If you’ve never been to a trade show before because you think they’re a little old hat and all marketing should be done online in the twenty first century, you need to think again. Trade fairs are the perfect way to make tangible and real life connections. Even with WebEx and Skype, there’s nothing better than shaking a potential customer’s hand and looking into their eyes. Trade shows will help you get noticed in your chosen sector and can broaden your reach in a marketing sense. Forget flyer drops and cold calling, trade shows are full of people who want to be there. Potential buyers will flock to your stall or pitch as long as you are organized and prepared. Take a look at these trade show tactics that you have to employ.
Gimmicks
While gimmicks can be a little cringe-worthy, you’d be surprised at just how much importance is placed on the free merchandise startups give out at their stalls. You will see people wandering past your stall with mousepads, branded sweets, and keyrings. These are clever marketing ploys for free promotion. The unsuspecting passerby is picking up a free bag of goodies all the while displaying the logo and brand of the startup where they walk. You need to get in on the action. If your a small building firm, consider employing Brick Markers to create some red bricks engraved with your company logo to give away. If you make custom made tee shirts for babies, why not throw in a free branded pacifier. And if you work in finance, a nifty little branded calculator could make your potential clients swoon.
Dress To Impress
The chances are that your stall will be small. It’s vital that every aspect of your pitch makes an impact including you. Don’t rock up in a jeans and tee shirt, and instead, dress to impress. Wear a kooky suit, polish your shoes and get a haircut. You need to look the part. When people do come to your stall, don’t just stand there and start presenting. You are enthusiastic about your product or service, so impart this onto the passerby. Often you will be the deciding factor as to whether a potential customer will make a purchase or not. Speak confidently, answer any questions and set up a mailing list to follow up on any interest.
Branding
It’s vital that everyone can see your pitch, so you need to plaster it with your branding. Invest in some banners, branded business cards, flyers, and promotional materials. Echo your logo’s color scheme throughout the decor of your pitch. Make it bold and exciting. Set up a laptop with a continual video or presentation rolling just in case the crowds form and they need something to watch if you are busy presenting. Show off your product and allow people to see it in action if you can. Use your booth or backdrop to illustrate testimonials, photographs, and pictures of your product. Use every iota of pitch space to your advantage.
You have to attend a trade show at least once in your life. At the very least you will be able to network with rivals, see what the competition is up to, and you might even get a few sales from it. Before long you might be a trade show veteran.