Trade Show Exhibits: 7 Questions to Ask

Are you looking for a new way to promote your company? Look no further! Trade shows are a cost-effective way to get your products and services in front of hundreds, even thousands, of potential customers. If you've never been to one, a trade show is basically a big event where various businesses get together to showcase and promote their goods. Consumers flock to trade shows to learn more about the products and services that interest them. According to one study, 91% of respondents ranked trade shows as "extremely useful" for gathering product purchasing information.

Exhibiting at a trade show can be a helpful way to connect directly with your target market. If you haven't ever participated in one, our friends over at Quill Office Supplies recommend asking the following questions.

1. Does the show align with your business?

There's no point in promoting a new women's clothing line at a car show. Know what industry the trade show is targeting and be sure that your business fits.

2. Who is your target market?

Again, you don't want to waste your time showing your product to people you aren't trying to sell to. Understand who is likely to need or want your product and be sure that the trade show is targeting them.

3. What do you want to achieve?

Establish your goals before attending the trade show. Define what will make it a success. Are you looking to sell products while you're there? Or do you just want to expose your brand to a new audience? Perhaps you'd like to do both. Whatever you want to accomplish, make it clear up front.

4. What competitors will be there?

The interesting part about trade shows is that many competing companies are vying for the attention of the attendees. Try to investigate and find out which of your competitors will be present. Then, be sure that you can clearly communicate how your company is different. Don't blend in-you want your company to stand out from your competitors.

5. What do you want to display?

When selecting your booth size, consider how much product you want to showcase. Remember that you want to create an eye-catching exhibit, but you also don't want to appear cluttered or messy. Plus, anything you display will have to be transported to the location of the show, which can get quite expensive.

6. What will you give away?

Let's face it. A lot of people go to trade shows for the freebies. That's okay! Lure people to your booth with fabulous promotional giveaways. Key chains, mouse pads, stress balls, and pens are all inexpensive items that attendees will happily take. Just remember to have them imprinted with your company name, logo and contact information. Visit the Quill website for the best deals on custom-printed products.

7. What other marketing materials will you offer?

Aside from the fun promotional gifts, remember to bring a large assortment of marketing materials such as brochures, flyers and coupons. Pass these out liberally!

If you haven't attended a trade show as an exhibitor before, now is the time to give it a try. The cost for a booth is typically reasonable, and the personal interaction with potential clients is invaluable. Visit Quill for all your promotional product needs and reap the rewards a trade show can offer.