April showers bring May flowers, the old saying goes. If you live and work in the northern half of the Unites States, you're probably just now breaking out your light spring jacket and warming up to the idea of some consistent good weather.

And though constant sun and 90-degree days may seem as though they are still months away, it's never too early to plan for the next season — especially for summer, as many businesses are doing right about now.

Summer Doesn't Just Mean Beach Balls

Idea Customs Solutions works with thousands of promotional products distributors — entrepreneurs who make it their business to help other companies to promote their offerings and put their marketing dollars to work. What these professionals know is that most firms, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) especially, don't just place orders with the arrival of each new season. Planning ahead is essential for them.

The best promotional products often tap into what is "going on" or trending, while also having a staying power that makes them useful all year long. Yet, if your first thought is "summer specials", let's take a step back and look at the power promotional products have all year long.

Sage World recently posted a helpful infographic to remind us of what makes promotional products work, and that they are much more universal than people outside the industry might think. Some stats highlighted by that infographic:

•    8 in 10 people have and use promotional products
•    91% have at least one promotional product in their kitchens
•    74% have at least one promotional product in their workspaces

It’s encouraging to know that when consumers receive promotional products branded with businesses' logos and contact information, they are kept and used.

But in terms of going beyond brand recognition to generating revenue, are they effective? Responses indicate that they are:

•    85% of people say they do business with companies after receiving their promotional products
•    55% of people say they have more favorable opinions after receiving promotional products

With that in mind, it's understandable why so many of the distributors that Idea Customs Solutions supports continue to market promotional products as solutions.

Summer is for Planning Too

For many businesses, warm weather is when they hit their peak season. Some sectors hire new employees in summer, indicating better cash flows. Likewise many companies will develop fall marketing plans and refine marketing materials. The best way to increase sales is to be part of those plans and updates.

Another infographic ASI published says that 20% of businesses order their promotional items at least three months ahead, while 22% do four or more months in advance. Another 44% say they purchase one or two months ahead of time. The message: when it comes to reaching customers, few businesses consider their branded promotional products as afterthoughts or impulse buys.

Drinking up Summer

For those businesses that really want to tap into summer's fun there are a number of product options. According to research firm AYTM, summer is the most popular season for beer enthusiasts. This could be driven by the fact that summer festivals are common from coast to coast, serving up more chances to enjoy beer outdoors, while also tasting new products promoted by America's more than 5000 breweries. Another interesting fact, according to a graph brewed up by BevSpot, people tend to trade in their wine for beer during the summer months.

Many of our promotional product distributors market items like cups and drinkware not just to beverage companies or bars and restaurants, but also to chambers of commerce, cities and towns that hold outdoor summer fests and for live events.

As we have reported previously, outdoor events including summer food celebrations — local versions of the Taste of Chicago and Oktoberfest — as well as 5K races or music fests, provide ample opportunities and reasons for businesses to stock up on branded promotions. Promotional products for the outdoors are one option, but really anything can work well when placed properly.

In addition to the festive, outdoor, or beverage-related items, wearables work well. T-shirts, caps, jackets and more comprise the most popular category of promotional items. As many as 12% of all businesses use t-shirts as a part of their marketing and brand building strategy.

Don't forget that a variety of different businesses come alive in late spring and summer. Enterprises such as home builders, renovators and caterers exist simply because of the change in weather, or others like travel and tourism-related firms fill a need that pops up one season a year.

Whatever the weather, Idea Custom Solutions can help you transform business logos into production-ready designs for whatever products you recommend to customers. With our vector artwork and embroidery digitizing services, we help you and their brands shine!