and on. Not only are these products practical but they’re cost efficient. You won’t need to spend a lot of money to give them away. Also note, you’ll have your own customized logo imprinted on these products as well as your own personalized message. It’s the best way to stay connected with your customers at a budget-friendly price. ‘

Customizing Your Promotional Products

Customizing your promotional products from Australia is so incredibly simple with the right company. In fact, you’ll have control over every aspect of your items including color, style, size, logo, and of course to add your logo, slogan or contact information.

You’ll be able to speak with a professional consultant who will walk you through the process as there are a lot of things to consider to get the outcome you want. Advertising your brand has never been easier.

Conclusion

In today’s day and age, it can be incredibly difficult to promote your brand or product without spending a large sum of money. Fortunately, promotional products from Australia are providing small business owners with the ability to really connect with their audience.
And with promotional products growing in popularity, it won’t be uncommon to see them as the new, standard of promotional marketing for all businesses regardless of size. Remember that you have an endless number of options for decoration to choose from and each one is guaranteed to be both practical and visually appealing.