Do you sometimes feel like there is a disconnect between you and your customers? Do you wish there was a way you could interact with them more in person instead of just doing everything digitally?
Well, we understand where you're coming from. And actually, so do a lot of your customers. A recent study found that 44.7% of US consumers say that it's important to speak to someone before making a purchase.
But, in the digital world we live in, how are you supposed to make those in-person interactions a reality?
The answer is simple: your business needs to start attending trade shows.
Yes, we realize that trade shows may seem like an outdated concept to many. But trust us, there are still a lot of benefits of exhibiting at trade shows.
What are they? Check out this guide to find out!
1. Scope Out the Competition
You spend a lot of time working on ways to improve your business, but how much time do you spend checking out your competition?
We're guessing that the answer is not enough. Finding time to scope out the competition can be hard, but that's what makes trade shows so great.
While you're busy selling and marketing your product, you also get to size up your competitors and see how they're marketing their products and services.
2. Opportunity for Face-to-Face Marketing
As we said earlier, face-to-face interaction still definitely has its place in this digital world.
When you have the chance to shake hands with a potential client, look them in the eye, and speak with them face-to-face, your message is much more likely to resonate with them.
This is an experience that simply cannot be created digitally, which means that trade shows are the perfect opportunity to directly reach your customers.
Networking with potential customers in a face-to-face setting can help you generate leads, close sales, build brand loyalty, and create lasting business relationships.
It's an opportunity you simply don't want to miss out on.
3. Showcase Your Newest Products and Services
Launching a new product or service is exciting, but it can also be really tough.
After all, how are you going to get anyone to buy your product if there aren't any reviews about it and no one else can back it up except for you?
Exhibiting at a trade show is the best way to solve this problem
At trade shows, you get the opportunity to exhibit your newest products and services to potential customers. There's nothing out there that beats a hands-on demonstration of a product, so this is an opportunity to really show people what sets your product apart from the rest.
And, in addition to having the opportunity to demonstrate your product or service, you also get the chance to gather live feedback from your customers.
If you want, you can even hand out short surveys to customers about their experience with your products in exchange for something small like a bag of candy or a nice pen.
4. Cost-Effective
Marketing yourself effectively is never a cheap expense. However, trade shows are definitely one of the most cost-effective ways to market your brand.
Between lodging, meals, designing a trade booth, and renting a space, we realize that it may not seem that way, but trust us, trade show exhibitions are a lot less expensive than you probably imagine.
If you've done your homework by doing the marketing work before the show, then the earning potential can far exceed the investment.
5. Move Excess Inventory
Do you have inventory that's been sitting around your warehouse forever?
A trade show provides you with the perfect opportunity to do something with this inventory.
At a trade show, you can offer special pricing on these overstocked items. You can also bring some excess items with you to use as giveaways.
6. Recruit New Employees
A lot of people think that trade shows are only about finding new customers.
However, trade shows also offer an excellent opportunity to recruit new employees. Trade show events are chock full of qualified industry professionals.
And, while many of them may not be on the hunt for a new job, you never know who's going to fall in love with your product and be interested in working for you.
When exhibiting at a trade show, you have the opportunity to find yourself your next great sales representative.
7. Boost Brand Visibility
The most successful businesses know that brand visibility is a constant work in progress.
While a lot of branding work is done online, trade shows really provide a unique opportunity for both small businesses and large corporations to show off their brand.
Even if you don't sell a lot of new products or obtain a lot of new customers at a trade show, the chance you get to build your brand is completely invaluable.
8. Generate Leads and Close Sales
Of course, trade shows also allow you the chance to generate more leads and close more sales.
At trade shows, thousands of attendees are strolling around looking for solutions that meet their needs. Unlike online customers, who are a lot of times just browsing, trade show attendees usually show up with the intention of making a purchase.
If you market carefully and choose the right trade shows to attend, you have the opportunity to really take your business to another level through new leads and sales.
Are You Ready to Rock It at Trade Shows?
As you can see, there are a lot of benefits to attending trade shows.
Which of these benefits makes you the most excited? Let us know in the comments below.
Also, if you're an event planner looking to get more clients, be sure to get in touch with us to learn about The Event Planner Expo 2019.
