Trade shows offer businesses excellent opportunities to meet a lot of new potential partners and clients. It’s also a great way to cement your brand’s identity in the local community. But, showing up at a trade show is not enough to reap its benefits.
At trade shows, hundreds of companies compete for the fleeting attention of thousands of attendees. With such a crowded space, it becomes essential to ensure that your own brand stands out from the rest of the participants. Here are four ways that can help you do just that.
Prepare Early
Trade shows only happen on specific dates and after that, it’s done. Those days are your only chance to wow clients, network with potential partners, and create a strong, memorable impression. As such, it is important to start early.
Make sure that you have a solid marketing plan in place weeks prior to your trade show appearance. Use social media to generate some chatter about the event. Tweet using official hashtags, tag the right persons or event pages on Facebook and Instagram, make new connections and posts on LinkedIn, and update your blog.
You can also make a game out of it and plan giveaways of tickets and other freebies.
Design Your Booth Right
A booth is all you have at a trade show and it is up to you to design it in a way that draws the attention of attendees. Every other participant would have the same trade show booth setup as you do, which is why you should spice up the design of yours. Add a bit of color into it and set up product displays. You may think these are too simplistic, but these do go a long way in improving your mileage at trade shows.
Socialize With Everyone
Every person that shows up at a trade show is important, be it a competitor or an attendee. If your goal is to make the most of the event, it is in your best interest to put on a smile, greet every person passing by, and socialize with them. Take the time to meet other business owners and learn a thing or two about them. Make those all-important connections, because you never know when those can prove useful.
Offer Good Giveaways
Attendees are much more likely to remember your brand if you offer them some swag when they walk by. A simple conversation with a merchandising company would enlighten you about the myriad options you have for trade show goodies. Pens, T-shirts, reusable tote bags, and mugs are just a few simple ideas. With a bit of creativity, you can come up with something more distinctive for your brand.
You may also want to consider light snacks or, at the very least, mints. These may not last long, but the attendees who do get them will surely appreciate the gesture.
Get Ahead of the Competition
Trade shows are always worthwhile to those who know what they are doing. Maximize every second of your attendance. With these four great ways, you can ensure that your appearance at the next trade show brings you success.