Need to prepare for 2023? Three consumer macro-trends we’re watching

Part of our job at Sonic Promos is to keep up with consumer and retail trends. While we are a business to business sales organization, we need to know what end users want so we can make our recommendations relevant to our clients. The appeal of branded merchandise is that it’s advertising that is seen over and over again—often for years. Research also shows that people will change their perception of a brand in a positive way after receiving a branded promo product and are more likely to use the services of that brand than if they do not receive an item. In order to keep  a promo item in use, it has to be three things: timely, on-trend, and useful. If it doesn’t hit the right notes, it ends up in the trash. So here are the macro-trends that we’re thinking about as we move through 2023 to help keep your promo products in front of customers. #1 First of all: consumers don’t want an item—they want an experience.  This trend was already popping up before the COVID pandemic but has reached new heights in the past few years. At Sonic Promos, we’re delivering experiences in a few different ways: our branded kitting services, online portals, and in-person event activations. Part of that experience is also telling a story with the items you choose. Why are you giving away pens? Why did you choose that particular pen? Remember, promo items are seen over and over again and should invoke a memory or sentiment whenever they are seen. Make sure you are being consistent with the story of your swag. #2 The second big trend we see emerging are serious conversations about sustainable practices. Consumers are more conscious about their purchases than ever. Items shouldn’t just be reusable, they should have a clean and sustainable supply chain to reach them. We’re committed to sourcing more eco-friendly options that have a clean supply chain for our clients and providing transparency. #3 Finally, the third trend is quality. Fast fashion is out, quality is in. This is good news for marketers: a high quality items lasts a lot longer and gets used a lot more—giving your branding more impressions than ever. Sometimes that means that the pen you give away writes longer and smoother than the other guy’s pen. At Sonic Promos, we have the expertise to recommend those high quality, lasting items.

Viva Magenta! All About Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year

If you’re a designer or know a designer or work with a designer, you’re probably already familiar with the famous Pantone Color of the Year. If you don’t let me give you a quick overview: Pantone is a company that is responsible for the Pantone Matching System (PMS) used by printers and designers all over the world to make sure that a color is printed the same way all the time. This is important as brand logos rely heavily on color recognition. Imagine Target’s red being pink or maroon sometimes. Or some Best Buy employees wearing teal polos. Customer would be confused and it would hurt the image of these companies. Every year, Pantone releases their “Color of the Year.” It’s part marketing and part trend forecasting. In the paste, muted colors have reflected on a somber mood in society while bright colors usually indicate cheer or hope for the coming year. This year, Pantone has named Viva Magenta their Color of the Year for 2023. Per their website:  “Viva Magenta 18-1750, vibrates with vim and vigor. It is a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength. Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, and a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative. This year’s Color of the Year is powerful and empowering. It is a new animated red that revels in pure joy, encouraging experimentation and self-expression without restraint, an electrifying, and a boundaryless shade that is manifesting as a stand-out statement. PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta welcomes anyone and everyone with the same verve for life and rebellious spirit. It is a color that is audacious, full of wit and inclusive  of all”.” We have fun finding Pantone’s Color of the Year in our product offerings! If you’re looking to inject a little Viva Magenta into your marketing next year, we’ve got some options for you on our website.

Make Your Goals Stick!

January is commonly considered a month to reset our lives. After the hectic holidays, it’s a great time to rebalance and reflect on what we want to accomplish in the coming year. That is why so many people like to set some resolutions for themselves! If your January includes some new goals, we have a couple of tips to make them stick: 1. Break your goals into realistic steps. If running a marathon is in your sights but you haven’t run since elementary school PE, ask yourself how you can get to the marathon realistically. Maybe you commit to training for a 5k in the spring, a half marathon in the summer and then a full marathon in the fall. Give yourself a ladder to success. 2. Don’t get discouraged by failure. To fail is to be human. A year is a long time and many things can happen along the way to achieving your goal. Dry January is a popular resolution this year but if you have a drink two weeks into the month, that’s okay! Take it as a small moment of human failure instead of throwing away your goals. Keep pushing forward. 3. Dream big. Yes, your goals should be realistic but it’s good to have big goals. The process of achieving them will make the taste of victory that much sweeter. 4. Write them down. Keep a journal, write your goals on a post-it note or in a checklist. Writing helps ideas stick around longer and you can go back to read them if you ever forget or feel discouraged by your progress. 5. Start now! It’s already January 3 and it’s still okay to make resolutions and goals now. Or in a week or in a month! Your goals do not have to wait for a brand new start–you can set the timeline. Looking for some branded items to support and reward goal-setters this year? Check out our online catalog at signaturesonic.com