One of the best ways to promote your paint business is through paint trade show marketing efforts. Trade shows can give your products and business the exposure you've been looking for to possibly thousands of people. Remembering that you only have a few seconds to make a good first impression, you need to make sure your trade show display and marketing efforts are cohesive and attractive.

It's not enough to just arrive at the trade show, set up your booth and wait for crowds to start pouring in. You have to plan your paint tradeshows advertising and public relations in advance. And don't forget paint tradeshow giveaways, which will help visitors remember your booth. Timely follow-up is key to reaching those leads before they grow cold.

Use these additional tips to make your trade show booth a success.

1. Think visually with your paint trade show marketing efforts, with large and attractive signage.

2. Keep your trade show personnel to a strict minimum. Booths that are crowded with employees seem overzealous and more of a turn-off to potential customers.

3. Improve your paint tradeshow follow-up by having visitors sign in with their name, address, phone number and email address.

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

Increase paint trade show traffic with giveaways

Choose promotions that relate to the paint business and help customers get the job done. Make sure promotions have your business name, phone number and website information printed on them.

I recommend: Stain paddles from American Promotional Products will get your name across the next time your customers open a paint can. Among paint trade show giveaways, the Handigrip is a unique and useful way to carry paint cans and you can customize it with your logo.

Take advantage of paint trade show promotions

Increase your visibility and boost paint trade show sales by taking extra steps to showcase your business. Factor in these costs when formulating your paint trade show marketing plan.

I recommend: The National Hardware Show offers visibility for paint manufacturers, and opportunities for exhibitors to give away VIP tickets and advertise on the trade show website. The PACE Show: the Power of Paint and Coatings offers sponsorships for maximum exposure.

Plan ahead for your paint tradeshows advertising

Purchase an ad in trade magazines that serve those in the paint industry, including paint manufacturers, painters and decorators. Paint trade shows advertising should include your exhibit number and exhibit location in your ad.

I recommend: Advertise your presence at the next trade paint trade show in Paint and Coatings Industry Magazine or Paint Works Magazine.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Paint tradeshow follow up is crucial, but afterwards, it's easy to fall back into business mode while leads grow colder and colder. Develop a plan before the show and get on the leads immediately.