For the best business advertising, including small business advertising ideas, check out our list of top merch!
Whether you are a new company just starting out or have been around for decades, you probably know some of the major types of advertising like broadcast media, print, and digital. However, a quick search of major types of advertising will give you different quantities, ranging from as few as six to as many as 14. And, as technology continues to advance and change the way we are exposed to or interact with companies, brands, products, and services, we can expect the types of advertising to continue to evolve as well.
Types of Advertising Include:
1. Billboards and Public Transit Ads
While billboards provide a stationary form of advertising public transit ads which are ads placed on public transportation like buses, trains, and the like, are constantly on the move. Some of the best business advertising is done using these methods.
2. Digital Advertising
One of the major types of advertising is digital ads. These online ads are among the best advertising for small business—as well as large companies. For the best website for business advertising that’s free, check out this list from Mobile Monkey. Companies can also find the best social media for business advertising with pros and cons for each.
3. Direct Mail
Just like it sounds, direct mail targets people through the mail. As a business advertising example, direct mail seemed to lose momentum with the rise of digital advertising. Furthermore, when sent to the wrong target audience was considered junk mail. However, according to Forbes and USPS stats, direct mail is on a comeback in 2023. That said, with a solid target audience, it can be one of the best advertising for small business ideas.
4. Event Advertising
This business advertising example can apply to both in-person and virtual events, which also makes great small business advertising ideas. According to Hubspot, there are the main types for event advertising: Conferences, Tradeshow, Seminars, Pop Up Shops, Launch Parties, and Celebrations.
5. Print Advertising
Sure digital advertising is everywhere, but that doesn’t mean there is no room for print ads. From PSA and nonprofits to fast food and even optical, companies and services across the board can take advantage of this media channel. Do print ads work? For an example of advertisement of a product done successfully, check out this list by Inkbot Design of the Top 10 Best Print Ads of All Time.
6. Radio
It’s no surprise that radio is full of commercials. So much so, it leaves people paying for premium services, like Spotify, so that for a fee, they can skip out on the ads. That said, even on these services, ads can still be found in podcasts as host-read endorsements or messages from sponsors. Does radio top your small business advertising ideas? Here is where radio is going in 2023 according to RadioInk and how you can make the most of this marketing vehicle.
7. TV Commercials
Some of the best advertisements have come from TV spots. In fact, a top business advertising example would be the Super Bowl. According to Vogue, these are the most iconic Super Bowl ads ever. As far as popularity for Super Bowl ads go, according to Ad Age, Fox has already sold out 95% of allotted commercials, with spots going for $6-7 million dollars each. While you won’t find discounts or free advertising for small business through TV commercials, companies can secure commercials at a much lower rate during certain times and networks.
Top 24 Products to Advertise Your Business
The best advertising for small business also works for larger companies too.
Business Advertising Merchandise: Drinkware
This makes one of the top advertising products thanks to its sustainability.
1. Custom Nalgene Bottle
These bottles are an inexpensive option for companies looking into custom drinkware.
Wondering how to promote your business locally? Why not set up a booth at your next outdoor community event?
2. Custom Mug
There’s something to be said for a great ceramic mug. Whether you choose to go simple like these or want to capitalize on your brand colors, your Gemnote rep can help you find your perfect match.
3. Custom Insulated Water Bottle
Insulated water bottles are a great option for helping recipients keep their cool on hot days. Take them to a local next sporting event, and they are your perfect answer to how to advertise my business locally.
Advertising Merchandise For Businesses: Apparel
Advertising Merchandise like custom apparel continues to be a top pick for companies thanks to its sustainability and potential to spread brand identity across different markets.
Even small business advertising ideas usually include apparel since it is a versatile option that can be used for employee uniforms and staff appreciation gifts.
4. Custom Tee
When it comes to swag, Gemnote is the best website for business advertising. And, with so many ways to customize a tee shirt, they can help you find ways to make sure your brand takes the spotlight.
Need an example of advertisement of a product or service? Add it to a soft tee and sell it in your swag store or hand it out at an event.
5. Custom Zip-Up Sweatshirt
Need some help n how to advertise my business online? For the best in custom products, like sweatshirts, you need Gemnote, the best website for business advertising. They can help you create enviable merch for Shopify and more.
