Trade shows can be a great source of new leads and exposure for your business. Once you’ve designed a stunning exhibition stand, you’ll need to attract those all-important visitors. Here are five proven tactics to encourage a steady footfall of quality leads and generate a buzz around your stand.
1. Promote your attendance at the trade show
Before the event upload a banner and article on your website, share on social media and invite customers and prospects to visit your stand. Remember to include important details such as dates, times and your stand number. Also, do take full advantage of the event organiser’s marketing whether it’s a listing in the event programme or using their hashtags to benefit from more publicity. On the day, post a picture of your stand and remind people where they can find you. You could even live-tweet or stream the exhibition if that would appeal to your target audience.
2. Contact the trade press
Trade publications are great platforms for promoting your business in the lead up to an exhibition. Get in touch with the titles your audience reads and let them know about your new product launch or other key attraction on your stand.
3. Pick an enthusiastic team
Choose outgoing, friendly and knowledgeable staff who are comfortable approaching people. Brief the team well and make sure they know what your goals are for the exhibition and what’s expected of them. You could motivate them too by offering bonuses for gathering leads. And do make sure you have a rota in place for short breaks. Exhibitions are exhausting for everyone.
3. Entice with giveaways or a competition
Everyone loves a freebie. Just make sure your free gifts are relevant, memorable and build your brand. Hosting a fun competition is another way to spark interest and gather valuable contacts. The prizes don’t need to be big. Gift vouchers or free samples can attract attention without breaking the bank.
4. Create video content
Your staff will only be able to engage with a limited number of visitors, so create an engaging video to catch the eye of passing visitors and give them an overview of your product or service. Be sure to include a call-to-action such as ‘take one of our leaflets’ to increase follow-up contacts.
5. Offer a seminar or demonstration
Most exhibition attendees are there to learn, so why not hold a workshop on a topic that will intrigue your target audience and show you have solutions to their challenges. Another option is to give practical demos. If they’re delivered in an entertaining or interactive way they’re perfect for breaking the ice. Make it easy as possible for potential buyers to try your product and ask questions.
Like some professional marketing help?
Two Lizards can work with you to promote your exhibition stand and boost visitor numbers. Please get in touch today and contact Two Lizards online or give us a call on 01306 621001.