If your company is taking the time, money and energy to invest in exhibiting at a trade show, then you're going to want to make sure that you're getting your money's worth.
A great way to ensure that you're getting the most bang for your buck is to generate buzz about your presence at the trade show before, during and after the event.
Here are some helpful tips on how to use blogging to ensure that your next trade show is a hit and not a miss.
Sharing is Caring
First order of business:
The only way people are going to know that you're exhibiting at a trade show is if you actually tell them that you're exhibiting at a trade show!
You're going to need to scream it from the mountaintop in a strategic and well-planned manner.
One way to get your message across is to blast it out on social media, because it's one of the best and most effective ways to reach your audience and announce your presence at a trade show.
The best part is that it costs next to nothing to advertise on social media, so be sure to place some ads on Facebook and Twitter to let your audience know the important details about your booth and the show.
Create some buzz by sending out some teasers about any giveaways, special appearances or product/service premiers happening at your booth to entice people to visit - because who doesn't love a bit of mystery and suspense?
Be sure to keep your audience in the know by posting updates about the important events happening at your booth that day.
For instance, if you're announcing the winner of your raffle at a certain time, then post a countdown and hype up the grand prize to persuade more attendees to visit your booth and enter their names in the drawing.
Here are some other valuable tips on how to successfully use social media as part of your overall trade show marketing plan and be sure to steer clear of these social media DON'TS so that you don't ruin your chances at reaping the rewards of your marketing efforts.
Blog Your Heart Out
Blogging is another great way to generate some buzz for your company for a trade show as well as capitalize on the show's exposure and reach on social media via hashtags, keywords and links.
Don't know what to post? It's okay, most people don't, which is why we're here to help you out.
First and foremost, you're going to want to generate a post that lets your audience know that you'll be exhibiting at the show and where they can find your booth.
Second, re-blog or create blog posts that highlight the show's press releases because, chances are, there's some important news and happenings pertaining to the show of which your audience will benefit.
Lastly, publish blog posts that promote your products/services and tie in some key elements of the show, such as a keynote speaker's topic or a product/service unveiling that helps put your company in the spotlight.
Be creative, not blatant, with your promotion tactics because no one likes a show-off.
And remember to post your blog posts on your website, on all your social media channels and in emails to your subscribers and followers to get the word out successfully.
Vlogging
People are curious beings, so give them what they want by incorporating vlogging (video blogging) into your trade show marketing strategy.
Capture your team's journey before, during and after the show in short video snippets that can be posted and viewed on social media networks, such as Instagram, Vine, Periscope and Snapchat.
Instagram is a fabulous network to capitalize on for trade shows because it's extreme popular, visually appealing and incredibly easy to use (check out our Instagram tips for trade shows).
Vine
Vine allows user to post six-second videos, so this network is great for brief announcements, check-ins and teasers. This network is geared towards a more humorous, light-hearted audience, so save the "funnies" for this one. For example, you may host a "happy hour" at your booth where your team members post something comedic or entertaining throughout the hour, which will be a nice change of pace from the monotony of the show.
Periscope
Periscope is a relatively newer network that allows viewers to get a real-time glimpse of someone else's life as it happens. You could use this network to give your audience a view of what's happening at your booth and the show through your eyes, so to speak. It's a really great way to be more transparent and allow a more personalized behind-the-scenes view of your company, its team members and its products/services. Plus when you start streaming, Periscope will automatically let your Twitter followers know.
Snapchat
Snapchat allows you to post images and videos that disappear after your followers view them, which makes this network absolutely perfect for posting clues or secret passwords for games - such as raffles, scavenger hunts or trivia - being hosted at your booth. Snapchat is a great way to have fun with your followers and keep them on their toes for what's to come.
Conclusion
Blogging doesn’t have to be limited to just your website.
You can take your blogging to the next level by incorporating social media into your trade show marketing strategy and generate buzz that drives people back to your website, booth and/or storefront.
Don't be afraid to have fun with your posts because we guarantee that your followers would love to see the more human side of your brand.
