Top 25 Creative Ways Businesses Are Using Promotional Keyrings in 2026
- 4 min reading time
Promotional keyrings continue to be one of the most effective and versatile branded products in 2026. Affordable, practical, and easy to customise, they give businesses daily brand exposure while delivering genuine value to customers.
From trade shows to loyalty programmes, businesses across industries are finding smarter and more creative ways to use promotional keyrings as part of their marketing strategy.
If you are looking for inspiration, here are 25 proven ways companies are using promotional keyrings to boost brand visibility and customer engagement.
Why Promotional Keyrings Still Work in 2026
- They are used daily, keeping your brand visible.
- They are cost-effective when ordered in bulk.
- They suit almost every industry and audience.
- They are lightweight and easy to distribute.
Businesses often choose from a wide range of options available in the blank keyrings and key fobs collection to match their branding and campaign goals.
1-10: Everyday Promotional Keyring Uses
1. Trade Show Giveaways
Keyrings are ideal for exhibitions and trade shows. They are easy to hand out and ensure your brand remains visible long after the event.
2. Customer Loyalty Rewards
Reward returning customers with a branded keyring as a thank-you gift.
3. New Product Launch Freebies
Include a promotional keyring with new product launches to increase perceived value.
4. Welcome Packs for New Clients
Professional service businesses often add branded keyrings to onboarding packs.
5. Employee Onboarding Gifts
Custom keyrings help new employees feel part of the team from day one.
6. Seasonal Promotions
Keyrings work well as seasonal giveaways during holidays or sales events.
7. Referral Incentives
Use branded keyrings as a low-cost reward for successful referrals.
8. Subscription Box Inserts
Subscription brands add keyrings to boxes to enhance unboxing experiences.
9. Order Freebies
Adding a free keyring to shipped orders encourages repeat purchases.
10. Direct Mail Campaigns
Keyrings add weight and interest to direct mail marketing.
11-20: Functional and Creative Applications
11. Bottle Opener Keyrings
Popular with bars, breweries, and hospitality brands.
12. Photo Keyrings
Perfect for personalised gifting and emotional brand connection.
13. Tool Keyrings
Mini tools or LED keyrings are popular in trade and technical industries.
14. Charity Fundraising Merchandise
Sell or distribute keyrings to raise awareness and funds.
15. VIP Client Gifts
Premium keyrings work well for high-value customers.
16. Partner and Supplier Gifts
Strengthen B2B relationships with practical branded items.
17. QR Code Keyrings
Link customers directly to landing pages or special offers.
18. Corporate Event Souvenirs
Commemorate conferences or internal events with branded keepsakes.
19. Pop-Up Store Merchandise
Turn visitors into brand ambassadors with take-home keyrings.
20. Loyalty Card Holders
Combine loyalty cards with keyrings for convenience.
21-25: Advanced Promotional Strategies
21. Social Media Contest Prizes
Use keyrings as prizes for online giveaways.
22. Festival and Event Sponsorships
Branded keyrings work well in high-footfall environments.
23. Limited Edition Campaigns
Create urgency with short-run promotional designs.
24. Co-Branded Collaborations
Partner with other brands for shared exposure.
25. Eco-Friendly Marketing Campaigns
Choose sustainable materials to align with environmental initiatives.
Making Promotional Keyrings Work for Your Business
To maximise results, choose keyrings that reflect your brand identity and campaign goals. Many businesses also take advantage of guides like how to assemble keyrings to create custom designs in-house.
Whether you are planning an event, launching a product, or strengthening customer loyalty, promotional keyrings remain a powerful and proven marketing tool.
Explore the full range of options in the Blank Keyrings collection to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are promotional keyrings still effective for marketing in 2026?
Yes. Promotional keyrings remain one of the most effective low-cost marketing tools because they are practical, used daily, and provide ongoing brand exposure long after distribution.
What types of businesses benefit most from promotional keyrings?
Promotional keyrings are widely used by retailers, hospitality brands, trades, automotive businesses, estate agents, gyms, charities, and event organisers. Their versatility makes them suitable for almost any industry.
What should I include on a promotional keyring?
Most businesses include a logo and brand name for clear recognition. Some also add a QR code or short web address to drive traffic to a landing page or promotional offer.
How can promotional keyrings help drive website traffic?
Adding a QR code or simple URL encourages users to visit your website. Many businesses link to a discount page, booking form, or campaign landing page to track results.
Are promotional keyrings good for trade shows and exhibitions?
Yes. Keyrings are lightweight, easy to carry, and far more likely to be kept than flyers or business cards, making them ideal for exhibitions and corporate events.
What types of blank keyrings are best for business promotions?
The most popular options include acrylic photo keyrings, metal key fobs, and plastic inserts. You can view a full range of suitable options in our blank keyrings and key fobs collection.
Are bottle opener keyrings good promotional items?
Yes. Bottle opener keyrings are especially popular with bars, breweries, festivals, and hospitality brands because they combine everyday usefulness with strong brand visibility. Browse our blank bottle opener keyrings to see available options.
Can I assemble promotional keyrings in-house?
Yes. Many businesses assemble their own keyrings to stay flexible with designs and save time. Our step-by-step guide explains the process: how to assemble keyrings.
