One of the best parts of tradeshows, festivals, events, etc. is the S.W.A.G. (stuff we all get). Whenever there's a booth with a table full of stuff up for grabs, no matter what it is, it's hard to pass it up. After all, it's free! But let's be honest, unless it's something useful like sunglasses or pens, chances are it'll find its way to the junk drawer, where it'll spend the rest of its days until you eventually muster up the strength to clean it out.

As a professional trying to market your services, this news is probably disheartening, to say the least. To put in all that work into finding something cool that works with your budget, adding your customization, and transporting it to the event, only for it to end up discarded and make no impact at all, is a tragedy. Your gifts should be the opposite of that! They should be fun, impactful, something you'd be excited to get, something that'd make you go "Whoa, this is really nice!".

If you're ready to take your promotional gifts to the next level and know for certain that your marketing dollars aren't going to waste, then it's time for you to start using Magnetic Box and Bottle Openers.

So what makes these openers so special? It's simple: they're built to last. Unlike other promotional bottle openers you've probably gotten before, these are made of stainless steel. They're heavy duty, so when you hold one, their weight alone makes it clear that their quality is undeniable; they're practically indestructible! Plus, the more durable they are, the longer they'll last, and the longer they last, the more value you're getting from your ad spend.

Where's the fun in something that only does one thing? That's why ours can do three—well, four if you count their ability to advertise! In addition to the tried-and-true opener function, ours has a magnet. Our name is Magnets USA® after all. But it's not one of those annoyingly weak magnets that go on the fridge and start falling off after a week or so. No. These magnets are heavy-duty, built to hold up way more report cards, drawings, and notes than the average magnet.

The other use for these products is opening boxes. On every opener, there's a beveled edge on one of the corners that can cut right through packing tape (the scalloped "teeth" on our key-shaped openers are used in lieu of an edge). The best part? It's not even sharp! In fact, it's totally dull. But don't be fooled; even though it's dull, that edge will make quick work of any package. If you're like me and tend to order a few too many things from a particular website that shall not be named, you'll be reaching for this thing (which will be conveniently stuck to your fridge) several times a week.

Speaking of brand visibility, what's the point of giving out S.W.A.G. if it doesn't promote your business? Brand recognition is a huge part of the advertising game, and the best way to spread brand awareness is to make sure people see it.

Magnetic Box and Bottle Openers are essentially miniature billboards, but unlike billboards, which might (and that's a big might) get seen twice a day by someone during their commute, your openers are guaranteed to be seen. Think about how often you walk by your fridge each day. Chances are, it's a lot.

Now take that number and multiply it by a year, and that's how often your recipients will see your logo! Not bad, huh? But that's not all; given the durability of these openers, there's potential for them to stay on their fridges for many, many years, where they'll get seen by guests and visitors too.

Customers are more likely to do business with a brand they know over one that's unknown, so when they find themselves in need of your services, you'll be the one they call.

It's a fact that humans are visual creatures. We're attracted to things that look good and catch our eye. Putting a great design on your promotional item can be the key difference between having the most popular booth at the event versus that one booth filled with stuff you literally can't give away. Fortunately for you, we specialize in design.

Our Magnetic Box and Bottle Openers come in a variety of colors, shapes, and designs to choose from. Nearly all of them offer space for you to simply add your contact information alongside the design, and if you wanted to do something fully custom, something that truly makes you stand out, we can make it happen.

Don't have design experience or a team member to assist you? Fear not! We have a full roster of some of the best designers in the industry who are ready to help. Our designers can create a custom design from scratch based on your instructions for a flat fee that's a fraction of what it costs to commission a designer elsewhere.

​When it comes to buying 100 of anything, costs can quickly exceed your budget, especially when you don't want to settle for junk. At just under four dollars per opener, these gifts are among the most affordable marketing products out there. If you consider how often they'll get used and for how long people keep them, you don't have to be a math whiz to see just how good of a deal these are.

​Plus, think about the business you'll generate. Even if your openers drum up one single client, the business earned from that client will cover the cost of your 100 openers many times over. And let's not kid ourselves; a promotional gift as cool as these is going to get you way more clients than just one.

