Branded USB Memory Sticks – Why Are So Many Being Given Away

It’s no exaggeration to say that millions and millions of Branded USB Memory Sticks are given away free every year and the trend is accelerating. But why, what makes a branded USB memory stick such a great item and what are they most commonly being used for?

Branded USB Memory Sticks are incredibly popular with everyone because:

1. They are incredibly handy gadgets that make storing and transporting large amounts of data very easy.
2. They come in a range of designs and styles that look great when printed up with a logo or brand. Matching the body of many of the USB Memory Sticks to a primary colour from the printed brand is relatively easy to do and inexpensive and helps to lift the overall “look and feel” of the memory stick.
3. People like to receive branded USB memory sticks because of their perceived value and because of their intrinsic usefulness.
4. They are small and light so transportation, storage and distribution is never an issue.
5. They have global appeal. Unlike some promotional products that only work in certain markets and cultures USB memory sticks have a universal appeal.
6. They are easy to use and data (files, music, videos, presentations, etc.) can be stored onto the memory stick before they are distribution.
7. Prices have fallen over the last few years making them a cost effective marketing and promotional tool.

What are the most common uses for Branded USB Memory Sticks?

Not surprisingly given their popularity the usage of memory sticks continues to grow and new and innovative uses for them are being found all the time. Some of the more common uses include:

1. Giveaways at trade shows, exhibitions and conferences – branded USB memory sticks are an ideal way to get your brand distributed and your sales brochures brought to life. Pre-loading links to your website, including sales videos and presentations together with product sheets and special offers.
2. Seminars where they are typically pre-loaded with speakers notes, presentations and details of forthcoming seminars and events that the audience might be interested in.
3. Press Launches – handing out a branded or even a custom shaped USB Memory stick at a press launch is a great way to engage with the invited journalists. Custom USB memory sticks manufactured in a shape to represent the event are becoming increasingly popular because of the “wow” factor and talking point they create.
4. Product Launches – USB memory sticks printed with the logo or design of your product (or even manufactured in the shape of your product) and pre-loaded with product information, preview videos, pricing etc are popular. More and more companies are now using memory sticks are a core part of their overall sales and marketing mix and launch plans.
5. University Fresher Fairs – every student loves something for nothing and if it can’t be beer then a USB memory stick is a good substitute particularly if you can pre-load it with lots of useful information for them on the university, life as a student, student offers, housing information, student union details etc.
6. Schools – Many schools now mandate the use memory sticks and are either making them available to students free of charge or supplying them with the school crest/logo on at a subsidised rate.

Whilst not an exhaustive list it does illustrate the range of uses the once humble USB memory stick is now being put to.