In the not so distant past, the industrial revolution changed how we do business. As the name suggests, the whole thing was revolutionized and had people wondering how they ever got things made beforehand. We are in a revolutionary age now, but rather than it being industrial, it is all about the digital platforms and the way that technology drives us and our businesses.
If you look at your home and office, there will be many ways that the digital age has changed our lives. From something as simple as using your phone as an alarm to being able to video conference with people all around the world. In many ways, the digital age has halted some of the old ways that we did business, with many employers offering flexible working, as an example. All you need is a laptop, phone, and wifi! So the question that needs to be asked is, if we need such forms of offline marketing, like trade shows, stalls, or events, if everything can be shown and demonstrated online?
There are still many advantages to having forms of offline marketing, in particular, trade shows. But even they will ‘look’ different to the ones we may have been used to, only ten years ago. It seems like the digital age isn’t looking to make certain things obsolete. In fact, you can combine the two to get maximum effect for your brand, business, and consumers. So here are a few of the ways that you can adapt and change your business so that it can use trade shows to their advantage.
Change How Trade Shows Look
In theory, trade shows are pretty simple. They are a space where people in the industry, or buyers, and consumers, can come to see what you have to offer. It may be to launch a new product, collect information, or showing how something works. There is value in someone being able to try something for themselves, especially if they are thinking about purchasing it.
Your stand would need a bit of a revamping in this digital age. This is to ensure you have a maximum impact for your audience. For example:
- Using Gadgets: You could use things like tablets to capture customer information, as well as showing product catalogs online to people coming to your stand. Depending on your business, you could use tech to demonstrate things, or interact in a different way, like a game, for instance.
- Social Media: If your business is not on social media, then you are missing out on some really vital tools that can help your business. You can create a following, share a hashtag for people to use at the show, and see what people are saying by searching that hashtag. It is a great way to help promote your business and the products and services that you have.
- Freebies: There is nothing better than getting something with your brand name into someone’s home. And the way you can do that is by offering freebies to people that come to see you. It could be custom tote bags from somewhere like lanyardsusa.com as an example. They would then use that for shopping or storage, and it is a reminder to them of who you are and what they saw at your stand. Plus, it is a great way to advertise!
- Have a hotspot for the Internet: Like it or not, the Internet isn’t going anywhere and people will want to access it on the day of the show. And if you have a wifi spot, then it is going to draw people to you. They’ll come for the wifi, but then stay for what you have to offer them. Again, they can use it to share on social media and use your hashtag. So have a hotspot and talk to the people using it.
Why They’re Still Relevant
Even in this digital age, trade shows are certainly still relevant. One thing that people want to be sure of, especially if it involves parting with their money, is that they are happy with a product or service. So the face to face contact gives people that experience. Be approachable, be friendly, and you’ll see the impact on your business.
- New Customers: There are bound to be people that have not heard of you or your business. Being online is only effective if people are looking for what your business does. Face to face contact allows you to get that conversation going and creating some new contacts, and hopefully, some new customers.
- Bloggers and Industry Influencers: Bloggers and influencers in the industry are likely to come to trade shows. While they might be invited by a particular brand, they will be coming to the show to see what other’s are offering. If you can chat with them and share what you are doing, it is a good way to get your name out there. An article by cbo.com talks about the benefits of using bloggers for your business. Bloggers and influencers in the right niche will have the customers and followers that can make a difference to your business. So if you’re not attending trade shows, those are vital contacts and business exposure that you’re missing out on.
- Old Contacts: You are likely to know a few people in the industry, or similar industries, that are likely to showcase at the show. A trade show can be a good opportunity to catch up with them and share information. You can also see how your competitors are doing, as well as different trends and ideas in the industry.
Even in the technological age that we’re in, we can still see the value in using offline marketing and trade shows. They can be a valuable tool for business. You just need to make sure you bring it up to date.
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