As you'll have seen on our last blog we've recently signed up to exhibit at the SW Business Expo. The event is only two weeks away so we're frantically planning for the event to make sure we get the most out of it.
Whilst it's top of our agenda we thought we'd share our trade show marketing tips.
Before the show marketing tips
- Tell people you'll be exhibiting. Email or telephone your customers and contacts to invite them to attend and let them know your stand details.
- Promote your attendance on your website and your social media channels. Engage with other exhibitors on social media.
- Attend any pre-show events. These are a good networking opportunity and a chance to make sure you are familiar with all the arrangements on the day.
- Plan your stand. Your stand needs to stand out and attract attention so plan how it's going to look. Get your visual display materials professionally designed and printed. Don't forget the finishing touches such as branded table cloths and brochure display holders.
- Decide on your marketing literature. Review your marketing literature and decide whether you will need any additional brochures or flyers at the show.
- Order your giveaways. If you plan to have giveaways at the show decide what these will be and make your order in plenty of time. Choose branded goods that align to your brand and/or are useful so people will hang on to them.
- Consider whether you will have a 'show offer'. A time limited show offer can be a good way to encourage potential customers to try out your products or services.
- Tell the show organisers your news. If you're planning to do anything unusual or exciting at the show let the organisers know so they can promote this on your behalf. unveiling something new for example?
- Review the list of exhibitors and identify any businesses that it would be useful for you to meet.
At the show marketing tips
- Arrive in plenty of time to set up your stand.
- Be friendly and approachable. Don't pounce on people as they walk past but smile and be welcoming. Avoid sitting down on the stand if possible.
- Offer free drinks, sweets or chocolates to encourage people to stop at your stand.
- Use social media throughout the day to engage with delegates and let people know what's happening. Use the show's hashtag.
- Collect people's business cards and make a note of conversations you've had so you can appropriately follow up.
After the show marketing tips
- Follow up with all the people who visited your stand. Do this as soon as possible after the event.
- Add your new contacts to your CRM system and diarise appropriate future marketing activity.
- Evaluate the return on investment immediately after the show and at regular intervals thereafter to determine whether it’s worth doing again.
If you're planning to visit the SW Business Expo please pop by to say hello. We'll be at Stand 68.