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Last Updated on December 27, 2018 by Work In My Pajamas
Attending trade shows is one of the most efficient ways to rub shoulders with a huge number of prospects in one place at one time. Employ the right strategies and you can generate a substantial amount of leads and see great ROI as a result.
If your business is still in its early years, or you are new to trade shows, preparing for the event can seem daunting but with the right plan and a goal in mind, you will find it’s actually rather fun and rewarding. Here are some ways you can prepare to make an impact at your upcoming trade show.
In This Post:
1. Lots and Lots Giveaways
You want to maximize your business’ exposure by providing as different kinds of gifts and giveaways to anyone who visits your display area. Generosity will always reflect positively on your brand, even its on the subconscious level. Use customized promotional products that are practical and lightweight for people to pick up and keep while they roam the trade show, like printed computer accessories, or branded snacks like tea, mints or confectionary. Make sure your giveaways clearly show off your brand, website or logo so your business name is part of the keepsake!
2. Create An Attention-Grabbing Display
This may seem obvious but it is actually a very common mistake made by first-timers. Never leave organizing your trade show stall or table to the last minute. Your display area represents your brand so it needs to reflect your image favorably. Make your area stand out; choose brightly colored posters or a tablecloth – not neutral shades like grey, white or beige. Go digital and set up a projector to have some videos or a presentation playing at your table to engage visitors at your stall.
3. Talk To Everyone
Networking today is not so much ‘who you know,’ but rather, ‘who knows you.’ Let no opportunity be wasted and greet everyone who takes the time to stop by your display. You don’t need to be constantly pitching your product. Simply making a positive impression and taking the chance to let people know a bit more about your business, getting people’s thoughts about the event and your stand can get back to you with a repeat visit, a website visit and positive brand awareness.
4. Post Social Media Updates
Make sure to let your customers and followers know that you’ll be at the trade show by sharing the news across all your social media sites along with regular updates of your presence at the event. Be sure to invite your customers to visit your stall and inform them about what to expect in terms of gifts, giveaways and trade show specials. You can even include a sweetener as a thank you by offering exclusive discounts, gifts or promotional product specials to your social media followers in attendance.
5. Show Off Your Success
Remember the big reason you are participating in the trade show to get your business out there, so don’t be afraid to show off your business. Don’t wait for it to be through conversation because you’re not going to get a whole lot of time with every single visitor. If you have a display screen, laptop or tablet set-up at your stall, be sure to include photos, videos or charts that show your products or more information about your business. You should include your card, brochures or even a portfolio to flick-through at your table.
Keep these points in mind and you’ll be able to create a stand-out trade show stall with quality promotional products and most importantly; a memorable experience for you and your customers!
