If, however, personalized, well-designed name tags communicate more than just a name and function, then they are much more important. Effective name tags convey a team identity and solidarity that, otherwise, would be very obviously missing. Name tags, as with all other tangible and intangible facets of an organization, are not “one-size-fits-all”; they should be designed to fit specific needs.

Name tags are, almost invariably, the first thing people see, and it sticks with them long after they forget the names of employees. This first impression is something for which there is no second chance. Professionally designed and produced name tags highlight each person’s importance, while also unifying all members who wear them.

The logo is also invaluable for branding; it should elicit much more information than just the company/organization’s name. Think about the Nike or Facebook logos; what comes to mind? My guess is that it’s more than just clothes and a place to keep in touch with friends. Don’t downplay the importance of the logo; it represents everything about its company/organization. When people see that logo on the name tags, they see all of that ‘extra’ information too.

Name tags should be a cohesive part of the company/organization, an extension of it rather than just a person’s name. Make sure that you use them as the powerful tool that they are by fitting them to your needs.

Convenience -

Your customers keep you in business, and the last thing you want is for your customers to wander around your store with no idea as to who will help them. With name tags, your customers will easily identify your staff and will be saved the frustration of asking around.

Comfort -

When your customers know your name and can easily identify you, it makes them more comfortable around you and your store, so they’ll be more inclined to take advantage of your services.

Communication -

Many larger organizations choose to give their employees name badges as a way to help internal communication. It can take a while to learn peoples’ names, but name badges make it easy to associate a face with the name!

Consistency -

For any kind of brand awareness, consistency is king.  It can be tempting to hand out reusable name badges to your employees and just tell them to write their names and information on a blank insert sheet.  While this is certainly better than not having any name badge at all, I highly recommend pre-printing your branding on all of your insert sheets, if permanent, personalized name tags are out of your budget.  If you don’t have time to set up each name and print them on the inserts, at least make sure you have your company name and/or logo visible for people to see, so they instantly recognize you and your employees as part of your company.

Key #1: Communication

Did you do your research on your target audience?

• Having 500 people attend your event is great – but it matters a lot less if your speakers talk about selling backpacking equipment to computer nerds. Present the right information to the right people, and you’ll yield much greater results.

Did you get the best speakers possible for your event?

• A lot of times you can get really great speakers just by showing you have a decent attendance rate – the better the speakers, the better the event.

Don’t hand out brochures at the event itself.

• The only long-term marketing materials you should expect people to hold on to after the event are your hand-outs. These items are things like lanyards, mugs, water bottles, anything permanent and reusable that people can get some use out of that displays your company logo & information so you stay in mind.

Key #2: Identification

Is a name badge available for every person who walks through the door?

• This is crucial. People need to be easily identified – you, your staff, guests, speakers, everyone – it can help you build and maintain your brand, among other things.

Take it a step further for VIP’s.

• Consider name badge ribbons for your speakers, board members and important guests to help them stand out and feel appreciated. This helps in the long run, as the more effective speakers will want to come back and help your cause and their own simultaneously.

Give as many options as your budget allows.

• Magnetic fasteners are great – just be aware that some people have pacemakers. Have another option available for them (pin, clip, etc).

Key #3: Staying Organized

Don’t try to wing it.

• Do your guests know the event schedule? Have one prepared and available well before the event date.

Numbers matter.

• Get an accurate head count, and pass this info to your caterer, as well as your purchasing agents. Too much or too little of anything can get you into a whole heap of trouble.

Assign seating.

• At least organized by guest category. You’ll want all your speakers sitting up front, probably in chronological order, and so forth.

Spell it out.

• Are your staff and volunteers trained and prepared to do their assigned tasks? Having job descriptions for anyone involved really helps move things along without taking up your time for constant reminders and explanations.

Key #4: Remember who’s got you covered.

From (hopefully) helpful tips to all your promotional and identification product needs, Name Tag, Inc. has got you covered. Feel free to drop by our review page and tell us what you think!

- Michael Green

1] Maintain Security


Many places of employment require ID badges; they’re great for security, and getting to know all the people around the office. The use of badge holders and lanyards is essential in keeping your ID badges safe and visible. If you know your customers or employees use proximity cards, you may want to try a proximity badge holder. These are great for keeping proximity cards in place and storing them securely.

2] Dress to Impress
For formal settings, we recommend an attached fastener for your badge holders, such as magnetic, pin, or clip, so you can display your information with subtlety.

3] Stand Out
When printing inserts for your badge holders, keep the font as large as possible. You’ll want people to be able to read your name from at least ten feet away.

4] Get to the Point
You’ll also want to make sure that you don’t have too much information on your printed inserts. Simple, concise information which can be seen clearly and read easily is more effective – and if the customer wants to know more, all they have to do is ask you!

5] Mix it Up
Try printing an interesting fact about your company or the event on each of the badge holders to create some variety. You’ll want people looking at the inserts, so mix it up and make them want to look at the inserts!
6] Get Organized
Printing and alphabetizing your inserts & badges prior to the event is a great way to save time and effort on the day of the event.
7] Take it Easy
For conventions, fund-raisers, and trade shows, you may want the ease-of-use a lanyard brings. Put the lanyard around your neck and clip your badge holder on – it’s as simple as that!
8] Get Your Name Out There
Getting your company’s name and contact information printed on your lanyards is a great way to make sure your company stays in mind after the event.
9] Give People Something Useful Beyond the Event
Take advantage of dual-use lanyards – they carry your badge holders and agenda holders around your neck, and after the event turn into eyeglass retainers. Your event attendees will love them! You may want to consider nicer giveaway items to secure sales from those more promising leads. Neck wallets, water bottles, and other handouts with your logo/information on them are great ways to generate buzz.



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