Many marketers do not employ this strategy because they feel that it will annoy their visitors. But fact remains, pop-up windows do work. The benefits of using pop-up windows far outweigh negatives associated with them, but only if you use them properly!

There are many sites that use multiple pop up windows when someone clicks on to their web site. This is very annoying when five or six pop up windows open and most web surfers consider this a form of "spam." This will be sure to turn off any potential customers and kill your chances of repeat visitors.

If you are going to display a pop-up window, you should only display one window, either executed when a visitor enters your web site or when visitor exits. There are scripts available that will let you send a cookie to visitor's computer so that no matter how many times they enter or exit page that calls pop up window, thy will only ever receive one pop up.

When I write about cookies, I am not referring to Mr. Christie or Oreo cookies that people eat. For those of you that are new to Internet, a cookie is a small file that is sent to your computer from web site to either gather information about your surfing habits or to let web site know not to run a certain script (i.e. pop-up window, survey, etc...).

According to recent studies, businesses are reaping greater rewards by using promotional products as extensions of other marketing activities. Advertising, direct mail, web promotions and public relations are significantly more effective when appropriate promotional products are included. Why? Because advertising specialties have unique ability to customize a message to a specific audience or need.

For example, a microbrewery recently introduced its new brand of beer by giving away cork coasters imprinted with a replica of product’s label. Besides protecting furniture, coasters provide endless name recognition.

A film processor used imprinted magnetic frames for a store promotion. The company reported customers liked frames so much, they told their friends, which ultimately led to a 22% increase in sales.

During latter part of 1999, many companies used promotional products to generate enthusiasm for their millennium “bug” projects. One firm’s goal was to encourage enterprise-wide teamwork to upgrade computer systems. Items including baseball caps, beverage containers, screen savers, and newsletters were imprinted with slogans to remind employees of program.

Marketers are also finding packaging makes a big difference. A building supply company sends prospects a tee shirt compressed into a brick. Another firm sends clients a packet of gourmet coffee or tea, inside a glass mug with message, “Take a break on us.”