Businesses today participate in trade show exhibits to increase brand recognition and network with other companies in similar or different fields. But trade shows are competitive, and if you want your company to stand out, you need to invest in the right marketing tools and strategies. Advertising and marketing can be done effectively through a variety of mediums, but not all are suitable for a trade show setting. Experts recommend that the following marketing tools are what every trade show exhibitor needs to use.
Market research
Every marketing plan begins by conducting market research. The purpose of this research is to gather information about your company’s target audience. The data collected is used in creating a customer profile which is crucial in choosing which group of people to target during the exhibit.
In addition to gathering information about the target audience, you can also carry out market research to learn about the demographics of the intended audience and expected attendees at the event. Through this process, you can determine whether there will be suppliers, retailers, and customers at the event. This information will give you a better insight into what marketing strategies and tools to use for the exhibit.
Promotional marketing tools
Promoting products and services during a trade show involves making use of a variety of tools such as a display stand, samples, demonstrations, and giveaways. Display stands are considered one of the most effective ways to attract the attention of consumers at a trade show. You can include crucial details about your company products and services and make attendees aware of your brand.
Giveaways are small tokens that you hand out to exhibit attendees. These little keepsakes usually bear the company or brand logo. Some of the most common trade show giveaways used today are stress balls, pens, key chains, and water bottles.
Product demos and samples are useful when used appropriately. By sampling your products or by viewing demonstrations, you can get immediate feedback from attendees and determine how to improve your product or service better.
Marketing through social media
Social media is the latest trend in marketing and using this strategy can result in an immense advantage for your business. If your company already has an active social media presence, you can use it for advertising the event and encouraging followers to attend.
During the event, you can use your company’s social media accounts to run contests and actively promote your booth. Social media is effective in engaging customers and keeps them updated about what is new in your business.
Blogging
Another effective method of promoting a trade show or exhibit is via blog posts. Active followers of your business can read about the trade show and encourage them to attend. Blog posts have the added advantage of providing readers with extensive information about what customers can expect with the upcoming event. Blogging using your company website or posting on third-party sites increases not only visibility but also the company’s chances of being associated with the trade show or event.
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