9 Reasons a Branded Calendar is the Perfect Promotional Gift

estimated reading time: 7 minutes

In the world of business, promotional giveaways are a popular way for a company to supplement its marketing efforts.

When deciding on a promotional gift to give current and prospective customers, many companies wisely choose to print a branded calendar. These custom printed calendars prominently display the company's name, logo, tagline, contact info and other key branding elements, thus providing ongoing exposure for 12 months at a time.

Since consistent and targeted exposure is the key to successful marketing, branded calendars are one of the best promotional gifts a business can provide to customers.

So if you are looking for the best way to build and maintain brand awareness, below are 9 reasons why a custom printed calendar deserves your serious consideration…

1. Branded Calendars serve a Practical Purpose

When selecting a promotional gift, it's important to consider the usefulness of the item. A branded calendar serves a practical purpose, providing a daily utility that customers actually need. Whether hanging on a wall or sitting on a desk, calendars are essential for scheduling events and appointments in both professional and personal settings.

Even in our digital age where smartphones, laptops, and other devices provide a calendar function, most people still keep at least one printed calendar nearby and refer to it regularly. Why? Because it is often more convenient to just glance over at a printed calendar instead of having to fumble around with an electronic gadget.

2. Branded Calendars provide a Lasting Impression

Unlike many promotional items that get used briefly or even discarded, a calendar is designed to last a full 12 months. By providing your customers with a branded calendar, you increase the chance they will interact with your brand daily.

Each time the calendar is glanced at or referenced, it becomes an opportunity for the customer to engage with your company's name and branding message, as well as the photos and verbiage you have incorporated into the design.

3. Branded Calendars are Totally Customizable

Another advantage of a branded calendar is that it can be fully customized to align with the goals of your business. A majority of promotional items, such as coffee mugs, pens, or ball caps, only offer a limited space for personalization. However, many custom printed calendars, particularly bound wall calendars, provide ample room for highlighting various products and services or showcasing promotions and events.

Some companies use calendar space to add motivational quotes, fun facts, or helpful tips related to their industry. For example, a plant nursery could include monthly gardening tips, while a grocer or food brand might feature seasonal recipes. These additional touches don't just make the calendar more visually appealing; they also provide extra value to the customer, reinforcing the brand as an authority in its respective field.

4. Branded Calendars are very Cost-Effective

Printed calendars, especially full color calendars, have a high perceived value. However, the unit cost for calendars ordered in bulk is generally quite low. Also, the fact that calendars offer yearlong visibility means customers will potentially see the branding message hundreds of times over the calendar's lifespan. This makes the cost-per-impression extremely minimal.

In addition, when your company's name or logo is seen frequently, it reinforces brand memory in a way that other forms of advertising might not be able to achieve. Plus, from a psychological standpoint, repeated exposure leads to familiarity, and familiarity breeds trust. This means customers will be more likely to turn to your business when they need the types of products or services you offer.

Needless to say, branded calendars are one of the most cost-effective marketing tools available, especially when compared to promotional options that have shorter lifespans and lower engagement rates.

5. Branded Calendars are Easy to Distribute

Most printed calendars are lightweight and have minimal bulk, making them easy to transport and distribute. As far as packaging, most calendars are flat and can be placed within an envelope. The exception is large poster-like wall calendars which are usually rolled up and packaged in a mailing tube.

In addition to being sent through the mail, calendars can be handed out in person, such as while at a store, office, or special event like a tradeshow.

It is probably most common for sales reps to hand them out when meeting with current or potential customers. Promotional gifts such as calendars help build rapport and foster goodwill, turning a routine sales call into a memorable interaction.

6. Branded Calendars are Extremely Versatile

As mentioned, calendars are functional items that almost everyone can use. So, unlike other promotional items that may be more suited to specific demographics or industries, calendars have very broad appeal. They are well-received across a wide range of audiences, whether the relationship is Business to Business (B2B) or Business to Consumer (B2C).

