Construction promotional items are a cost-effective way to build brand awareness in a way that people actually enjoy, helping construction companies to smooth over the ups and downs of industry demand. In down months, when fewer people need construction services, branded products are a great way to ensure those who do need your services are thinking about you. We recently took a closer look at how we helped a construction industry supplier generate leads with a promotional products campaign. Now we will look how construction companies themselves can develop long-term marketing strategies to ensure they are always filling a sales and marketing funnel that will help them grow, even in volatile markets.
Navigating Construction Industry Volatility

The recent Monthly New Residential Construction Report from the U.S. Department of Commerce Census Bureau shows that privately-owned housing starts in May of 2021 were up 3.6% from April, following a March that boasted a 19.4% increase over February. But 3 of the first 5 months of 2021 saw 6 to 10% declines in housing starts and we are still off from December where month over month growth in the last quarter of 2020 had returned to pre-pandemic levels. Commercial construction markets are also showing volatility with nonresidential building starts up 10% from April to May of 2021, even though it remains 5% off year to date from this point in 2020.
Of course, planning and project management are essential components of managing resources through the spikes and lulls of construction. However, a long-term promotional marketing strategy can help maintain demand for your firm even when the industry at large faces a decline. In spite of the pandemic, where promotional product spending by companies in the construction industry decreased in 2020, the construction market is still expected to become the 4th largest market for promotional product sales in the U.S. (surpassing the financial services and insurance industry).
To assist contractors and construction companies seeking to increase their brand awareness in 2021, we have highlighted some of the best construction promotional items for giveaways, trade shows and community events below.
Classic Construction Promotional Item Ideas for Construction Themed Giveaways
The best construction promotional items for community events, open houses and even direct mailing campaigns are classic, cost-effective staples that focus on getting your name and contact information out there on practical, useful items like business card magnets and clips, calendars, pens, and drinkware (coffee mugs, tumblers, water bottles). A few of our favorites include:
Nova Touch (Metallic) Stylus w/ LED Flashlight Pen – Cater to your new and potential customers with a special touch with the Nova Touch Pen! This multi-function pen features a touch stylus at the tip and a button activated LED flashlight at the top.
House Shaped Magnet Clip – House shape is perfect for construction companies, realtors and other home service businesses – Black rubber roof grip – Strong magnet backing includes one color imprint.
Personalized Construction Gifts – 4 On-Trend Branded Gift Ideas for 2021
Personalized gifts that work well for building and construction trade shows, conferences, and events include universally appealing promotional products like branded tape measurers, levels, flashlights, tool kits, carpenter pencils, pens, notepads, jobsite coolers, workwear, and accessories (gloves, hats, sunglasses, etc.). Popular workwear brands that you can add your company logo to include Carhartt and CornerStone apparel by Port Authority.
These items also make great construction employee gifts for your hardworking surveyors, engineers, tradesmen and women, and other skilled workers.
Built2Work 3 in 1 Tape Measure with Pen and Level – Record your measurements easily with this 10ft retractable, locking tape measurer. Built-in level. Includes 1-2/4″ x 1-3/4″ yellow sticky memo pad, mini pen and metal belt clip. Locking button keeps the tape in place. Clear flip-top cover protects the memo pad.
MoleskineĀ® Classic Large Tool Belt – Black – Transform your notebook and keep small objects close at hand, ready to jot down ideas, plan events and increase productivity on the move. Inspired by carpenters, architects and street artists, the Tool Belt is a neat add-on to upgrade your notebook and keep all your note-taking essentials right where you need them. Designed to fit any large hard cover Moleskine notebook or planner, Paper Tablet, Smart Planner and store the Pen+ Ellipse, Classic Click Roller Pen, or GO Pen.
High Visibility Cap w/Reflective Fabric – Classic Series, Medium Profile, 6 Panel, Structured, 100% Polyester, Fabric Strap, 2 Piece Hook & Loop Closure, D Ring Closure, Head Cover, Covered Button, Sewn Eyelet. Price includes embroidery on front of cap (10,000 stitches).
CarharttĀ® Vertical 12 Can Cooler – Designed with a vertical shape to fit in any worker’s locker, this seam-sealed cooler delivers by keeping your favorite beverages chilled and handy. Built for lunch at the jobsite or drinks by the river.
Construction Promotional Item Strategies for Stability
Metron Branding can assist with planning construction promotions in 2021 and setting up a temporary or permanent online company store stocked with branded merchandise for employees, customers, or prospects. Contact Metron Branding or fill out the form below to get started.