Seven important tips for your next trade shows or exhibitions
We know that many of the products we sell will be used as promotional giveaways at trade shows, conferences, and exhibitions. Through this, we have learned a few things that will help you market your brand at these events.
We have a mix of tips and possible promotional products.
Here are seven top tips:
1. If the customer is going to say no, make sure “no” is the answer you want to hear. Instead of asking them if they would like some free promotional products, ask them “have you seen our free merchandise?”. It’s much harder to say no to someone when a simple “no thanks” will do the trick.
2. Make one of your brochures with pre-loaded power banks. These are a fantastic promotional product in their own right, but the added convenience of being pre-loaded, your printed product has gone from being a useful item to have in the future to being a lifesaver right there and then.
It may take a bit of time to charge the power banks before the event, but it will be worth it. Your company message and logo will be on the product that saved the day.
3. On the subject of taking time out before the event, social media is a great tool for promoting your brand. Making sure your customers know you’re at an event is important, but just as important is the need to use social media during the event.
It is often said that content is king and this is the case here. Please use Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook during the event. Take pictures, interact with other companies that are also at the event. Create content if you are promoting your brand. At these events, your digital communications can be just as important as your face-to-face conversation.
4. Preloaded USB sticks, memory cards or flash drives can be a great way to promote your brand at trade shows. Memory cards are practical products that are frequently used in all areas of industry. Like pre-loaded power banks, USB flash drives are a great promotional product in their own right, however why not upload your company contact details or host a PDF version of your catalog there?
Your customers and customers can browse a digital version of your catalog at their own pace. They are also free to delete it and use the memory card for its intended purpose. Your printed brand will still be loud and clear to see.
5. Get something in return for your promotional merchandise. Whether you’re giving away mugs, pens, or pre-charged flash drives and pre-charged power banks, try and make sure you get something in return for your products.
It doesn’t have to be a similar exchange. Ask for an email address, a follow or like on social media, or even a business card. These events are as much about expanding and creating small leads for the future as they are about selling your product on the spot.
6. Promotional bags can be a memorable product at any trade show. Branded bags, whether drawstring, jute, or backpacks, can be a great way to market your brand. However, these products come with a bit of a problem. Promotional bags are consistently one of the best selling promotional items in the UK so other stalls and tables are likely to give them away.
On the plus side, these products are practical, durable, and have a great print area for your brand to take advantage of.
7. The final point echoes a comment by legendary football coach Vince Lombardi. “When you get to the end zone, act like you’ve been there before.” Lombardi may have been talking about not celebrating too much after scoring a touchdown goal at trade shows, the sentiment is the same.
If a potential customer seems interested in your product and what you have to say, whether or not they have, act like they’ve been there before. Sell your product in a friendly and safe way.
Trade shows and expos can be a great way to promote your brand if you approach it with an open and positive mind.
For more information and tips, head over to the EverythingBranded blog site.