Finding the right promotional gift can be hard because you don't want your marketing dollars to go to waste, and you especially don't want to end up stuck with hundreds of trinkets nobody else wanted. Magnetic Box and Bottle Openers are your perfect option because their unmatched quality, superior craftsmanship, multiple uses, and outstanding value will set you apart and have clients asking for more.

Buy some today and be that person everyone wants to talk to because they heard you give away these awesome gifts.

​If you'd like to learn more about how to grow your business through gentle relationship marketing, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter and stay up to date on any discounts or announcements. And don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to take part in the Magnets USA® & LifeLong Gifts™ community.

Today, the majority of our interactions happen in apps or social media. We comb through emails and scroll through our feeds, making hundreds of new connections each day. But with so many people bidding for each other's attention, these interactions can lose their meaning and leave you feeling burned out.

Business cards, on the other hand, create strong impressions that lead to lasting connections. A great business card represents the quality of your brand and, in turn, your services. It's something people hold on to.

To help you make the biggest impact possible, we're going to explore why business cards are important, when you need to make one, and how to make one that can help you stand out among the rest.

Despite the benefits of using digital tools, making the effort to meet people face-to-face provides a personal touch that can't be beat. Here's why there's no substitution for business cards:

• Memorable First Impressions: A great business card is an attention-grabber, and when you get someone's attention, they're going to remember you

• Professionalism: A business card shows that you take your work seriously. It says that you're a professional and that you're ready to make things happen.

• Branding: It's hard not to hear about branding everywhere you go, and for good reason. A known brand is more trusted than an unknown brand, so by adding a logo and using colors, your brand will become more recognizable, which leads to a loyal client base.

• Convenience: Business cards typically go straight to a purse or wallet, which get used multiple times a day, meaning your contact information is readily available when it's needed.

Knowing when it's time to create a new business card from scratch or update your tried-and-true can make a big impact. Here are some occasions when you should consider a new venture or remodel:

• Starting a New Job or Business: This should go without saying, but if you're starting a new position at a new company or have decided to take the plunge and start your own business, having a card that reflects your new brand should be one of the first things you do.

• Rebranding: When your business undergoes a rebrand, it's crucial to update your business cards to reflect the new brand identity. Consistency across all marketing materials is key.

• New Contact Information: It's critical that your connections are able to contact you, so always make sure your phone number, email address, and website are correct and functional. If they can't reach you, they just might call someone else!

• Outdated Design: Staying relevant is critical to ensuring success in the future. If you've had the same business card for several years, it might be time to try out a more modern look, even if nothing on your end has changed, 

Now that we understand the importance of business cards and when it's time for an update, here are some tips to help you design an effective and memorable business card.

• Keep It Simple: Simplicity stands out; the less there is, the easier it is to read, which helps your key information stand out. Avoid overstuffing your card with complicated designs, loud colors that clash, or walls of text. It looks bad and will make people's eyes gloss over and move on. Remember, simple designs are often the best designs.

 

• Reflect Your Brand: Incorporate your brand's color scheme, logo, and tagline to create a cohesive visual identity that aligns with your overall branding efforts. Working to keep your brand's identity consistent across the board makes you look polished, strengthens your brand's recognizability, and shows that you pay attention to details.

 

• Get High-Quality Printing: The quality of your printing reflects the quality of your work. Even if your design is amazing, none of that matters if it looks blurry. Make sure to go with a reputable company like Magnets USA® and LifeLong Gifts™ that specializes in full-color printing and uses a protective UV coating.

 

• Try a Unique Shape or Material: Since exchanging business cards is a physical act, the shape of your card and what it's made of can often make a bigger impression than the design. A sturdy card with a good weight to it will make your cards stand out, or consider using the Magnets USA® and LifeLong Gifts™ patented PLUSH™ finish to give them a velvety feel unlike anything else.

 

• One Card, Two Sides: While you should be able to fit everything you need on one side, you can always utilize the backside to add an extra design, message, or additional information. However, if you want to do something extra special, try a magnetic business card. People love magnets. They'll be up on the fridge, where they'll remain for years, and since the fridge gets seen every day, your business card will get seen every day.

 

• Proofread and Test: This might be the most important step of all, but make sure you proofread your design before finalizing anything. Nothing cheapens your credibility like a typo, and an error in your phone number could cost you sales. Triple-check your spelling, make sure everything is readable, and verify that everything is lined up just right.

