For manufacturers, trade shows are an integral part of marketing efforts. They present opportunities to connect with customers, showcase new products, and stimulate interest in products and services, in addition to providing a way to check out the competition.
Trade shows also require a ton of time and effort, not to mention the costs associated with renting floor space, registration fees, and lodging and transportation for employees. Want to capitalize on all the time and effort spent on having a great showing at your trade show?
Social media can help you increase the engagement and interaction before, after, and during the show to get the most bang for your buck. Read on for 5 ways you can use social media to ramp up your trade show marketing efforts.
1. Post to Your Social Media Channels 2 Months in Advance
Social media is a great way to get people engaged and excited. Reach out on the channels your audience frequents (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, etc.) with content related to the trade show that will capture their interest. This could include posting product videos, sharing a recent blog post, commenting on the best places to eat in the city where the show is taking place, etc. Try posting regularly to relevant channels about two months out to get the most from this strategy. Get people excited!
2. Ask Your Followers What They Want
You know that one of the best ways to increase interest and engagement in regard to a specific product is to have that product on hand and be able to demo it for potential buyers. Why not ask your social media followers what they want to see? Know what companies and individuals want to learn about in advance by soliciting comments and input via social media channels such as LinkedIn (you can create focused groups) and Facebook. And then follow through with affirmative comments and appropriate planning for your trade show booth. Not only does this get people engaged with your brand, it also gives them an incentive to visit your booth (traffic boost!) because they know that what they want to see will be there.
3. Tweet Live Updates During the Event
Twitter is a tool geared toward immediacy, so tweeting is a great way to engage people at the event. You can tweet reminders about special events or demos, or alert people to limited time offers. That last one is a great way to drive more traffic to your booth at slower times of the day.
4. Post to Facebook 2 or 3 Times the Day(s) of the Event
You can post updates at the beginning, middle, and end of each day to alert people to plans for the day, what’s going on at your booth during the event, and to recap the day’s events. You can share relevant videos or information with people who asked you about specific products or services and give them a shout out on your social media channels. Tagging people you meet in relevant posts or tweets is a great way to drive engagement during and after the show.
5. Follow Up
Keep the conversation going by posting videos you took during the event or inviting attendees to blog on their experience or industry related topics. And then share these on your social media channels. Connect with people you met at the event on your social media channels and ask for feedback about your booth or what they might like to see at next year’s show.
Stay Connected
Social media offers a myriad of ways to easily connect with people. Take advantage of its power to get the most from your trade show appearances and to boost the interest and engagement that drive your sales.
About Digital Impact Agency
Digital Impact Agency is a creative firm specializing in interactive media and inbound marketing strategies for manufacturing and technology companies, professional service firms (architectural, engineering, construction, legal and consulting), nonprofits and enterprise companies. We are a team of innovative entrepreneurs focused on creating the most strategic and effective communication channels for our clients.
