One of the best promotional giveaways on the market, coffee mugs make quite the impression as they sit on your desk for months on end. Plus, your customers will start to associate you with their morning tea break – and that can’t be a bad thing!
Here are our top 12 tips for designing promotional coffee cups that your customers will love:
- Make it stand out
Take a moment to think about your favourite mug – is it colourful, does it have a cute message, how does the handle feel, how long have you been carrying it around with you? When coming up with your own design, ensure that it’s unique in some way so that it will have a bigger and more lasting impression.
- Choose dishwasher safe materials
Unfortunately, not all mugs are suitable for running through the dishwasher after a long day at the office. Even so, some people still put them in – and they don’t always make it out the other side in one piece. Opt for convenience – ensure that you’ve chosen cups that aren’t overly delicate or too difficult to wash.
- Design a custom print
When creating your design, ensure that you have considered the size, shape and colour of your promotional coffee cup. If you don’t have design skills, be sure to contact an artist or designer to handle this for you. Keep in mind that you don’t just have to slap your standard logo on the side of the mug – don't be afraid to have some fun.
- Go big or go home
There are a few reasons why larger mugs are more popular – you'll be able to stir in milk and sugar without spilling all over the place, they fit more comfortably in your hands, and they let you enjoy more of your favourite beverage. If you have the option to choose a larger style, we definitely recommend going for it.
- Save money – limit colours
Coffee mugs can be on the expensive side, so it’s understandable that you’d want to save money where possible. One way to do this is by limiting the colours used in your design. To make an impact, instead opt for unique fonts or even lineart prints. Hand drawn designs, in particular, tend to look best in a single colour.
- Add a box
To truly make your cup feel like a gift, add a box. This will perform the added function of protecting the mug until your customer is able to get it home or back to the office. Boxes are usually only a small additional fee – they can be either plain or designed to complement the rest of your marketing paraphernalia.
- Hand them out at the holidays
With so many gift-giving holidays throughout the year – including Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and so on – having a stash of cups on hand will ensure that you’re prepared for them all. Complete your gift with a sachet of hot chocolate mix, bag of coffee beans or pretty tea bags.
- Make it funny
Remember that you won’t be able to please everyone with your design, but don’t be afraid to take a risk or even throw in a silly joke. Somehow, even the dorkiest of jokes seem much funnier when they’re emblazoned on a coffee mug. Just remember to read your audience and don’t do anything that could be seen as offensive.
- Make it beautiful
You could take a whole other direction entirely and make your cup incredibly beautiful, which works really well if your business is in a design field (such as photography or even websites). Artsy designs can make a big impact when printed on the side of a cup, so don’t be afraid to give it a go for yourself.
- Consider a handy travel option
If your customers are regularly on the road, why not opt for promotional coffee cups that can go with them? We have a variety of travel options available – simply take them into your favourite coffee shop and let them do the rest (you’ll often receive a discount, plus you’re reducing rubbish and being eco friendly).
- Quality over quantity
Keep in mind that not all mugs are created equal. Whilst it might be cheaper to buy a heap of cheap cups, consider that higher quality ones will be held onto and appreciated by your customers for longer (as cheap ones often look cheap and aren’t made with the same durability, so they’re likely to break faster).
- Brand, brand, brand
Don’t forget to include your brand somewhere on the cup! You’ll be surprised how many businesses go to all the effort of designed some truly stunning merchandise only to forget to brand it. Customers will want to know who created their favourite mug, and you’ll want them to remember you well into the future.
Use the above tips and rest assured that your promotional coffee cups will be the talk of the town. If you need help choosing mugs to suit your business or in putting together a killer design, get in touch with the Novel Tees team today.
