Over the last few years I have participated as a vendor in trade shows, running the social media for trade shows, as well as a slew of event marketing events, such as the Center of the Universe Festival and the Social Media Tulsa Conference. From these years of experience I have come up with a handful of tips to help you rock your next trade show and bring in business. 1. Review/Update Your Social Media Accounts
If you haven't updated your social media accounts in a while, now is the time to do so. Take a few minutes to review your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. and make sure all of your information is up to date. Prospects interested in potentially hiring you will likely search for you online, which is why it is essential to make sure your information is up to date. Make a great first online impression.
2. Direct Potential Customers to Your Social Media
You are going to be interacting with numerous prospects at your event (both in-person and following up with them post-event), which is why it is important to direct them to your marketing. Your Facebook page, Twitter account, etc. is the perfect place to direct prospects to find out more about you, your talent, and how to hire you. It is because of this that I encourage you to remind them to connect with you online. Post about your booth before, during, and after the event to create buzz on your page about your brand.
3. Display your Social Media at your Booth
Having your social media on your marketing material will remind prospects that want to connect with you to do so, but you can also remind them to when you are speaking with them in-person. They key is to get them more connected with you and social media accomplishes that goal.
4. Utilize the Event Hashtag
What is a hashtag? A hashtag is used on social media to identify messages on a specific topic. Most trade shows and events create a hashtag that you can use to follow live during the event. One local example of this recently was the #CoUFest hashtag that was promoted on signage and marketing materials. Leading up to, during, and after the event, bands, attendees, and businesses all utilized this hashtag in their social media to tag their posts about the event.
You can take advantage of your event hashtag by using it in your posts on social media and encouraging attendees as well. When you include a hashtag on any post on social media, it becomes something people can use to search for all social media updates on that topic. This allows you and attendees to be able to join in the conversation about the event and gives them the opportunity to share with their social connections the experience they are having at the event and your booth.
5. Have Fun!
Trade shows and events are places to make connections with prospects and build your business. That can at times feel a bit stressful which is why I want to remind you to HAVE FUN! If you have moments when you are feeling overwhelmed, just take a few deep breaths and remember why you do what you do with your business and the rewards you receive through its success.
Trade shows and live marketing events can be overwhelming, which is why it is essential to make sure you are prepared ahead of time. These tips will get you started. If you need help with your upcoming trade show or live event, feel free to send me an e-mail or call me for a complimentary consult.
The Marketing Dame.
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