Because promotional calendars can be printed with any images, logos, messaging or colors a company chooses, the content can be custom tailored to reflect their brand identity.

Also, some companies use generic photos that are relevant to their niche, such as scenic views for a travel agency or household pets for a veterinary office. On the other hand, manufacturers, distributors, and service providers will often include photos of their specific offerings to stimulate interest and encourage inquiries.

7. Branded Calendars create a Tangible Connection

Unlike promotional emails and digital ads, printed calendars provide a physical brand presence. They can be touched and interacted with, creating a tangible connection with customers.

Also, since it exists in physical form, rather than as fleeting pixels on a screen which can be quickly deleted or forgotten, a printed calendar makes a stronger impression. This is because the physical presence of a printed calendar creates a sense of permanence and value, especially since the calendar will be on display for an extended time period.

In addition, digital messaging can often feel intrusive, especially when the volume of notifications is excessive. Conversely, printed calendars deliver a promotional message subtly and consistently without overwhelming the recipient or interrupting their day.

8. Branded Calendars have a High Retention Rate

Since calendars are such a practical and useful item, people rarely just store them away or discard them like they might for other promo items. Printed calendars are not only kept handy, they are placed in highly visible locations for an entire year.

This means a company's brand will always be in the customer's line of sight, giving it prolonged exposure without any additional cost or effort.

9. Branded Calendars can be used for Cross-Promotion

Calendars are ideal for cross-promoting various aspects of a company's brand. For example, if a company offers a range of products or services, a multi-page calendar could have each month dedicated to a different product, service, or aspect of the business.

A custom printed calendar also provides the perfect opportunity to display various messages or promotions on a monthly or seasonal basis. For instance, special announcements and reminders, such as those for upcoming events, tradeshows, open houses, product launches, and similar happenings can be printed directly on the calendar in a location that corresponds to the actual day or month.

Popular Calendar Formats -

Promotional calendars can be created in a variety of formats, each of which is suited to different purposes and preferences. Below are the main types:

a. Multi-Page Wall Calendars

Multi-page wall calendars are one of the most popular formats for promotional purposes. Each month has its own unique image as well as a date grid associated with that month. The pages are bound within an outer cover using the saddle stitch, coil, or wire-o binding method. Saddle-stitching uses wire staples, spiral binding uses a flexible plastic coil, and wire-o binding uses twin loops of metal wire.

b. Poster Calendars

Poster calendars are large sheets of paper printed with the entire year on one side. These calendars are designed to be hung on a wall or other vertical surface.

c. Desktop Calendars

Desktop calendars are created in a few different styles. Stand-up styles have a rigid base that allows the calendar to sit upright, allowing one month to be displayed at a time. Flat desk calendars are created in either a booklet form or as a pad of printed sheets that lie flat.

d. Pocket Calendars

Pocket calendars are small, portable calendars. They are often designed as multi-page booklets in a compact size. As the name implies, pocket calendars are created to fit into a pocket or purse.

e. Magnetic Calendars

Magnetic calendars are printed calendars that adhere to metal surfaces, such as refrigerators, filing cabinets, or tool boxes.

f. Bookmark Calendars

Bookmark calendars are bookmarks that have a small calendar printed on them. They are usually slim and rectangular in shape.

g. Card Calendars

Card calendars are printed on a single piece of rigid cardstock in various sizes. These calendars are relatively simple and designed to be kept handy for quick reference.

Color Vision is ready to print your next Calendar Project!

Branded calendars are highly effective at building a long-term presence with customers. By engaging customers each day, custom calendars help reinforce brand awareness and keep your business top-of-mind all year long.

If you are looking for a cost-effective way to build brand loyalty and distinguish your company from the competition, promotional calendars are the perfect option. So whatever calendar format you might have in mind, be sure to get in touch with Color Vision and we will be happy to assist.

Just give us a call at 800-543-6299 to discuss your printing needs. Or, use our simple Quote Request form to send us your project's specifications and we will email a custom quote to you.

As always, we hope to hear from you soon and look forward to assisting with your custom printing needs!