What are trade shows exactly? The history goes back to medieval Europe, however, it is still recognized as an efficient way of showcasing, exhibiting and demonstrating a product or services provided by a company, in-person.
A trade show might be just what you need to propel your business forward. The question is, how do you do that? What marketing strategies do you use and how do you ensure that you can pull off the entire event successfully?
Focusing on the Basics
The focus of any trade show is the hall where the exhibition takes place. Different companies reserve a booth space to showcase their products or giveaways. During the event, these booths represent the company headquarters, ensuring that leads are generated and there is a return in investments.
These trade shows offer opportunities for everyone. It’s not just the provider but also the customers that benefit from the exhibition. However, the dos and don’ts are really important for someone who is beginning to enter the game.
There will be specific guidelines and regulations depending on the event, to help you align your exhibit with each show’s style.
Here are few things to help you begin your foray into trade shows.
Booth Basics – Depending on the spacing of your booth, you marketing and sales will be affected to some extent. If you are provided with an option to choose a desirable area, determine the configuration you need and then align it with that you are being given. Once you know about the configuration the next thing to pay attention to would be the dimensions.
Meet and Greet – The first thing that attracts a customer is the manner in which you greet them. A short greeting that lasts for more than a minute can get you a potential lead right away. Placing a chair or two on the opposite side of your table allows you to make them comfortable while explaining to them what your booth is all about.
Product Demonstration – Instead of having people demonstrate your product or services, you could use TVs and decent Monitors to display videos, demonstrating new launches and ideas. You can use one of your top employees, who is able to explain the product or service in detail, so that it’s not just about showcasing what you have but also connecting with the customers personally.
Brand Awareness–Your campaign’s visibility depends on the message you choose to put up there. It is recommended to have your message visible, bold and memorable.
Money – Don’t forget, Trade shows are a costly affair. It’s not going to bring you profit if you pour your marketing budget into one exhibition/event. There are plenty of trade show rental booths available you can choose from, if you’re thinking that purchasing a display of your own is not ideal. If you plan to exhibit more than 3 to 4 times in a year, you should look into buying one.
Games – Involve the customers, that’s the mantra. A boring booth will not really attract many people, even if the products are great. You’ll need interactive sessions and that quality time with your prospects to understand them and convince them of the same. Including giveaways as a part of a game will also work as branding.
Be Pro-Active – If you have customers coming to your booth with questions about your services, there is nothing better, but don’t just keep waiting for them to appear. Keep your sales agents available and ask them to move around the crowd, and make valuable and impressive interactions, that can lead potential customers to the booth. Also, having the company’s portfolio and presentation handy might serve those customers who would want to
know about the booth before hitting there.
Show Leads – When you are trying to get your leads, using paper to explain is a little more personal than verbal. You can write down notes and give them out to interested parties with your business card stapled. Be mindful of what questions you are including in the trade show lead forms. You need to understand that a lead filling out a form is a sign of interest. Save space and time for both of you and add relevant, meaningful and intelligent questions in the
form.
Focus – Instead of using just one way of utilizing your time at the exhibition, you can try different methods of getting involved with your leads. This is an excellent way to find out their views about your company, and how other competitors are doing in the market. It is one great learning experience as well as training ground for marketing and sales.
Trade shows gives exhibitors more than just a lead prospect. It helps them build and maintain their industry profile, learn new expansions and a great exposure to real time sales and marketing.
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