Whether you want to give out useful wedding favors or you’re looking to promote your sports team, business, fundraiser, or event, custom water bottles are a popular choice. Everyone gets thirsty, and most people these days know how important it is to stay hydrated with clean, fresh water.

Of course, having a reusable water bottle on hand isn’t just about keeping your thirst at bay. Customers can always buy a drink in a disposable bottle or cup. But these days, more and more people are concerned about the impact that one-use items — especially plastic bottles and straws — can have on the environment. And that’s why few customers will say no to a free custom water bottle, even if they already own a reusable bottle or bottles.

However, there are plenty of choices you have to make when you’re customizing water bottles to promote your brand. You’ll have to choose what material you want the bottles to be made of, what kinds of features your customers will find most valuable, and even what lid type is most appealing to your audience. To do so, you’ll have to consider who your customer base is and how they’re likely to use your bottles.

Durability, Style, Weight and More

Reusable water bottles come in a range of materials, including plastic, glass, stainless steel, and aluminum. But which material will your customers and clients prefer? To make the right choice, think about how your customers will use your custom water bottles. What’s more important to them — function, or style? Will they want to be able to recycle the bottle when they are done with it? Will they be frustrated by a bottle that’s difficult to clean? Will they prefer a bottle that can hold hot as well as cold liquids?

If your customer base is active and fitness-focused, they’ll probably want to use your branded water bottles during physical activities and sports. Choose a durable material like plastic or stainless steel, since these materials can stand up to outdoor use and take a little punishment. If your customer base is less active, a glass bottle may be appealing, especially if they like nice things — the sleek lines of most glass water bottles are aesthetically pleasing. For travelers, cyclists, and joggers, build an aluminum water bottle that will be lightweight and easy to carry. Order your branded custom water bottles from a supplier that offers trusted water bottle brands, like CamelBak, Nalgene, Contigo, KOR, and SIGG.

The Right Lid Can Make or Break Your Bottle

The type of lid you choose for your custom bottles will to some extent dictate how customers can use the bottle. A wide-mouth twist top is the best option for hydrating quickly, and may be the easiest type of lid to clean, but many customers may prefer a push-and-pull spout for ease of drinking while in the middle of a bike ride or sports game. At the other end of the spectrum, glass lids and lids with reusable straws are best suited to users who want to stay hydrated while relaxing on the couch, since these lid types can be fragile or just aren’t appropriate for on-the-go hydration.

Dome-covered pull-top lids protect the spout from dirt and germs, and are popular among those in the health care industry as well as those who do a lot of outdoor activities. Consider how your customer base will be drinking from your bottles and choose the right lid type for their needs. You may even want to offer a few lid options so that no one is left out, especially if you have a large customer base.

Special Features Can Appeal to Your Customer Base

Not everyone who takes one of your branded water bottles is going to want to just drink nothing but plain water out of it. Some users may want to be able to put hot beverages in the bottle, so an insulated offering may be the best option. Others may want to infuse their water with fruit or flavorful herbs, so a bottle that comes with an infuser could be the best option. Still others may want to be able to easily carry their water while traveling, hiking, or cycling, so a bottle with a carabiner top would appeal to them.

Special features like heat and cold retention and spill resistance can encourage your customers to choose your bottle instead of a competitor’s or one they’ve bought for themselves, and that will help you get more bang for your marketing buck, since the more appealing the bottle, the more your customers will use it.

Custom water bottles can be a great promotional tool, since most people these days like to keep a beverage with them at all times. Choose the right materials and features to entice customers to use your branded water bottles whenever possible, so you can spread the word about your business.