Attending trade shows and setting up a trade show booth is an effective method for attracting leads. As of 2022, the trade show industry had a projected value of around $18.2 billion.

Using trade shows for lead generation is a smart, effective way to expand your business and gain new customers.

Read on to learn how to use trade shows to maximize your lead retrieval and help your business grow by leaps and bounds.

Find Out Who is Attending

Before you design your trade show booth, and agree to set up a trade show booth and attend a show, it’s vital to get a clear picture of who will be there. If you end up at a show well outside your niche, you likely won’t gain any new leads at all, or maybe just the bare minimum.

If possible, find out if you can get a list of other attendees. This is one of the easiest ways to determine ahead of time if a particular trade show will be the right one for you and your company.

Get a list of sponsors before you register for a trade show. This is the best way to ensure that you’re linking to the right network and the right pool of leads for the future.

Set Goals for Lead Generation

Attracting leads is the biggest perk of attending a trade show, but it’s important to know exactly what kind of leads you’re expecting to get. Think about the information you want to garner, whether it’s a lead’s email address, phone number, or even crucial data.

Knowing what you want and what you are expecting in advance will help you get the best possible leads for you. Next, think about how you plan to use those leads, whether it’s for marketing, offering special discounts, or simply gaining new contacts for networking.

Getting ahead of the game will ensure that you’re using your time, effort, and money in the most effective way possible. You should also use these goals to help you design a creative trade show booth that will attract the attention of the type of visitors you’re hoping to meet.

Have an Exciting and Engaging Booth

Anyone can set up a trade show booth, but if you really want lead generation, then you’ll need to stand apart from the crowd. Make sure your booth is exciting and engaging by including a variety of features.

Whether you’re offering games or other activities, or you’re using bold signage, lighting, and technology, the more interesting your trade show booth is, the better. The key is to excite people who are there and get them interested in learning more about what you have to offer.

The goal of attending a trade show is to provide people with information about your business and to show them that you have something they need. Think outside the box and come up with some creative, unique ways to help your booth stand out so that you’ll increase your lead generation.

Drive More Traffic to Your Booth

There are several ways you can drive more foot traffic to your brand and your trade show booth. Here are a few simple suggestions that may make a significant difference in your next experience.

  • Host a fun competition that results in a prize or giveaway
  • Demonstrate a new product or create a “first look” for attendees
  • Bring in an industry expert or spokesperson and have them sign autographs or take photos
  • Look at the best day and time to use these strategies to attract the most leads
  • Make sure that your trade show booth offers the absolute best experience for those attending

These are just some examples that you can use to ensure that your affordable trade show booth is exciting and interesting. Brainstorm some unique ideas in advance so you can implement them on the day of the trade show.

Follow Up on Your Leads

After you implement a successful trade show strategy, following up on new leads is just as important as getting them in the first place. Make sure that you take some time to come up with a marketing strategy and reach out to those leads after the show has ended.

It’s important to note that not all leads are the actual decision-makers for the company. Start by ensuring that you get the correct, accurate list of contacts for the people who will be able to call the final shots. You can do this by nicely asking for a referral if the original lead is not the “person in charge.”

Organize all of your new leads into a spreadsheet or database so you can keep track of who you contact later, and their responses. When you reach out to new contacts, make sure you do so in a creative way that grabs their attention. Remind them that you received their information at the trade show.

Even if someone gives you their contact information at a trade show, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll follow through with a purchase. It’s up to you to take the time and effort to reach out to every single lead later to ensure that you’re gaining real customers and clients that will increase your revenue over time.

Find Awesome Leads at Your Next Trade Show

Attending trade shows is an excellent way to increase your lead generation. Remember to be creative and engaging, and follow up with all of the leads you receive for the best results.

If you’re preparing to attend a trade show soon, make sure you check out our incredible trade show displays today.

Gene Friedman
Live Chat Software