No matter if you’re a seasoned business owner or a someone just getting started, preparing for a trade show can be a little daunting. Between planning, finding the right marketing supplies, registering, and finding the right space, it can feel a little overwhelming. But trade shows are an important part of marketing your business to new customers & building long-term relationships with investors and prospective customers. Here are 10 tips you can use to set up your trade show booth that will create an impact on your audience and help you find loyal customers for your brand:
Having a dynamic and attention-grabbing trade show booth is essential so you can gain an edge over your competitors. According to research, about 51% of people plan on buying a product or a service when they attend a trade show. Also, about 98% of people are more likely to purchase a product or service after attending a face-to-face event. Hence, it is very important to market your brand in a way that has a lasting impact on your customers’ minds.
Your trade show display table should include a tablecloth that complements your display and represents your company’s image in an eye-catching way. Even if a tablecloth is supplied at the trade show, it is always a good idea to bring your own custom tablecloth to build your unique brand identity.
If your trade show booth has extra display space, you can use it to erect a stand-alone presentation board or banner stands. On the board, you can showcase how to use your product or how clients can benefit from your services. You can get creative with these boards by adding visuals, your company name, company logo, etc.
Arrange your trade show display table in an aesthetically pleasing or eye-catching way. You’ll want to organize your items with your large items at the back and smaller items at the front for optimum visibility. You can also stack up your products in intriguing or creative ways to attract more customers.
Develop a video or a slideshow presentation to display on TV monitors in your booth. There are various stands and racks available for mounting flat screens for trade shows. You can rent or borrow this equipment if you don’t already have it. Your visitors will find this visually appealing, and it will draw more customers towards your booth.
Use your social media channels to let your customers know that you are participating in a trade show and invite them to stop and shop at your booth. You can also promote your booth through a Facebook event page, Instagram stories, Twitter polls, and other social networking platforms.
There are hundreds of booths in a trade show but a booth that is giving away freebies is always a big hit. People point each other towards the direction of the booth that is giving away free stuff. You can offer custom t-shirts or stickers that have your logo and company name as freebies. Add your business card, brochure, etc. to this mix as some additional promotional items.
Food giveaways are also a big hit at trade show events. People get tired from walking around the rows of booths and a refreshment can reenergize them. You can offer refreshments in custom packaging boxes to create a lasting impression in your customers’ minds.
Have a draw for a prize. Offer an enticing prize that incentivizes people to join in on the fun, and if you use branding on the prize that will be resonant with the audience. Have visitors and entrants sign a guestbook, fill in a ticket, or drop their business cards into a fishbowl or gift bag to enter into the contest. This is a great way to collect information from your customers, and will bode well for networking purposes.
Place a portfolio of your work in your booth as part of your trade show display. Print your best projects on quality sheets, put them into plastic sheet protectors, and arrange them in a binder. Then lay it out for your visitors so they can flip through the pages to check out your work. This helps to build a lasting impression with customers as then they will remember you by your work.
Trade show booths require attendance at all times. You always need someone present at your store in case customers shows up, looking for your product. So, it can get difficult handling all of it on your own. Make sure you hire some help so you can take a break and they can help you through the whole process.
If you don’t have the option of having someone take over for a bit, be sure to put up a sign that tells people how long you will be gone or when you will be back.
One of the most important things is to be friendly and inviting. Say ‘Hi’ to anyone that turns around or looks towards you or your trade show booth. Strike up a conversation with your customers and be sure to have a short introductory speech ready. Ensure that all your customers feel welcome.
Setting up a trade show booth requires a lot of time and effort. Make sure you get ample marketing supplies to promote your booth and make it stand out from the crowd.
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