How to Host a Successful Trade Show Booth
A trade show presents a golden opportunity to market your products and services. If you do it right, you could see a major boost in business. Below, find some tips for maximizing the return on your trade show booth investment.
Marketing:
You want your presence known before your booth is actually on display. Advertise. Pedal yourself as the main attraction. Use flyers or paid ads to reach potential customers in advance. When they show up to see what all the hubbub is about, seal the deal.
It sometimes helps to create a buzz. Get the word out that your booth will be unveiling a new product or service. Pique some interest, and then follow through.
Setting Up:
Set up your booth early. It's never good to be scrambling at the last minute to get your displays in order. Consider a professional service to have your booth assembled and in working order by the time the show opens for business.
Establish a presence with signs and interesting graphics. Have information easily available. Some of your potential customers will be making their way quickly through the trade show, and you want them doing so with your pamphlet in their hands.
Have a well-lit booth. You don't want to slink into the shadows while your competitors are basking in their fluorescent-lit palace of a booth.
Have a Goal in Mind:
You're likely not hosting a trade show booth for the fun of it. Have a defined goal in mind, and stick with it for the duration of the show. You want to speak with this many people and secure this many leads in this amount of time.
Giveaways:
A free giveaway, such as a trinket or a gadget, can get your brand name out there in a way that a business card can't. Shoot for an item that is cost-effective for you, yet interesting for your potential customers.
The more convenient or portable, the better. If your potential customers keep it around, they'll see your name more often. If you can relate your giveaway to your actual business, you've struck trade show gold.
Paying Attention to Your Customers:
The key to a successful trade show booth is a proactive host. The booth draws them in, but keeping potential customers involved is your personal responsibility. If someone shows an interest in your booth, don't let posters or pamphlets do the talking for you, and don't wait for your potential customer to ask a question. Offer your advice upfront, and keep the person engaged.
About the Author:
Mike Levi is a writer for Ion Exhibits, a Chicago trade show booth designer dedicated to creating simple, effective displays for businesses attending any Chicago trade show exhibit.
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