Trade shows are a part of most B2B and B2C marketing strategies and it can feel daunting having to stand up in front of a room full of people trying to sell your business. Share Talk attended the recent Master Investor and UK Investor shows and we certainly learnt a lot!
Here are some ways to make sure that you and your business stand out to capture the attention of potential customers.
START BEFORE THE EVENT
The time to start advertising to clients isn’t when you arrive on the day to the trade show it is a couple of weeks in advance to build up interaction with prospective customers. Use social media to let your followers know that you are going to be at the trade show. You can find out what other vendors are going to be at the show as well.
OFFER AN INCENTIVE
Interacting with your customers is your number one priority and people much prefer an interactive experience to a standing sales pitch. Offering potential customers an experience with your brand; be it a game, product demo or free gift will keep the interaction flowing and leave customers with a lasting memory.
PROVIDE PROOF
It’s one thing saying your company can do this that and the other, but without proof it will be hard for potential customers to believe. Using marketing materials that show customer testimonials and a list of your most well-know clients can help create credibility for your business and if you have won some sort of award it can differentiate your company from others as being a leader in your industry.
REVIEW YOURSELF
There’s no point copying everyone else just because what they’re doing is working for them. Sit down with your marketing team before the show to discuss exactly what you want from the trade show. Everything from your stand design to your marketing strategy can make a huge difference if designed properly so that the message that you want to convey is heard.