Even though our world is more digital than ever, there's still value in making connections in person. Handing a new acquaintance a business card helps solidify your connection and reminds them of your most valuable asset: your humanity. By creating or redesigning your business cards with care, you can showcase your professionalism, represent your brand's identity, and keep you at the forefront of your new contacts minds. If you're ready to revamp your design, try a different material, or get started on your very first business card, Magnets USA® and LifeLong Gifts™​ have got you covered with our variety of products and team of designers ready to meet your unique needs at a low cost.

Remember, keep it simple, reflect your brand, invest in quality, consider unique ways to stand out, and let your business card represent the awesome professional you are!

To stay up to date on new promotional merchandise for your business, be sure to subscribe to the Magnets USA® newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  

It's no secret we think calendar magnets are among the best ways to market your services. They're inexpensive, high quality and are unmatched in their marketing shelf life. But if you're new to using them as client gifts, you may be wondering where to start. So here are some of our top recommendations for how to get the most out of your calendars in your next marketing campaign. ​

This one may be obvious, but in case you didn't know, snail mail is one of the most popular and effective methods used by business professionals to distribute their promotional items. Plus, you can even target specific demographics such as average household income and property value when you use our full mailing services.  ​

Every gift needs a card! Our personalized GiftNotes™ are your chance to introduce yourself to your recipients and explain that these calendars aren't just an ad, they're a special gift just for them. By offering a glimpse into your personality, you're opening the door to emotional connections that can lead to meaningful - and lucrative - relationships down the road.  ​

There's a lot of ways to track the success of your mailings, but a simple way is by creating a discount code for one of your services or products. It'll incentivize recipients to hold onto your mailing and go check out what you have to offer. Then whenever that code gets redeemed, you can see exactly how many leads and sales you were able to generate from your mailing.  ​

If you've used calendar magnets in the past, encourage clients to bring in last year's calendars to exchange them for a new one and then use that opportunity to catch up and strengthen your relationships. Try including a small extra gift like a custom pen or key ring to say thank you for making the effort to come see you.  ​

A past client is an excellent source for getting new leads. So, by sending them a few extra calendars, there's a good chance they'll pass them along to their friends and family. ​

Coffee shops, restaurants, office waiting rooms, venues, these are all places that get a lot of traffic, and it's not unusual for them to have a little table or bulletin board for people to leave advertisements. By getting permission to leave some of your calendars, you can get a ton of new eyes on them and greatly expand your reach. ​

Not only are events like fundraisers, trade shows, or school sporting events great for getting involved in your community, but they're a prime opportunity to hand out your promotional gifts. You'll have a chance to meet potential leads face-to-face, and your presence at these events will get noticed and show how much you care about your neighbors. ​

Even if it's well into the year, calendars are still valuable. Instead of throwing leftovers away, small offices, charities, and nursing homes often appreciate these sorts of donations. Plus, you never know who they might reach! ​

These are just a few of the many ways to use custom magnetic calendars to promote your business, and all these methods work just as well for any other of our appreciation gifts. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on any discounts or announcements. And don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to take part in the Magnets USA® & LifeLong Gifts community. ​

One of the most popular ways to use magnetic marketing products is by mailing them (that's right, snail mail) directly to your desired farming area. Calendar magnets, football magnets, tips for the household magnets are just a few of the many client gifts you can stick in an envelope and put in the mail. 

"Hold on. Isn't direct mail a little… dated?" you may be wondering. Not so!  

Direct mail continues to be one of the most popular and effective forms of advertising today and shows no signs of slowing down. With so many devices and apps to cycle through daily, digital fatigue is very real and the constant ads become easy to ignore; a little break from the noise is more than welcome.  
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Plus, many people say they like real mail because it feels more personal, and because of that they are more likely to open it. In fact, many even look forward to getting mail! ​

Think about all the business cards you've gotten in the past. How many do you still have and where are they? Chances are they went straight to your wallet or purse where they sat until that fateful day when they made their journey to the trash. 
 
Now, how many magnets do you have on your fridge? How long have they been there? Are any of them promotional? Exactly. 

