Trade Show Steps to Success

Trade shows are a great place to solicit new customers for your business, while introducing new services to your existing clientele. But don't make the mistake of thinking once that entry fee is paid and your booth is setup potential clients will flock to your area. With the help of Screenprint Plus and the next few pointers, you'll be sure to walk away from a successful trade show.

1. Pre-Trade Show...

Send some direct mail pieces to existing customers you know will be attending the event to let them know you'll be present. Inform them you'd like to educate them on any new services you have available and to answer any questions they may have.

A nifty little trick is to send an inexpensive promotional item with your logo and slogan on it with the mailing. Let them know if they stop by sporting that item, they'll get a free gift.

This works two fold: Their chances of showing up at your booth at the trade show are increased and if they are sporting your small promotional item, they'll be advertising your business as they walk through all the exhibits.

Screenprint Plus can help with printing up your direct mail pieces along with the promotional items. Buttons, lanyards, badge holders, and plastic bags work great for this.

2. Dress for Success...

You'll want to stand out from the crowd and show your professionalism by having all of your trade show team members to dress alike. Have matching apparel, such as, sport or dress shirts with your embroidered company logo on the left chest. Maybe even matching name tags, caps and briefcases.

Screenprint Plus can offer you all of these services, as well.

3. Grab Their Attention...

You'll generate more leads and sales if you stand out from the crowd and make yourself more noticeable. Professional visibility can be achieved at trade shows with table skirts sporting your company logo, balloons, large banners and free plastic bags with your logo and web site information.

4. Give Aways...

You'll want to have a sufficient amount of promotional products to give away to the trade show attendees. You never know when one of these inexpensive items will wind up in the hands of a client needing your services. When it does, you'll be on their minds.

Great give aways include pens, pencils, key rings, staplers, paper clip holders, sticky notes and so much more to choose from. Be sure to contact Screenprint Plus, to learn more about what is available.

5. Corporate Gifts...

For your existing customers and serious potential clients, have some more expensive promotional items on hand that will make a lasting impression to help build your relations with them.

These may include golf ball sets, embroidered caps, embroidered shirts, stainless steel travel mugs, or a nice pen & pencil set. But be sure to keep these hidden from the general crowd or they'll be gone in a heartbeat.

6. The Raffle...

Offer prizes and awards to be given in exchange for visitors contact information. Let them know they won't have to be present to win, though. You can display the prizes at your booth next to the drop box.

Fancy desk clocks with your company logo, portfolios, laptop bags and maybe some of your products make good items for a raffle.

7. After the Trade Show...

Follow up on all of your contacts with another direct mail piece. Use this opportunity to thank your visitors for stopping by your booth and try to generate some sales through the mailing...maybe even offer a discount on your products or services. Be sure to include another inexpensive promotional item in the mailing, but this time make it something that is useful and can sit on their desks or refrigerators as a reminder of your company.

Great items for this include sticky notes with your logo and web site address, calendars, planners, or inexpensive pens and pencils.

If you follow the simple, but very effective, steps above your sure to have a successful trade show experience. Screenprint Plus can help with all of your trade show needs so be sure to contact us if you need any advice.