In this cloud-dependent world, we’re used to stashing and sharing files instantly via QR codes and cloud links. You may be wondering: why even bother with custom USB Drives? Upon hearing this conclusion, you might say “yes.” After all, Google Drive, Dropbox, Baidu Cloud, Amazon Cloud, etc. are everywhere. However, the custom USB Drive business hasn’t slowed. Every year businesses and organizations choose custom USB Drives for gifts, mementos, office supplies and other uses. After reading this article, you will realise that custom USBs are not just useful for storage but a marketing strategy that is clever, unforgettable and in huge demand. We’ll go through six reasons USB Flash Drives are far from obsolete. This article will discuss how they can fit storage needs, where they fit in unique environments, and digital marketing strategies. It will also discuss how brands of every size can drive their marketing results using flash drives.
In fact, the biggest downside of cloud storage is really the greatest upside for USB drives: privacy of data.
For standard, everyday use at home or work, cloud storage for documents is a great idea. However, government, banks, health institutions, financial companies and legal groups face special problems – uploading trade secret and personal information to the cloud introduce too much of a security risk. Some companies block Google Drive and other cloud storage services altogether!
The solution? An encrypted USB flash drive capable of transmitting burn bags worth of classified information. They have hardware level encryption, meaning that lost and stolen, the data is useless. Secure, and no worries about leaks of customer information.
Additionally:
You can set the USB flash drive to “read-only” mode to prevent files from being altered.
You can password-protect the content to further enhance security.
While cloud storage is convenient, it requires an internet connection—cut out the web access, and it’s useless. Custom USB flash drives provide offline access to important files, presentations, videos and documents, no matter where you are. Out on the road, in a hotel, or working in a high security environment where there is restricted internet access, a customizable USB drive is ready to go.
Key application scenarios:
While cloud storage may be convenient, it relies on an internet connection—lose that access and you no longer have your files readily available.
Custom USB flash drives put presentations, videos and documents at your fingertips no matter where you are.
Out on the road, at a hotel or working in a high security environment with limited internet access, a personalized USB drive is ready to roll.
The USB flash drive is known to have great “emergency utility”, because of its plug-and-play feature, small physical size, and direct transmission of data.
IT professionals can quickly use the portable operating systems, diagnostic tools, and software stored on a USB flash drive to solve problems—no downloads needed.
Businesses can make USB flash drives even more appealing to clients and colleagues as promotional gifts by preloading them with… you guessed it, promotional materials!
Common materials to preload the drives with include:
Additionally, USB drives can be preloaded with applications for offline use or when specific software is unavailable, such as:
With cloud storage, files must first be sent to a remote server, then to the recipient—this involves network signal conversion and operator bandwidth restrictions. Unstable networks cause fluctuating transmission speeds.
USB flash drives plug into the device itself, so files never breach the insecure gates of the cloud when transferring between your device and drive. Modern USB interface are generally 3.0 or higher providing fast transmission of data.
The direct transfer of a large chunk of data (say several GB of videos or compressed files) is much quicker than cloud storage. The physical storage offered by a USB flash drive is also plentiful; most people are not looking to fill even a 2GB drive anymore, and they can run as large as 128GB or more, plenty of room for any type of media.
USB flash drives have effectively become a form of “tangible marketing” that takes advantage of both physical and digital space.
Companies can: When companies gift USB drives there marketers can customize the flash drives with their logo, preload them with promotional material or catalogs of their companies products and videos. This offers potential customers a good bit of information, a useful item in their lives, and keeps the brand in the back of their minds. The best way to get maximum results with this type of marketing is to embed trackable links within the preloaded material to check how engaged users were with the material.
Here are some examples: A file that links to a paid for and unlockable series of videos. A PDF that includes a unique coupon code. An HTML file that redirects automatically to a special page.
When used effectively, flash drives connect the tangible and virtual and pack a bigger punch for marketing campaigns. Real estate, automotive, and education industries have all successfully incorporated branded USB drives into their marketing strategies.
At trade shows, product launches and sales meetings, a well-designed branded USB drive can have a lower cost per impression than digital ads and pay-per-click promotions—with some serious staying power. While USB flash drives may no longer be front of mind for everyday storage use, they remain an important go-to adjunct for offline access, privacy and convenient file transfer. In a world of cloud that relies on networks and accounts, there’s a physical nature to USB flash drives that gives them an invaluable edge. Need help design your custom USB drive? Contact us—we’ll help you choose the perfect style, capacity and packaging to ensure your brand makes a lasting impression.
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