6. Custom Fleece Pullover
Another seasonal favorite for how to promote your business locally —or globally—is a fleece pullover. Perfect for staff who are customer-facing.
Advertising Items For Business: Office Supplies
Custom office supplies work double duty as advertisement items. Not only are they practical, but they are another inexpensive merch idea that can be passed on to customers and beyond.
7. Custom Pens
A favorite among custom advertisement products, pens can definitely hold up to changing markets. Whether you sell them on sites to advertise your business or give them away at your next event, you can find them in countless styles and colors.
8. Custom Notepads
Custom notebooks are the perfect complement to pens and they’re ideal for event advertising merch since your recipients can use them for taking notes and more.
9. Custom Markers
Not just for kids, markers are a popular swag choice for adding to employee onboarding kits and for incentives.
If you are wondering how to promote your business locally, consider hosting a launch (or relaunch) party and giving away paint markets as a thank-you gift.
Product Advertising Ideas: Accessories
Wondering how to advertise my business online? Talk to your Gemnote about setting up a swag store.
10. Custom Umbrella
Custom umbrellas are a nice addition to sites to advertise your business. You can create your own with Point of service retailers like retailers, like Shopify, to get started fast as well.
11. Accessories Bag
Another functional item that’s fun too. When looking for a backdrop to display your logo, you don’t have to be larger than life to think big.
12. Desk Mat
Perfect for embossing, a mat like this one will be appreciated by those working in the office or remotely.
Best Product To Advertise: Tech
While you may not give away tech freebies at a trade show, they are great for keeping on hand in your employee swag store, gifting to your best clients, or using as a special drawing prize at your next event.
13. Magsafe Charger
There’s something to be said for this magnetic design that keeps us from crawling under our desks searching for lost cords. Talk to your Gemnote rep for customization options.
14. Waterproof Speaker
Launch party? Employee recognition? Unbelievable sales achievements? Let your business advertising merch keep the party going and the attendees engaged.
15. Custom Headphones
Custom headphones are great for several reasons. One, they act as a noise-canceling device in open workspaces and coffee shops, while also being fun and functional in and outside of work.
Advertising Products For Businesses: Home Goods
While tees and pens will always have their place in business advertising products, home goods are a fun swag addition that is always appreciated.
16. Custom Mugs
Whether your recipient uses your custom mug for sipping their favorite beverage or displays it on a desk, a mug is an easy way to keep your company name front and center.
17. Custom Throw
Who can resist a good throw? Not only are these a custom merchandise dream (thanks to all of that great space for personalizing) but they’re also a great pick for influencers.
18. Custom Towels
Great towels are always in demand, so when it comes to custom merch it’s no surprise they make the list. Whether you are debuting yours on the best social media for business advertising or gifting to your best clients, make sure you choose durable styles that are just as stylish as they are absorbent.
Business Marketing Items: Bags
Sustainable, fashionable, and available in an endless array of sizes and styles, bags continue to top the “IT” list.
19. Custom Duffel
Give to your employees as recognition and let your branding go everywhere they do.
20. Custom Sling
Fanny packs, hip packs, waist packs, slings… whatever you call it, these customizable merch faves are small and mighty. Talk to your Gemnote rep for more ways to personalize.
21. Custom Tote Bag
As stores continue to go bagless, custom totes are the perfect addition to your swag lineup. In addition to having a plethora of brands, silhouettes, styles, and colors to choose from, you can never have too many!
Business Advertising Products: Headwear
Showing off your smooth moves on Tik Tok? Posting pics via IG or Facebook? Debuting a new recipe on YouTUbe? Utilize the best social media for business advertising by wearing your merch for all to see.
22. Custom Cap
Embroidery, labels, patches? Deciding how you plan to customize your product is as important as the product you choose.
23. Custom Beanie
When winter calls, not just any hat will do. Beanies are a cold-weather favorite and perfect for adding to sites to advertise your business.
24. Custom Trucker Hat
While the best social media for business advertising may depend on your target audience, one thing is for sure, a great trucker hat can help show off your logo.
How To Advertise My Business Online
Need free advertising for small business ideas? Wondering how to advertise my business locally? You can always use blogs, emails, or even speak at events. See more big and small business advertising ideas, including free advertising for small business ideas from HubSpot.
For more ideas on how to create your ultimate business advertising products, talk to your Gemnote rep today!