The point is everybody loves magnets. Regardless of how they got them or where they came from, everybody uses the magnets they have. So why not make sure those are your magnets up on the fridge? 
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By sending your clients magnets that feature your business information, you are ensuring that your info will stay visible and that your recipients will never forget where they came from. Then in the future when they find themselves in need of your services, they’ll know exactly how to reach you. ​

If there's one thing that every house has in common, It's a refrigerator. And if there's one thing that's going to be seen every day, it's the fridge. In fact, chances are that there's going to be several glances made at that fridge throughout the day, and if your custom printed contact information is on display, then your brand is going to make an impression with every single glance.
  
Take that number of impressions, combine them with every member of the household and multiply that by 365; now that's what top-of-mind is all about! 

"Know anyone who can help me sell my house?"  
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"Yes! Let me grab their number off my fridge."  ​

As you can see, the benefits of using custom marketing magnets are significant and should make a strong case for why you should be using them to advertise your business. They're easy to send, have a long marketing shelf life, stay highly visible, and are some of the most affordable marketing items around. So, if you are ready to try something new and see some real profits from your ad spend, reach out and speak to one of our Customer Care Specialists today. Let us help set you up for success. ​

With so many buyers and sellers right now, it's important to get as many listings in your inventory as possible, and one of the best ways to do that is by mailing personalized magnetic gifts. Magnetic calendars, sports schedules, and custom fridge magnets are such effective marketing tools because they’re things that your past and potential clients will find useful.  
 
These gifts will go straight up on their fridges, and since your business information is printed directly on the magnet, your recipients will be reminded of your services, how to reach you, and where to send referrals each time they pass by. 
  
At Magnets USA & LifeLong Gifts we are constantly making new high-quality products to help you and your business succeed. That’s why we’ve selected 3 of the best client gifts for you to use in your spring and fall marketing campaigns.    ​

1. Magnetic Sports Schedules  

​There’s a good reason why sports are so popular in our culture. They’re a chance to enjoy time with loved ones, eat great food, and come together to show support for the community.  

Our Magnetic Sports Schedules are a terrific way to make new connections and maintain relationships with past clients. Whether it’s baseball, hockey, or football, each schedule features a clear and easy-to-read block schedule printed in full-color on sturdy card stock and finished with a glossy UV-coating. But what really makes these products special is the chance to print your personalized information directly on the magnet, giving you a sharp and professional marketing piece that will make many, many impressions, and referrals. 
  
Key features: 

• Strong, long-lasting magnet on the backside 
• Full or partial magnet coverage 
• Several templates and team formats available 

• May add custom/local teams upon request 
• A selection of different die-cut shapes 
• Reverse side features space to store home account information and postseason schedules 
• Mails for 1oz - 2oz postage depending on magnet size 
• We can even stuff, seal, address, and mail everything for you with our mail fulfillment services ​

2. Household Reference Magnets 

​These household reference magnets feature a variety of useful tips and tricks such as spring-cleaning reminders, home maintenance checklists, and even things like how to make the perfect charcuterie board. Mailing a gift like these is a surefire way to help you stand out among the competition.
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Key features: 

• Crisp, full-color printing 
• Plenty of space to add your personalized information so clients know how to reach you 
• Durable card stock 
• Protective UV gloss-coating finish 
• Non-dated product means they’ll never expire 

• Several designs to choose from 

3. Promotional Seed Packets 

When it comes to selecting an appreciation gift, the goal is to send something that will make as many impressions as possible. Something to keep you top-of-mind. Something your clients will hang on to. Our Custom Seed Packets do just that. By sending this gift recipients will be reminded of your services and where to send their referrals every time they see their new flowers. This isn’t just a gift, it’s a way to help clients feel rooted in their new home.
  
Key features: 

• Wildflower Seed Mixture
• Customizable gift packaging  
• Full-color printing on packaging 
• Planting and care instructions 

• Add envelopes and personalized GiftNotes inserts for increased value 
• A truly unique and thoughtful gift 

Want to learn more about other marketing and gift ideas you can use to grow your business? Give us a call at 800.869.7562 to speak with one of our experienced relationship marketing reps and let us help you craft your perfect marketing plan to help you achieve your goals! 
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