In this digital age it is important to recognise the power of online marketing though, no matter how intricate and inventive your campaign, there is nothing that can truly match the viability of a successful marketing event. However there are certain steps that you must take if you are to make the most of an event and maximise on the potential profitability. Having the opportunity to promote your business in the flesh and have your representative’s talk to potential clients in person is a powerful thing indeed.
How to get ahead of your competitors when promoting your business at events
First and foremost you must carefully decide which events to attend and which ones to forgo. Which events are going to be the most suitable for you? Where will you achieve maximum exposure and which venues will allow you the advantage over your competitors. These are some of the questions that you should be asking yourself before booking an event – also it pays to book far in advance and regularly attend the same events. This is a great way of securing yourself the trust and good faith of the event organisers and you may be able to have more options when it comes to deciding on where to set your stand; which takes me to my next point.
Another key element to successfully promoting your business: location, location, location! You’ll need to position yourself so that you are as visible to the public as possible. If you’re tucked away in the corner somewhere you are likely to miss out on some key exposure – this is why it pays to plan in advance and secure the hot spots!
Once you’ve decided on where to set up shop, it’s time to start planning and designing your event displays. This is one of the most important aspects of setting up for an event; if you are to draw the attention of your potential customers and attract them to where you’re set up you are going to need an eye catching display. Printed marquees are a perfect choice for those who are really out to make an impact and deliver that wow factor to the public. This grants you instant brand recognition – if you’re set up under a generic tent with very little colour you are likely to lose a lot of custom.
Colour, movement, interaction, key words such as “FREE” or “ONE TIME ONLY” or “SPECIAL EXPO DEALS”, hustle and bustle! These are the things that you need to be incorporating into your event! Make sure that your sales representatives are active and animated – there is nothing worse than seeing someone sat down at an expo, unless of course they are signing up a new client. It always pays to have one or two staff roaming around the event and handing out fliers, inviting and directing people to the booth; again utilising those key buzz words!