Small business owners know that trade shows are a great way to market your products and services. You meet a lot of people over a three- or four-day period. You get prospects and customer feedback. Trade shows also let you see competitors and how you are different. You are able to network with colleagues and people in the industry who could be good referral partners to you. However, how do you know if your display booths are effective in getting you the response you anticipate? Here are eight effective tips for you.
Training
Your display will fall flat if you are able to get people to come to your booth, but your staff do not know about your products or services. Training your staff on your products or services is key.
Make sure they know how to talk to people, what you are selling, answers to basic questions and the reasons for your products. You want to make sure the prospects and potential customers see your company in a positive light so they are more likely to buy from you when the time comes.
Graphics
You want a simple design for your display booths. Use the right graphics that tell your story without making your booth too busy or too complicated to understand. You want to attract them to your booth, but you want the message to be powerful and memorable. At the same time, make your graphics professional so they showcase your company in a positive light.
Rules
To be effective, you want to know the rules of the trade show or association sponsoring the conference. Every show has its set of rules of putting up and taking down display booths. You want to read the rules and follow them. This will ensure that the organizers will ask you to return plus establish your company as cooperative.
Key Elements
Display booths should always have your company name, company logo and a few key pieces of information that you want them to remember. When you put up your booth, remember that you are one of hundreds. You want to make yours more memorable than the rest.
Promotional Products
Some people attend conferences just for the free stuff they can get. You want to have giveaways, but you should pick the ones that have some connection to your business.
For example, a health practitioner offered sunscreen with their logo on it as a giveaway. You also could have a drawing for a free product. If you make screens, how about a screen-repair kit as a giveaway? Use this marketing tool wisely.
Supplies
Don’t run out of business cards, brochures, pens and other supplies you need for an effective trade show appearance. Also, remember to bring tape, scissors, thumbtacks, push pins and Velcro fasteners to ensure your booth looks the way it should. You might not use all of them, but you will be prepared if you need them.
Gift Certificates
Trade show attendees expect you to giveaway gift certificates or offer a trade-show discount on orders. Consider what you can afford and provide some benefit for people to choose your display booth over others.
Attire
You should wear professional clothes, especially if you normally don’t at the office. Dressing up shows off your professionalism and your respect for your customer. It will also send a message of high-quality products to your potential customer. In addition to professional attire, make sure you wear comfortable shoes because, most likely, you will be standing for many hours.
Author: Usman Raza is freelance writer, an author and content marketing specialist for Headset Zone and Telegiants. When not working, he’s probably spending time with his family. Follow him on Facebook @usmanraza40 and Twitter @usmanintrotech
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