5 Ways To Stand Out as a Promo Product Distributor in a Crowded Mark

By Amanda Smith 

In today’s competitive market, standing out as a distributor requires a strategic approach. Unpack the five essential steps to elevate your business and become the go-to source for your clients. From identifying your niche to leveraging digital marketing strategies, networking opportunities and exclusive tools like ESP+, you’ll discover how to build a strong reputation and secure recurring orders.

1) Identify your niche

Everyone wants to be the person who has “a person for that…” and finding a niche means you can be that “person” for any and all businesses. Sourcing high-quality products for select verticals, product categories or markets can allow consumers to feel less overwhelmed and narrow their search to find exactly what they’re looking for faster. Becoming the go-to distributor for schools, nonprofits, or for drinkware or hospitality products can ensure you get reoccurring orders and customers. By niching down, you can become an expert that becomes the name on every business’s lips when they need new products.

2) Digital Marketing Strategies

A “simpler” way to stand out in the industry is to really look at your digital marketing strategies. Making sure you have an updated and welcoming website can make a huge difference. In the digital space, having a website that’s seen as clunky can single-handedly turn customers away. If it feels too hard to order or find information on your website, customers know they can easily find it somewhere else that doesn’t have these “problems.” So having updated looks and current information is an easy fix to avoid a sales loss. If your website is in tip-top shape, some other digital marketing strategies are social media marketing, email marketing and content marketing. All of these things can also be created and executed with ASI’s top-of-the-line services, sales tools and more.

3) Networking opportunities

As an ASI member you get FREE access to ASI’s premier industry events. These events give you the opportunity to walk show floors, meet one on one and get hands-on, in-person experience with seasoned suppliers. Whether you choose to network at hosted-buyer events or walk show floors, the opportunity to make lasting and meaningful connections with industry experts is a top way to make your mark in the industry. As they say, “people may not remember all your credentials or even name, but they will remember how you made them feel.” In-person networking events are a great way to leave a lasting impression and build rapport with top suppliers

4) ESP+

A top way to stand out to your current clients and build a strong reputation in the industry is by sourcing unique and personalized product selections. A great way to accomplish this is through ASI’s ESP+. It’s the #1 business platform in the industry and features every product under the sun. Search for any product and filter results by supplier rating, pricing, features and more. It also features a comprehensive suite of tools designed to boost your business and sell your product pitches, using our client portals, presentations, order management, CRM and so much more. Standing out in the industry doesn’t always mean being the flashiest. Sometimes it just means being the most reliable and creative. Tools like ESP+ make that happen in one central location.

5) Exclusive Pricing

Although not always the most flexible change, having competitive pricing can be the determining factor for some of your clients. Pricing promotional products always depends on a variety of factors to ensure that you are still making a profit at the end of the day. If you’re not already doing it, looking into bulk pricing/tier pricing strategies can not only incentivize buyers to secure more products but could also make them feel secure that you can handle larger orders if they need them down the line. It’s also a great opportunity to deploy creative pricing strategies like buy-one-get-one-free specials, anniversary or special day sales, and bundling deals. Stand out by holding an annual deal/sale on your company anniversary every year. Through word of mouth and when partnered with other marketing strategies, this special could become the talk of the industry.

By implementing these five strategies, you can significantly enhance your position in the promo product industry. Identifying your niche, optimizing your digital marketing efforts, leveraging networking opportunities, utilizing powerful tools like ESP+ and adopting creative pricing strategies will set you apart from the competition time and time again. Remember, standing out isn’t just about being the flashiest; it’s about being reliable, innovative and memorable. So, implement what works for you and watch the sales roll in.