A Business Expo is a great way to promote your business. But you need to prepare! Here's some things to think about prior...
Think about why you're exhibiting, your budget, and who your target audience is.- Purchase marketing materials such as pull-up banners and pamphlets.
- Place orders for promotional items such as business cards, flyers, and price lists.
- What is provided? (i.e. tables, chairs, backdrops, stand size, power outlets etc.). Communicate with the Organiser.
- Be prepared, make sure all of your marketing materials are stored ready to go.
- Create a memorable expo table by branding yourself! Anything to catch passers-by's attention, whether you paint your booth bright pink or mellow yellow or set it up as a novelty site.
- Location, location, location – there's a reason the booths with the highest foot traffic are the most expensive.
- Start promoting your attendance on social media early. One of the most valuable suggestions is to generate excitement for your creative stand design well before the event. Social media plays a massive role in piquing your audience's interest in all of the fantastic things you plan to have at your booth. Maintaining their attention in your booth will almost surely encourage them to visit your booth during the show.
- Freebies and giveaways at the Expo
- Will you be employing people to work at your booth? Make sure they understand your goals and feel comfortable marketing your product or service.
We can help you prepare - contact InkBlotVA now >
While getting ready for the Small Business Expo is tiring, it doesn't stop there - this is why you need a good night's rest before! You will be on your feet the entire day - Are you ready?? Here are some tips for you to remember during the expo...
- Attract passers-by's attention by being friendly and amusing, providing a goody bag, and giving away freebies.
- If you have a friendly conversation with a potential client, keep their business cards or write down their contact information along with notes from the talk.
- Determine the optimum position for the upcoming event. Next time, request the optimal location by asking the Exhibition Organiser for the final numbers of visitors and a copy of the floor plan.
- Choosing the cheapest booth without considering the attention-grabbing prospects is one of the rookie exhibitors' blunders during the trade show planning process. Choosing the most affordable booth over a more expensive booth design could mean the difference between success and failure at a trade show.
- Stay on brand - if your exhibit does not reflect who you are, potential clients may mistakenly believe you are not a service they require.
- Take into account the lighting. Backlit signs or lighting that reflects your merchandise are both options. We are all drawn to light, just like insects.
- Include a focal element in your display, such as a fishbowl with minties.
- If this is your first show, take a peek around at the other booths and see what catches your eye. Remember to stand out rather than blend in at the next Expo.
- What can you offer on the day for the audience to sign up or buy on the day? A voucher that has a 2-month expiry or an incentive to sign up now.
The Advantages of an Exhibition for Your Business...
- Intended for a specific industry
- Opportunity to advertise to your target market and raise brand awareness.
- Exhibitions are accessible to a broad and sometimes disparate audience.
- Allows you to expand your firm into business-to-business commerce and build a customer datab
- All of your active leads and customers are in one spot.
- More interested buyers in one place.
- Develop business ties and lead generation
- Make an emotional connection with your customers.
Things to add to your checklist if you haven't thought about them already...
- Box of emergency supplies (staplers, blue tac, scissors, Stanley knife, band-aids, tissues)
- Hand Sanitiser, Spare Face-Masks
- Tech box - extension cords, phone chargers, light strips
- Refreshments - water bottles, energy bars, lollies
- Table if not supplied
- Media wall
- Marketing material - business cards, flyers
- Promotion material
- Lollies to draw your audience in (we suggest Minties - most popular)
- Computer for PowerPoint
- USB with PowerPoint presentation
- Stationary Holder
- Clipboard for Prospective Leads
