WRITING INSTRUMENTS… THEY’RE A TIMELESS BRAND EXPOSURE TOOL.

There’s an urban legend that goes a little something like this…

During the early days of the Space Race back in the 1950’s and 1960’s, two great contenders, the United States and Russia, in the battle to be the first country to get into space had a bit of a faceoff. The Russians won, with the launch of Sputnik, the first satellite to be launched into space. But The Americans were the first to land on the moon.

 The Americans soon discovered that their fountain pens didn’t work in zero-gravity, and spent millions of dollars developing the ballpoint pen. Apparently, the Russians overcame that problem by just using a pencil… While that might have been the case, there’s something almost magical about a handcrafted fountain pen as it glides effortlessly over a sheet of paper, right here on planet Earth.

It’s no wonder these writing instruments have been elevated to an almost ‘art collector’ status. And since writing instruments (both high-end and ‘regular’) are always in such high demand, they make the perfect branded gifting choice. From the venerable fountain pen, to stylish ballpoint pens and mechanical pencils, Ignition has the widest range, ready for your branding to be tastefully applied.

Writing instruments are ubiquitous. They're used in every aspect of life, from jotting down notes during a meeting to signing important documents. This means that they have the potential to be seen by a vast number of people, making them an ideal vehicle for promoting a brand.

Further, writing instruments are often kept for extended periods of time. People don't usually throw away a pen or a mechanical pencil after one use, and this means that they'll continue to be exposed to the brand message over and over again. With the right design and messaging, a writing instrument can become a powerful branding tool that will be remembered long after the initial first use.

This exercise in brand exposure requires the careful consideration of several factors, including the type of writing instrument, the colour, style, and branding messaging. Here are a few tips for designing effective, branded writing instruments:

1.  Choose colours that reflect your brand:
The colour of a writing instrument can have a powerful impact on brand recognition. Choose colours that are consistent with your brand's visual identity and that will stand out in a sea of other writing instruments.
    
2.  Use high-quality materials:
A writing instrument that feels cheap or flimsy will reflect poorly on your brand. Invest in high-quality materials that will make the writing instrument feel substantial and durable.
    
3.  Keep the messaging simple and memorable:
The messaging on a branded writing instrument should be clear, concise, and memorable. Keep it simple and avoid cramming too much information onto the pen or pencil.
    
4.  Consider the target audience:
The design of a writing instrument should be tailored to the target audience. A pen that's designed for executives will look different than one designed for college students.

In today's digital age, it's easy to overlook the importance of branded traditional writing instruments. However, the truth is that writing instruments remain an essential part of our everyday lives, especially in the workplace. Not only are they practical tools for taking notes and signing documents, but they can also make for great corporate gifts that promote brand awareness and professionalism.

When it comes to presenting well-made and stylish writing instruments as corporate gifts, there are a variety of options to choose from. One popular choice is mixing and matching these writing instruments with other stationery products. These can include items such as branded notebooks, desk accessories, and branded diaries. These gifts are practical and useful for any professional, as they provide a way to stay organised and keep track of important information.

Branded notebooks are a great option for corporate gifts because they are versatile and customisable. They can be used for taking notes during meetings, jotting down ideas, or even as a daily planner. By adding your company logo or branding to the cover, you can create a unique and memorable gift that also serves as a promotional tool.

Desk accessories are another practical gift option that can help keep an office space tidy and organised. Items such as branded pen holders, paperclip holders, and document trays are both functional and stylish. When customised with your company's branding, these accessories can serve as a subtle reminder of your company's professionalism and attention to detail.

To maximise your branding initiatives, perhaps it’s time you looked at using a branded writing instrument to give you the edge you need over the competition. And perhaps now’s the time to reach out to the Ignition team. 

We provide a full turnkey service, from product sourcing, branding, and our national footprint means you’re taking a step in the right direction in reaching even the most far-flung location within South Africa. We have warehousing facilities in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, and our in-house delivery service is tailored to delivering your corporate gift to the right person, at the right location, and at the right time. 

So be sure to reach out to Ignition today and experience that ‘Ignition Difference’ for yourself.