One of the most successful marketing tactics for industry professionals is event marketing. In fact, about 91% of consumers feel more positive about a brand after an event. Another 74% are more likely to buy promoted products afterward.
One of the top three types of events businesses host and participate in include trade shows. If you’re participating in one this year, you’ll need a trade show marketing strategy. Your plans could help you stand out from the crowd. You can draw more people to your business and start building a buzz. Then, you can generate more leads and sales, setting your business up for growth and success.
Not sure where to start? Here are the 10 trade show marketing ideas you need! With these trade show tips, you can plan to wow your customers.
Get started with these trade show tips today.
1. Host a Q&A on Social Media
It’s important to start building a buzz in the weeks before the event. Sit down with your team to start developing your trade show marketing strategy. You can review these tactics to determine which works best for your business. One of the best ways to engage your audience is to host a virtual event beforehand. For example, you can host a pre-show digital conference or webinar. Consider hosting a weekly Q&A session on social media, too. Hosting pre-show events can help you learn more about your customers. You can gauge their curiosities and needs, then use what you learn to improve your trade show marketing strategy. At the same time, you’re sparking an interest in your target audience.
Try to sweeten the pot and gather participants by offering a freebie. For example, you can offer an eBook that they can download after signing up for your virtual event. Consider offering an industry report or helpful tips, too. Make sure the free download you offer provides value to your target audience. Consumers will start realizing how helpful and informative you are before the actual event. You can generate brand awareness and start building an online following.
Blog Content
After your social media Q&A session, review the questions your customers are asking. Then, create helpful blog content on your website based on those questions. Optimize your blog content for search engine optimization (SEO). SEO can help you rank higher on search engines like Google. The next time someone types that question into Google, your blog content could appear. Consumers will start recognizing your experience and expertise. Building your credibility can boost brand trust and loyalty, too. At the end of the blog post, encourage people to visit your trade show booth to ask their own questions in person. Consider publishing a piece in a trade publication, too. You can continue generating brand awareness. Meanwhile, you’ll stand out from your competitors. These trade show marketing ideas could help you attract more people to your trade show booth.
2. Let Employees Take Over
Consider which employees will attend your trade show to help man the booth. Then, ask them to take over your social media account for the day. People who plan to attend the event will recognize your team. Building familiarity could help draw more attendees to your booth. Social media takeovers are also a fun, playful way to connect with your audience ahead of time. Try to provide your social media audience with behind-the-scenes content. Consider teasing new products, too. You can build transparency, which could encourage brand trust. Building brand trust could help you generate more leads and sales. Don’t forget to respond to any comments and questions you receive.
3. Use Gamification With Stories
You can engage attendees during the trade show by using social media gamification. Gamification can help you continuously engage your target audience. For example, you can use Instagram Stories to create polls, quizzes, and surveys. Consider planning a contest, too. Make sure to offer a prize people actually want. Gamification can help you drive more people to your social media account and website. You can encourage them to fill out a form to participate. Then, you’re generating leads, too!
4. Get Interactive
About 63% of marketers use trade shows to capture leads. Another 79% use trade shows to boost sales. In fact, 52% of business leaders agree event marketing drives a greater ROI than any other marketing channel. When participating in trade shows, attendees prioritize networking (82%), learning (71%), and entertainment (38%). You can entertain and engage your audience by creating an interactive experience. When learning how to market at a trade show, find ways to engage and interact with your customers. Then, encourage them to photograph the experience. For example, you can use an Instagram photo booth. Make sure to add your branding and a unique hashtag to your booth. People will start taking photos at your booth. As they post these photos online, you’ll gain user-generated content. Your brand awareness and recognition could grow as a result.
5. Create Exciting Experiences
As you review these trade show marketing ideas, look for ways to wow your target audience. Creating exciting experiences can help you stand out in their minds. Consumers will have an easier time remembering your brand in the future. For example, a car company might create a virtual driving experience to allow consumers to “test drive” their cars. Look for fun, exciting ways that allow people to test out your products. You can interact with more customers in person. You could encourage more leads and sales, too.
6. Go Virtual
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences are gaining more traction this year. In fact, VR and AR traffic will increase 20-fold by the end of the year. Creating a virtual reality experience could draw more people to your booth. It’s also a great way to encourage people to interact with your business, even if you can’t bring your actual product to the trade show. You can use Google Cardboard to get started. Otherwise, consider working with an experienced digital marketing agency. They can help you develop a memorable virtual experience for your customers.
7. Consider Your Swag
We’re all accustomed to receiving swag like lanyards, pens, and koozies. Try to think outside of the box as you develop your trade show marketing strategy. Give away swag items people are likely to use. At the same time, make sure your swag helps you stand out from competitors. Free swag can help you attract more people to your trade show booth. It can boost brand awareness and recognition, too. People will continue seeing your branding, even long after the event. The next time they need your product or service, they’ll have an easier time remembering your brand. Then, they might visit your website directly to make a purchase. Swag can help you remain top-of-mind. It can help you build a lasting relationship with customers, too.
Consider offering a luxury swag item through a contest or raffle. Remember, contests can help you attract more leads. Even people who participated but didn’t win can have a little fun. Meanwhile, you’re boosting foot traffic to your booth and generating quality leads. As you start gathering leads, make sure to follow up after the event. You’ll have an easier time remaining top-of-mind with consumers.
8. Test Drive the Product
A hands-on experience can also help you remain top-of-mind with consumers. They’ll likely remember using your product more than a brief conversation. As you use these trade show marketing ideas, consider ways people can interact with your product. For example, a mattress company might bring different mattresses to an event to let attendees lay down and test each one. Go a little above and beyond, though. For example, a mattress company can create an entire bedroom setup. Consumers will have an easier time imagining a bed in their own homes if they can dim the lights and close their eyes.
9. Consider Your Emcee
The team you choose to man your trade show booth can have a big impact on your success, too. Choose someone who is fun, inviting, and a good representation of your brand. Make sure they’re able to connect with your target audience. They should also have an intimate knowledge of your product, too. Otherwise, they might struggle to answer questions. Your emcee can draw in a crowd, entertain your audience, and boost brand awareness.
10. Let Them Relax
Consider creating a relaxing, homey atmosphere at your trade show booth. You can invite people to sit down, relax, and talk for a moment. Look for ways to create a quiet space for attendees. You can shield your trade show booth from the rest of the expo. After all, participants will probably feel exhausted after walking around all day. You can sit down with your guests, talk to them about your product, and start generating leads.
Stand Out: 10 Trade Show Marketing Tips for a Wow-Worthy Experience
Don’t miss a chance to draw in fresh leads and sales at your next trade show. Instead, use these 10 trade show marketing tips to create a wow-worthy experience. With these tips, you can stand out from competitors and draw in fresh leads.
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