All businesses should be targeting new customers using a number of different mediums: through social media; PPC advertising; print advertising; telesales; but what about event marketing?
Events such as exhibitions and trade fairs are a great way to attract new business and should form a key part of your marketing strategy. Here are five reasons why you should consider event marketing as a great tool for generating new leads.
Meet New Customers
Whether it’s via social media or a sales call, connecting with new customers has never been easier. However, in terms of creating trust between a customer and a brand, face-to-face marketing cannot be beaten.
What’s more customers who meet you in person are more likely to become brand advocates in the future—spreading the word about your business and providing valuable word-of-mouth promotion.
Hear about the Latest News on the Grapevine
A trade fair or exhibition is a great way to hear about all the latest industry events and trends, while you can also keep an eye on your competitors if they are also exhibiting!
Many shows also feature expert speakers who talk about new developments within your industry and other tips and tricks. These talks may be useful for you or your team, so it is always worth taking this into account when planning your time at an event.
Create a Brand Identity
Creating a brand identity is key for longevity for your business. If people associate your brand with quality they be more loyal in the future and event marketing is a useful way to convey this.
The best way to do this at an event is to show off with a high-quality exhibition booth that can convey the unique selling points of your business and stimulate interest in your brand.
Create Useful Industry Contacts
Marketing events such as trade fairs and exhibitions aren’t just about meeting new customers, they are also a great way to meet new industry contacts such as suppliers and other people to collaborate with.
Forming a new network of business contacts is vital to long-term business success and events are a great way to do this.
Create Stronger Team Spirit
Being away from home with your staff can be great for team bonding, helping your team socialize and get to know each other more personally.
You need to prepare well for the event though, setting targets for leads and so making the event both a fun and rewarding experience for your team and business.
Takeaways
In the modern world of marketing it may be tempting to focus on online means of promotion. There is no doubt that digital marketing is hugely influential but face-to-face marketing, such as through trade fairs and networking events, is a useful way to connect on a more personal level and build more substantial business relationships.
In a world where we can connect with people across the world in a moment’s notice, we may be missing out on business opportunities closer to home. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and network!
Author: Matthew Pavli is the Marketing Manager for Display Wizard, an exhibition stand supplier based in the UK. Display Wizard specialize in dealing with overseas companies looking to exhibit in Britain, helping them with the logistics and booth setup and ensuring the event goes as smoothly as possible.
2103 Views