How To Incorporate Social Media At Trade Show Exhibits
Chris Harmen
Social media is one of the hottest things to hit marketing in a long, long time. Everywhere you turn, people are telling you how to use it, when to use it, and what your company should try to accomplish through this new medium. It can be incorporated into almost all of your business materials. For instance, companies are putting their profile information on direct mail flyers, linking to them in business emails, flaunting them on their websites, and even including them on their business cards.
There is another way that companies can maximize new media, and that is by incorporating social media strategies into their trade show displays and trade show exhibits. If you are struggling with the best way to use social media at your next convention, the following advice will help you get started.
Choose Relevant Networks
Not every business will benefit from every media network. Choose between the major venues like Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Digg, Foursquare, and others by brainstorming their different uses. If you run a virtual company, for example, it might be a good idea to ignore Foursquare – a location based application – and concentrate your efforts on interacting with Facebook and Twitter users.
Tweet Live From Your Trade Show Stands
Sharing live updates from trade show exhibits can be a lot of fun. When something funny or entertaining happens at the convention, share it with the world. Show followers that real people run your company. You can keep them informed about what’s going on in your trade show displays, too. If you are about to host a contest or raffle, you can send out a tweet to gather everyone around.
Skip The Sales Talk
If you only learn one thing about social media, understand that it is about connecting with people and creating conversations. Sales pitches should not be a part of your social media campaign. Instead, businesses should send updates from their trade show stands that engage others. Instead of tweeting, ‘Our can openers are the best,’ try asking others what they dislike the most about their current can opener. This way, you can engage people at your trade show stands and online simultaneously.
Ask Visitors At Trade Show Displays To Connect
It is a great idea to have a sign or a pamphlet with your social profiles displayed, but don’t forget to personally ask your visitors to follow. If you notice that they have a smart phone, simply say something like, ‘Hey, did you know you can connect with us on Facebook?’ Ask them to connect and follow up by giving them a good reason to do so. Let them know that they can get promo codes or other goodies for staying in touch.
Advertise Your Status
Let your followers and fans know that you will be updating live from the event. People who can’t attend the show will feel more like they are a part of the festivities. Let them know in advance that you will be posting live updates. Announce it on your website, in your newsletter, on your blog, and through press releases whenever possible.
Social media can enhance the overall effectiveness of your trade show exhibits and help you build your business. With these tips, you’ll be able to make the most of your social media presence.
Chris Harmen is a writer for Skyline, leading innovators of New York trade show displays. Skyline creates New York trade show stands that capitalize on a company’s social media presence to help them stay in touch with their target audience.
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