However, when the majority of businesses start doing the same type of convention marketing, after a while even a new thing can become redundant. While social networking is certainly an effective way to market your tradeshow attractions to your audience before, during and after the show, it shouldn’t be the only marketing you rely on. This is why I would like to suggest that you dare to be different. Since everyone is texting or messaging through various social networking sites, why not get back to basics and use a more personal touch for your tradeshow marketing?
The Personal Touch
Years ago, sales people made sure to touch base with their potential buyers by making a phone call just to say ‘hi.’ Everyone knew that it was important to stay in touch with clients through regular calls. Today, technology provides us with a variety of communication tools that seem to be making the phone call almost a thing of the past.
Because most people are emailing and texting on a daily basis, the shift to this technology for a tradeshow marketing medium just makes sense. Of course, it’s obvious that we’re all very busy; so texting, e-mail messages and social networking are also very convenient and valuable tools. But with so many people communicating this way, doesn’t it make sense to do something different once in a while?
Why not make that phone call or even make an in-person visit if it’s possible so that customers connect with you on a more personal level. Give them a sneak peek of the cash cube you plan to feature in your tradeshow attractions for the next show, and personally invite them to stop by your booth to see your new product demonstration. Taking the time to apply the ‘personal touch’ to your tradeshow marketing might do more to solidify a sale than anything you’ve done most recently.
Give Customers More Than They Expect
As a tradeshow professional, I don’t have to tell you about the importance of friendly, open, face-to-face communication when you’re presenting at your tradeshow booth. In fact, it’s one of the most important aspects of convention marketing, particularly because this is your opportunity to shine.
However, whether you’re using tradeshow attractions to promote something at your booth that is high tech, or if you have an exciting new product that you’re eager to introduce, your objective is to give your customers more than they expect. In other words, if you focus your attention on people through a more personal touch, in combination with social networking and text messaging, you have a greater opportunity of being remembered and gaining a positive reputation.
If you have used social networking effectively in your tradeshow marketing strategy before and during the show, chances are you will have a full house at your booth. Then all you have to do is put a voice or a face to your company or product and you’ll be amazed at the effect you’ll have on potential buyers. Social networking is indeed the future of tradeshow marketing, but it shouldn’t be your only strategy. At the end of the day, customers still appreciate the personal touch, and a combination of technology and face-to-face communication makes a winning combination.
Give Customers A Reason To Care
Remember, you ask buyers to make an investment in your products and you hope they will love what they buy. For that reason, it’s important that customers know you care. Keep in mind that most businesses, especially those presenting at a tradeshow, rely heavily on personal contact. Why not take the opportunity to dare and be different? Start maintaining good relationships right from the start by establishing a more personal touch, then combine that with social networking marketing strategies, and watch your business grow!
