Tutorials and Product Advice - Influencing Identity

Where are Custom Lanyards Frequently Used?

Custom lanyards are everywhere, and they have so many uses.

From the simple and traditional of displaying a name badge to the more creative portable shower caddie, lanyards are definitely universal. So, where are custom lanyards most traditionally used?

Businesses and Organizations

Commonly used for displaying badge holders, name tags and other personal identification, lanyards are utilized in everyday situations around the workplace. Custom lanyards can be printed with a slogan, motto or company logo to promote brand recognition and identify not only the wearer, but the company as well. Often, these lanyards are a requirement for access into a building or meeting and can be used this way as advertising.

Conventions and Conferences

Trade shows and conventions are a great marketing terrain for customized lanyards and trade show organizers. They can be helpful in using and displaying schedules, passes and other event credentials. Lanyards can be used to secure items that are important and that the user does not want to lose. Handing out lanyards to newly arriving guests is also a great way to show them your appreciation. Custom lanyards with logos for conferences make the event unforgettable.

Schools

Students and teachers all use lanyards on a daily basis and for a variety of purposes. Custom lanyards are perfect for showing school spirit; just add a name and logo and match the imprinting and lanyard colors to the school. Teachers often wear lanyards with photo identification badges for security reasons. And, students wear lanyards to keep keys and other items close at hand.

Parties, Receptions and Reunions

Custom lanyards are perfect during these family and friend events for keepsakes and to bring people together. Lanyards come in many color choices and will meet any need. Make them especially memorable by having the event or family name, year or location imprinted in a bright color. These keepsakes are sure to create their own memories.

Name Tags: The Simple Truth

Remember to keep your name tag simple! They are for personal identification and not meant to be used as a resume.

Amazingly enough, some name tags read like a business card, or as otherwise suggested, a resume. However, personal identification should be kept as simple as possible. Name tags and name badges should only include minimal information that identifies the person wearing it. Here is a short, concise and simple list of what should be included in designing a name tag.

Logo Name Tags

If a logo is being provided for a company, remember to keep it to a size that will fit and look good on a name tag. Depending on the type of name tag, such as a plastic laser engraved name tag, logos may only be done in a specific color or format. Full color name tags do offer a bit more versatility, but keep in mind that the logo shouldn’t be the only thing on the name tag. Full color tags offer the user the option of brighter colors and the option of bleeds. This is useful for logos that are large or need to have specific colors used.

Reusable Name Badges

Another thing to keep in mind when looking at name tags is possibly using name badges. Name badges are ordered with only a logo either printed or engraved and names and/or titles are added at a later point. These badges are a great idea when you need to be able to reuse them, such as for a seasonal or temporary position at a company or organization.

Names and titles can both be extremely effective on a badge.

But keep in mind that size is extremely important here. Keep it simple and to the point! Many times a person’s name is the only thing that is needed for identification. A first name is typically sufficient for name tags, however last names can be used in some cases. First names are great on name badges at conferences. They are also perfect to use in a commercial or retail setting as most customers don’t need to know the person’s last name. However, in the case of having multiple people with the same first name, adding a last name will help with the identification.

Of course, titles may be added to these name tags. However, make sure to order the name tag in an appropriate size so as to accommodate the text properly. One of the most important things about a name tag is visibility. Text size is extremely important! The text should always be readable from a distance, typically about 10 feet. Don’t add too much text to one line as it could become too small to read even from close up.

Fastener Options

keeping name tags simple and using appropriate fasteners — Fastener Options

The final thing to cover is the fastener choice. Most name tags come with multiple options, but be careful with these. Don’t order a lanyard to go with an adhesive name badge! It just wouldn’t work. Be smart about the choice. While magnetic fasteners are popular, pins or clips might be more appropriate for your situation. Always think of how and where the name tag will be worn before making the final selection on a fastener.

And, as always… remember: K.I.S.S. (keep it short and simple)! >>Shop Name Tags<<

Things To Consider: Name Tags

Does anyone ever really consider what it takes to produce that name tag they are wearing?

When considering a name tag the first thing that usually comes to mind is typically the name that appears on it. However, there is so much more to consider when looking at name tags.

An excerpt from a Coller Industries employee:

Name Tag, Inc. opened my eyes to what really goes into producing a name tag. When wearing a name tag one never really thinks about all the work, the people involved or machines used to make it. When first looking at a name tag the color, the person’s name and title, and the logo are what really stand out. Not much else is really considered.

As part of customer service, my view has definitely changed on what goes into making a name tag and the process behind the scenes. A lot goes into setting up orders, sending out proofs and working with design worksheets. There are so many colors and materials and different ways to put a name tag together. This may sound weird, but I feel like I help make name tag dreams come true.

Orders start with an internet order or a phone call. Once the specifics are laid out by the customer, the design team goes to work. Sometimes a customer has an image from the online design tool which provides a more visual picture of the “dream,” and sometimes only simple instructions like size, color and logo placement are included as instructions. Whatever the case, all customers end up with a PDF proof showing them what the name tags will look like.

consider using classy name tag frames - small, medium and large

consider adding an epoxy dome to name tags both plastic and metal

Once a proof is seen, all the extras and smaller details begin to take shape. Many customers have questions at this point, such as the tag size, the option of an epoxy dome, or adding a name tag frame. All these options come highly recommended, and while they do add a minor cost to the name tag purchase, the end results are worth it.

