plus eight tips.
by august j. aquila
price it right: how to value accounting services
trade shows have once again become popular since the end of the covid-19 pandemic. they are great marketing opportunities, but you need to know how to work them.
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i recently attended a trade show, and it amazed me how “un-marketing” many of the people behind the booths were. what a waste of time and money for their companies!
just like any other marketing activity, you need to know how it works to make it work for you. here are seven benefits and eight tips for trade show marketing.
- generate new sales leads. trade shows attract people who are interested in your specialized services and looking for solutions. you can capture their contact details and follow up with them later. you can also offer product demonstrations and answer their questions on the spot.
- launch a new product. trade shows are ideal venues to introduce a new product to your target audience. you can create buzz and excitement around your product and get immediate feedback from potential customers.
- connect with your clients. trade shows allow you to meet your existing and potential customers face to face, which can strengthen your relationships and trust. you can also get valuable insights into their needs, preferences and challenges.
- boost brand awareness. trade shows can help you increase your visibility and recognition in your industry. you can use your exhibit design, signage, giveaways and staff to communicate your brand values and personality.
- learn about your niches. trade shows can also be a source of learning and inspiration for your business. you can attend seminars, workshops and presentations by industry experts and influencers. you can also observe your competitors and discover new trends and opportunities.
- network. trade shows can help you expand your network and reach new audiences. you can meet potential partners, suppliers, distributors, investors and media representatives. you can also use trade show directories, social media and news releases to promote your presence at the event.
- save marketing money. trade shows can be cost-effective compared to other marketing activities. you can reach many prospects in a short time, reducing the cost per sale. you can also take advantage of discounts, deals and incentives offered by trade show organizers.
tips
- start planning early. choose a trade show that matches your goals, budget and target audience. book your space, travel and accommodation in advance. assign roles and responsibilities to your team.
- research. learn everything you can about the trade show, the attendees, the exhibitors, the speakers, the topics and the trends. craft a compelling message that aligns with your audience’s needs and interests.
- design. create an attractive and functional exhibit that showcases your products and services. use clear signage, lighting, colors, graphics and interactive elements to draw attention and engagement. as it is said, “first impressions count.” you will be competing with exhibitors who possibly attend hundreds of trade shows over a few years, while you may only attend one or two per year.
- promote. let people know that you are attending the trade show and invite them to visit your booth. use email, social media, websites, blogs, newsletters, flyers and phone calls to generate interest and awareness.
- use of display tables. never place a display table directly in front of your booth. this creates a barrier between you and the participants, and it stops traffic from entering your space.
- don’t sit in your booth. never do that. by sitting, you are giving a clear signal that you are not interested in talking with people. a key to getting traffic to stop at your booth is to stand at the front and greet people as they walk by. a simple, “hi, how are you?” will invite people to stop and start a conversation with you.
- train. prepare your staff to represent your brand professionally and confidently. teach them how to greet visitors, deliver your message, demonstrate your products, collect leads and handle objections.
- follow up. after the trade show, contact your leads as soon as possible to thank them for their visit and remind them of your value proposition. use email, phone calls, social media or personal meetings to nurture them until they are ready to buy. leads are like ice cubes on a hot summer day – they melt quickly.
remember these common benefits and tips the next time you are exhibiting at a trade show. good luck.