Businesses can seize the opportunity to generate sales at trade shows by creating a buzz early on with extensive business trade show marketing. Unlike email, print advertising and Internet marketing, a business tradeshow exhibit allows face-to-face contact between the business owner and prospective client—something that has become quite rare in today’s highly digital business environment.

To obtain successful results, it's important to create a business trade show marketing plan that targets the appropriate audience. Consider the following tips to help you take full advantage of the benefits of a business trade show promotions.

1. Create a budget and a pre- and post-business tradeshow marketing plan.

2. Start your business trade show promotions well in advance.

3. Recognize the importance of business tradeshow follow-up.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Implement a budget and business trade show marketing plan early

Participating in a business trade show can be an inexpensive way to promote products and generate leads, if you budget and plan properly. It's quite easy to overspend on business advertising, business trade show giveaways and display items. Be sure to identify your target audience, create a show theme or message and stick to it to avoid going over budget.

I recommend: You may consider partnering with Tradeshows Plus!, a marketing firm that specializes in helping businesses market business trade show participation and other events. The Tradeshow Network Marketing Group is another firm that provides marketing consultation as well as trade show promotional items.

Create a buzz with business trade show promotions

Once you decide to participate in a trade show it's important that you get the word out by inviting clients, business associates, colleagues and vendors. You can also promote your participation on your company website. At the event, business tradeshow promotions may include giveaways and interactive demonstrations.

I recommend: AmazingMail helps business owners create attention-grabbing business trade show flyers and other promotional materials. Check out unique giveaway options offered by CoolPromoProducts.com.

Follow-up immediately to generate business trade show sales

The excitement and pre-planning leading up to the show can be intense. However, the true excitement comes afterwards with business trade show traffic follow-up. This follow-up is a key step that you shouldn't overlook because it could mean lost business trade show sales. Be sure to immediately make phone calls and send out emails and other business trade shows advertising materials.

I recommend: Direct Opinions can help with your follow up by calling leads and distributing surveys. You may also consider services offered by Advanced Business Calls to help with business trade show follow-up.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Business trade show giveaways are usually a big hit with attendees. It's a good idea to stock up on small items people can take with them to remember your company and place the giveaways in a location that encourages people to take a look at your business trade show exhibit.