Once the proof has been approved by the customer, the order is sent to a quality checker to make sure that all the order information is correct and consistent. Then, when the order passes this check, the production team takes over. There are various machines that make different name tags. Laser engravers are used on both plastic and metal materials to cut and engrave names, titles and logos. There is also a full color print machine that prints in vibrant colors. Each name tag is carefully completed according to the specifications that were check and rechecked in customer service.

Part of production is assembly of the product. Fasteners, such as magnets, are affixed to the name tag. Before any name tag is shipped, two more quality control people review the order again. Once this is complete, the package is sealed and given to a trusty UPS driver who then gets them delivered directly to the customer.

Now that’s a lot to think about and consider when looking at a name tag! So, the next time you see a name tag, I hope that you can take a moment to reflect about all the hands and time (and care) that went into its production.

Personal Branding vs. Corporate Branding

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a brand as “a class of goods identified by name as the product of a single firm or manufacturer.” It is the overall perception and experience that customers associate with a particular company, product or service. They also define branding as “promoting a product or service by identifying it with a particular brand.”

what is corporate branding and what is personal branding using name tags lanyards signs name badges

Process

Personal branding is the process of an individual marketing or advertising themselves or their career as a unique image or idea. It is the ongoing practice of building up an image or uniqueness about themselves to others around them. A personal brand often involves using someone’s name on various marketing products.

Corporate branding is the process of promoting a company’s logo and name for marketing and advertising purposes. A corporate brand’s range is typically extensive and is often used to express the company’s ideals and goals.

Examples of personal branding:
Rachel Ray, Michael Jordan, Oprah, Scott Ginsberg, Tony Robbins

Personal Branding perzonalized identification name tags rachael ray michael jordan oprah scott ginsberg tony robbins

Examples of corporate branding:
Apple; Hershey’s; NIKE;
Warner Bros.; M&M’s

Corporate Branding personalized identification logos hershey apple warner bros nike m&m mars

Benefits

Branding helps a business or person show how their products or services differ from competitors. A strong brand with a clear name, logo and visuals helps consumers know and remember what that brand sells or provides. It also makes people trust them more. When someone decides what their brand stands for and why it is unique, they can make themselves stand out and affect what customers pick. A strong brand shows that this particular product or service is trustworthy, high in quality and dependable.

Name Tags and Branding

By wearing personal identification products, (e.g., name tags, name badges, etc.), anyone can make themselves more visible to others. This also opens the door to better experiences at large events. They can promote their personal brand by wearing a name tag with their name (first and last). By wearing a name tag, they identify themselves as an individual and stand out in a crowd. Most often, people see this type of marketing at large corporate meetings or conventions where it is important to distinguish individuals from each other.

Corporate branding utilizes the same items as personal branding, such as lanyards and name tags, but they often use them differently. Many companies choose to add their logo, an essential part of their brand, to the name tags. This is so that their employees are easily identifiable to their consumers. These items are then turned into a way of advertising their company rather than the individual. People often see this type of branding at conferences where many companies that manufacture or sell the same ideas or items might mingle. Businesses will use lanyards, name tags and signs to distinguish everyone attending the conference.

Whether personal or corporate, a brand is essential to anyone seeking to be differentiated from those around them.

ORDER LOGO NAME TAGS

Learn more about using your logo on The Learning Center:

Contrast Matters: Your Logo and Identification

Basic Lanyard Uses

While a lanyard is often required for identification, many don’t realize its effectiveness. The best thing about a lanyard is that it can have social and practical uses in everyday occasions and special events. From identification to advertising, use lanyards in multiple ways.

Lanyards are ideal for identification and safety.

Several versions of lanyards all customized for business use.

Typically, lanyards are worn in offices and conferences to provide identification. And, traditionally these work well as most lanyards are designed to compliment a name badge or name tag. If a company requires security cards or photo IDs, lanyards are a great and useful way to keep these items handy. So, as you come to a security checkpoint or somewhere else where you might need to show your ID, you won’t have to search for your card. Lanyards are a low cost option for identifying who belongs and who doesn’t. When employees are provided with custom lanyards with either a company logo or slogan, they are easily identified to provide better security.

Lanyards are also effective advertising.

Lanyards provide simplistic and efficient advertising. Usually worn around the neck, lanyards remain easily accessible. As such, they are a perfect advertising opportunity. In addition, providing employees with a custom lanyard with a business logo or slogan allows them to keep their name badge handy. Still, most of those who wear lanyards as part of their uniforms do not remove them after leaving work. This provides your company with extra and free walking advertising.

If you provide a lanyard during a convention or event, people may continually use them in their homes and life. Many people find it convenient to attach keys to lanyards for easy access and the lessened likelihood of losing them. Again, free advertising. So, the next time you think about advertising strategies, consider how effective custom lanyards are.