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What is a Niche Market?
There are many different types of markets when it comes to business, and a niche market is a smaller segment of a larger market. A niche market is defined by the unique needs of a specific consumer, making it different from its larger market.
No matter which niche market you’re in, your business can benefit from offering promotional items. These are items that bear your company name and logo and can be used in the daily lives of consumers. Here’s a look at the best promotional items for each niche market.
Travelers
The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic hurt this niche market for a while, but now it’s recovering as more and more people are getting back to traveling. So if your business lies in this niche market (such as a luggage company), here’s a look at some promotional items you can offer your customers:
- Athleisure for frequent flyers
- Smartphone accessories, since the majority of people carry their phones everywhere
- Tote or duffle bags that travelers can use as carry-ons
Remote Workers
Another thing brought about by the pandemic was the increase in remote workers, or people working from home. Even with the majority of people returning to work in person, many companies are giving their employees the option of working from home or have incorporated a hybrid model. If your business is in the niche market of catering to remote workers, consider promotional items such as:
- Laptop covers/stickers
- Pencil sharpeners
- Stress balls
Pet Owners
Many people own pets, so it’s no surprise that this is a niche market. Studies have also shown that pets are good for mental health, so this is another reason that pet ownership is increasing. If your business caters to pet owners (i.e., you sell pet food, toys, medicine, etc.), then here’s a list of promotional items to consider:
- Bowls
- Clothing for pets
- Leashes and collars
Locals
This is probably the least specific of all the niche markets, but local marketing campaigns are becoming increasingly popular. In fact, many businesses have built their brand on the local community it was founded in. The good news is that businesses in this niche (whether it’s a local restaurant or a local clothing store) can try a variety of promotional items, such as
- Coffee mugs
- Face masks
- Hats/beanies
- T-shirts
Homeowners
Homeownership fluctuates, as that’s the norm when it comes to the real estate industry. Currently, more people are renting versus buying, but those in the real estate business can still benefit from offering promotional items. Examples include:
- Flashlights
- Refrigerator magnets
- Welcome mats
Health and Wellness
The health and wellness market is arguably the largest niche market, as well as the larger market sector. This is because healthcare is used by virtually everyone, as everyone benefits from having good health. Whether you’re in fitness, holistic wellness, or medicine, your business can benefit from offering promotional items that make consumers want to better their health. These include items such as:
- Bike accessories
- Drawstring backpacks
- Fitness equipment
- Water bottles and misters
- Yoga mats
Gamers
With nearly three billion active gamers around the world, this is a fairly large niche market. Although you may not make game consoles and devices or own a gaming platform if your business caters to gamers in any way, here are some ideas for promotional items to consider:
- Cable ties
- Covers for ergonomic gaming chairs
- Decals to personalize gaming devices
- Screen cleaners
- T-shirts
Conscious Consumers
The conscious consumer is an individual who tries to maintain awareness of their carbon footprint. They’re becoming more environmentally friendly by recycling, walking/biking/driving an electric vehicle, and switching to other “green” methods, which may include going vegan. Many businesses are also trying to become greener, so if your business falls under that category, consider these promotional items:
- Aluminum water bottles
- Bike accessories
- Bumper stickers
- Reusable grocery bags
- T-shirts
Keep in mind that promotional items are typically given away (free), so consider making them free with a purchase for your customers. When your promotional items make sense with your business niche, your customers will be more willing to get these items.
Promotional items are also a great way to create customer loyalty. Your most loyal customers will want to get their hands on these items, and when they wear/use these items, you’ll also get free advertising for your business. This creates more exposure and more brand recognition, which will also bring in new customers and increase your sales.