In the competitive landscape of higher education, colleges and universities are constantly seeking innovative ways to promote their institutions and engage with students, alumni, and prospective applicants. One effective strategy is to distribute promotional items that not only showcase school spirit but also serve as valuable tools for branding. However, budget constraints and logistical challenges can make this task seem daunting. Fear not! In this blog post, we’ll explore 10 affordable and easy to mail promotional items that can help colleges and universities stay connected with their community without breaking the bank.
1. Custom Stickers
Stickers are versatile, affordable, and incredibly easy to mail. Create custom stickers featuring your college or university logo, mascot, or a famous landmark. Encourage recipients to proudly display them on laptops, water bottles, or notebooks.
2. Postcards
Design eye-catching postcards that feature campus highlights, motivational quotes, or upcoming events. These are lightweight and inexpensive to mail, making them an ideal choice for reaching out to alumni or prospective students.
3. Reusable Tote Bags
Reusable Tote Bags: Invest in eco-friendly tote bags with your school’s branding. These can be folded flat for easy mailing and will serve as a functional and eco-conscious promotional item.
4. Keychains
Customized keychains are small, lightweight, and cost-effective. Choose from various designs, such as mini school pennants or engraved metal keychains, to make a lasting impression.
5. Pens and Pencils
Everyone can use an extra pen or pencil, and they’re incredibly easy to mail. Customize them with your institution’s name, logo, or a motivational message.
6. Magnets
Magnetic promotional items are not only durable but also easy to ship. Design magnets featuring campus photos, important dates, or inspiring quotes that recipients can proudly display on their refrigerators.
7. Mini Calendars
Create pocket-sized calendars with important dates like the start of the school year, holidays, and major events. These handy tools will keep your institution top of mind all year round.
8. Lanyards
Lanyards are practical for holding keys, ID cards, or badges. Customize them with your school’s name and logo, and mail them in padded envelopes for easy distribution.
9. Bookmarks
Encourage a love for learning with customized bookmarks featuring school colors, mascots, or inspirational quotes. These lightweight items are a breeze to send via traditional mail.
10. Mailing Tubes with Posters
For larger promotional items like posters, consider mailing tubes. Create visually appealing posters showcasing campus beauty, achievements, or upcoming events. Rolled posters are easy to mail and can add a touch of sophistication to your promotional efforts.
Best practices
When considering promotional items for mailing, it’s essential to keep a few best practices in mind:
- Quality Matters: Ensure that the items you choose are of good quality. A low-quality item may reflect poorly on your institution.
- Target Your Audience: Tailor your promotional items to the intended audience. Prospective students may appreciate a different item than alumni or faculty.
- Branding Consistency: Maintain a consistent brand image across all promotional materials. This helps reinforce your institution’s identity.
- Clear Call to Action: Include a clear call to action with your promotional items, whether it’s encouraging social media engagement, event attendance, or application submissions.
- Budget Management: Keep your budget in check by sourcing items from reliable suppliers who offer bulk discounts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, promoting your college or university doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. By selecting affordable and easily mailed promotional items, you can effectively connect with your community and reinforce your institution’s brand identity. Whether it’s a custom sticker on a laptop or a branded tote bag, these items can leave a lasting impression on students, alumni, and prospective applicants, ultimately contributing to your institution’s success. So, start brainstorming creative ideas and get ready to make a positive impact on your college or university’s promotional efforts.
