Keyrings are one of those branded merchandise options that have been around for what seems like an eternity. Tried and tested. A proven vehicle for marketing success. In today’s blog post I cover what personalised keyrings are, describe the benefits you gain by using them, explain how to create one and share unique keyring ideas.
With personalised keyrings I refer to all those keyrings you won’t find in a catalogue. I mean those thick promotional product catalogues you’re probably receiving on a regular basis. Keyrings are always one of the product categories that show up in there.
A personalised model is different. Some people refer to them as custom or, in Britain, they call them bespoke keyrings. They are unique, in the sense that nobody else is using the exact same model. They might even go beyond that, containing e.g. the name or the person that is receiving it.
There are many reasons why your business will benefit from personalised keyrings. Here are five of them.
Keyrings are neat, small items that help promote your brand. They get the word out there. Brand visibility assured. Without ongoing costs. Keyrings not only reinforce the brand towards the user but towards other people who are next to them whilst the product is being used, lying on a desk or hanging from a hook on a wall. Attached to car keys, house keys, or bags.
Keyrings, as an everyday object of functional value, engage customers. They use the product with their hands. They grab it. They turn a key whilst holding and seeing it. They are often exposed to the product and therefore the brand. Much more often than a billboard they might, from time to time or maybe even just once, have driven by. Or a digital ad that shows up in their browser. Only for a few seconds.
Personalised keyrings are not cheap but very cost-effective. Especially when produced in bulk. They don’t break the bank whilst providing constant brand messaging. They are much more memorable than other types of promotional materials, like flyers or business cards. Keyrings of a high quality will last for years and not be thrown away. For all the talk about how keys will be replaced by mobile phone apps or access cards, we’re not there yet. The truth is there are still a lot of them being used. They are everywhere
Personalised keyrings, particularly those with a customer’s name or initials, create an emotional connection between the business and the recipient. This makes the recipient feel special and valued.
A personalised keyring feels more meaningful than a standard product, fostering a sense of customer care and building brand affinity. They are often used at events, e.g. as part of the welcome package, and can thus serve as conversation starter. As portable objects, they turn users into moving brand ambassadors. Wherever the keyring goes, it can spark conversations about the business and connect to new potential customers.
When creating personalised keyrings for promoting your brand, design versatility is a key advantage. Keyrings are suitable for matching a brand’s unique character and appeal to a specific target audience. They can be cut or cast into almost any form. Be it flat, debossed, embossed, or in full 3D. For limited editions or mass quantities.
There are numerous color options and ways to personalise them, e.g. via names or initials, custom messages such as a motivational quote or a special date, or even custom images. Additionally, a capable manufacturer will have a multitude of print techniques and finishes available, e.g. laser engraving, hotstamping and printing.
The versatility of keyrings can turn into a challenge. There are so many options to choose from. What does a proven process look like when planning to source a personalised keyring? What aspects does one need to consider?
Keyrings will be different depending on the goal and the occasion you need them for. Is it for direct sales or for branding? Are you planning to use them for a direct mailing campaign, as an onpack gift item or as a giveaway at events? The shape might be different when you distribute them via an envelope, attach them to a bottle, or hand them over manually.
Does the personalised keyring need to match a particular seasonal or event based theme? Christmas, a company anniversary or a product launch? Keyrings will serve as a small souvenir to commemorate the event.
Once you and your supplier are clear about the goal and the occasion, the next step is to determine the design. You’ll want to rely on a professional designer for this, since they’ll know how to create a model that will be most cost-effective. You should rely on a full color, 3D render visualisation and provide feedback. Later on a prototype and a pre-production sample. Before any bulk production related processes start.
Personalised keyrings can be made from a wide range of materials, each of which offers a different visual appeal, tactile experience and price point. Metal is durable and premium, plastic lightweight and affordable, leather elegant and luxurious, acrylic highly customisable and lightweight, wood eco-friendly and warm. Even more sustainable options are recycled plastic or metal, bamboo, or biodegradable materials. Whichever materials you consider, they need to fit your brand’s identity and your target audience’s preferences.
Keyrings don’t only need to be keyrings. Additional elements can enhance the product. Examples are:
Multi-functional keyrings increase the level of functionality the keyring offers. This increases the frequency with which the recipient uses the product.
There are so many options when it comes to creating unique personalised keyrings. Here are a few our PES team brought to life.
Personalised keyrings are a small but capable tool for promoting your business. They offer a unique combination of functionality, cost-efficacy and brand visibility. From a design perspective, they can easily be adapted to represent your unique brand and match your target audience’s preferences. Keyrings provide your stakeholders with an easy to carry and memorable product. Used as giveaways or corporate gifts, they foster customer relationships and improve brand loyalty. Personalised keyrings are a safe and pragmatic choice when it comes to choosing promotional merchandise.
Ivica Baraba
"In PES I get to work on many custom branded merchandise projects. I’ve been doing this since 2004. It intrigues me to delve into brand worlds and determine what products can help a client achieve their business goals. It is an exceptionally creative and dynamic industry to be a part of.”
