So, you want to learn more about trade show marketing…

To start, marketing is extremely important at trade shows. Without marketing, you have a very slim chance of getting people to come to your booth.

People don’t want to waste their time by going to every booth. So, you need to prove to them that stopping by is worth their time.

In this blog, we will discuss a few simple, basic tips for trade show marketing. If you can remember these few things, then you have a better chance of your booth being more attractive and standing out against the others.

Tips:

1. Be Proactive
2. Have an Appealing Display and Location
3. Be Approachable
4. Give out Free Swag
5. Enter to Win

Be Proactive

One way to increase your chances of having more people visit your booth is by being proactive. Consider researching who will be attending the trade show, and send them information about your company. By doing this, you will be making them aware of who you are and where they will be able to find your booth at the trade show.

You should also consider using your company’s social media sites to post information about the upcoming trade show that you will be attending. Once you post on social media, all of your followers will be able to see that you will be attending this event and they may share it on their personal social media accounts as well. I would also suggest sending out email alerts.

Display and Location

Having an appealing display for your booth will help your company make a good first impression on potential buyers. Plus, if you have an attractive and interesting looking display, then you will have a better chance of influencing people to stop by. Also, don’t forget to clearly show your company’s name. This will make it easier for people to recognize who you are.

Where you are located at the event is another important factor when it comes to being successful. If possible, try to reserve your space early enough to get a good spot. That way you aren’t stuck hidden in the worst place where no one will see you.

Be Approachable

Being approachable is very important in all aspects of sales, but even more so at a trade show. People walk around and tend to only stop at booths that they are interested in. So, getting people to come over to your spot is vital. However, if your employees do not look approachable, then it could decrease the traffic to your booth.

When working at the event, be sure to look excited and interested in what you are doing. If you have employees who are playing on their phones or look like they do not want to be there, then you will have a hard time influencing people to come over and learn more about your product.

On the other hand, if you are smiling at people, communicating, being attentive, and presenting yourself with an approachable appearance, then people will be more willing to stop, engage, and listen to what you have to say.

Another tip on being more “appealing,” is to initiate a conversation. Some people may be a little intimidated by being the one to start a conversation. Others may even be hesitant in whether they should approach your booth or not. So, be willing to reach out and start a conversation.

Give out Free Swag

Giving out free swag is very popular at trade shows. For those of you who don’t know what I mean, it represents free promotional items that display your company’s logo.\

People will be more willing to stop and listen to what you have to say if they will be getting something in return. Another benefit is you can gain potential client information by requiring everyone to give out their name, number, and email address before they can receive anything.

So, not only will you gain more traffic to your booth, but you’ll also be sending your logo home with them.

Overall, it’s a win-win situation!

Enter to Win

Another popular option is to offer people a chance to win something awesome. All that is required of them is to take the time to give their information to you. You could do this in place of giving out free swag, or you could do this in addition.

So remember, don’t be that booth that no one wants to go to.  Put those brilliant marketing skills you have into use, and give people a reason to stop by.