In a world dominated by digital marketing, a trade expo is a fantastic opportunity to connect with customers and clients face-to-face, build relationships and improve sales. How can you make the most of the opportunity? Read on to find out!
What are your goals?
All marketing campaigns need a plan. It’s crucial to consider what you’re trying to achieve so your staff is prepared, you have the relevant resources to share with customers and you can measure your success. Are you aiming to achieve a level of direct sales or is your main goal to increase brand awareness? Perhaps you want more people to visit your website or to attend an upcoming event? Clarifying your goal will help you decide which events to attend and ensure your marketing materials are on point.
Which Expo?
Once you know what you want to achieve, you can find an event that meets your needs. Businesses often attend industry trade shows, but you might achieve your goals quicker at an event attended by your target audience. If you work in F&B for instance, attending an industry event will enable you to keep up with developments, but attending events where your potential customers are might be more effective in increasing your customer base. If your main aim is to advertise a new product or service, find an event at the time you launch. Forward planning would also allow you to time your launch to coincide with the perfect business expo.
What should you take with you?
In a room full of competitors, the most important thing is to stand out from the crowd, so make sure you arrive armed with eye-catching banners, display boards and products for demonstration. You’ll also want to give potential customers leaflets, brochures or business cards with further details about your business and your products, so ensure you have a range of professional, on-brand marketing materials with you. Ensure your staff is enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and you’re ready to go!
Don’t forget to follow up!
Once the trade show is over, it’s crucial you follow up with an email, phone call or LinkedIn message to enable you to make the most of the contacts you made.
If you need help planning your marketing campaign for your next trade show, we can help you create eye-catching roll-up banners, sales brochures, flyers, business cards and branded promotional giveaways. Read more here or contact us for further information.
See related: Everything You Need for a Business Expo