Did you know that you can make extra money by creating crafts and selling them at trade shows, craft fairs, and industry shows? Are you wondering what the advantages of a trade show are?
In this article, you’ll get to explore the various advantages of trade shows. Read on as we uncover these different advantages, and find out how you can start making extra money today.
1. Lasting Impressions
When you take a look at trade show events, you’ll notice that they’re a way to show a variety of items. It’s a way for you to interact with potential customers, and make a lasting impression.
Design a well-put-together trade show booth that includes promotional items and contest opportunities, and you’re more likely to leave a lasting impression. For contests, you can have them complete an action on social media, or submit their business card.
2. Lead Generation
Have QR codes that link to lead generation pages or your social media accounts. This is a way to create new leads by asking for their information whether it’s through a contest or giveaway.
3. Cost-Effective
Attending a trade show and setting up a booth is a cost-effective option. While thinking about traveling there, paying for meals and hotels might seem expensive, it’s worth it in the end.
This is due to the fact that converting a prospect into a sale at a trade show is higher than other options. Make sure to plan ahead and do your research before you show up.
4. Year-Round
This one-time meeting can turn into year-round marketing for your business. Hand out brochures for your business, and offer promotional products. Continuing the client relationship can make it turn into a year-round opportunity.
5. Direct-Selling
Large companies market at trade shows because customers can buy from them directly. It cuts out the need to use phones or the internet to interact with your clients or customers.
6. Time-Saving
You’ll save time when you choose trade shows instead of having to set separate appointments with suppliers. Buyers can also make a quick decision about what product is right for them.
7. Testing Products
You can introduce different products and see how they do at the event. See if they receive instant reviews from the customers who buy them.
8. Research
Trade shows are a great way for you to research and stay in front of the competition. It’s a way for you to take a look at the new products your competitors are releasing. You might also find new trends and products that you didn’t know about before.
9. Expand Distributors
Trade shows have numerous distributors and vendors who are interested in adding new products. This can lead to an increase in your profit when you pitch your product to them, and then they decide to sell your product to their customers.
10. Exhibitor Guide Exposure
Exhibitor guides are handed out to the attendees at trade shows. They list the companies and descriptions of the exhibitors. You might also be able to buy additional advertising space as well.
11. Find New Employees
Since trade shows have various industry professionals, you can find new employees while at an event. Whether they’re at another booth or an attendee, have your now hiring sign ready for them to come and take a look.
12. Prove Your Expertise
By having your services and products at a trade show, you’re able to prove your presence in your industry. It’s a way to build your company’s status for industry solutions.
13. Remove Excess Items
You can sell items that you don’t have room for in your warehouse. Using items as giveaways is another option as well. Items that are taking up space, you can offer at a special price as well.
14. Meet Face-To-Face
You can meet with potential customers in person instead of just online. Any questions they have you can answer them right then and there. It’s also a way to make a great first impression.
How To Have a Successful Trade Show
In order to have a successful trade show, you’ll want to plan in advance. Let your team know ahead of time about the travel dates in order for them to book their flights. Secure hotel rooms well in advance as well.
Plan Ahead
Think about event logistics as well. For example, do you need to worry about order giveaways or product sheets? Start formulating your emails at least a month before the event. Send out emails to announce different opportunities and news that’ll be at the event.
Schedule Meetings Ahead
Have your sales and marketing teams work together to pre-schedule booth meetings with partners, customers, and prospects. Have a goal in place for the number of meetings you’ll have. Create a calendar that you all can share, and see how your team is performing.
Use Social Media
Make sure to post pictures from before, during, and after the event. Let potential customers know that they can enter a contest by stopping at your booth. Have an event hashtag and booth number for people to find you.
Have Giveaways
Use different activities or giveaways to attract potential customers. Whether it’s food, drinks, or lottery tickets, you have options to entice your customers. You can even consider renting a food truck and inviting customers to come and spend time at your booth (and food truck).
Exploring the Advantages of Trade Shows
Now that you’ve explored the advantages of trade shows, you should have a better idea if they’re right for you. Would you like to read more business content? For all of your business needs, check out our other articles today.
