Social networks permeate every industry and line of business, including event marketing and conferences. Using social media at a trade show increases your booth traffic and attendance, as well as keeps those unable to attend in the know of what’s going on and what’s new! There are several different mediums to use to get your company in front of your potential customers.
The various mediums include blogs, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. By utilizing these tools while you are at the show, you keep your followers (and future customers!) excited and informed about the show, your great products and services, and the benefits of working with you. So, what do you do?
Send out a tweet telling the first 25 people that come to your booth and mention the tweet get something: a special giveaway, a discount on an order, or the chance to see the newest product before everyone else. This will drive people to your booth with a sense of urgency. If there was a great speaker or panel discussion, tweet remarks from it. This will appeal to the crowd of followers who are unable to attend the show, but are still very interested.
Take a video at the show. It could be of your new product you are unveiling, a customer interview, or highlights from the show. Put it up on YouTube and Facebook and link to it on Twitter and LinkedIn. This will allow you to share the energy and excitement, which will easily be felt by those watching the video.
Poll your audience. Ask them what they think of your new product or service. Or ask them what was something interesting that they learned about your company at the show. Engaging your friends and followers will make them feel included and increase their interest.
Keeping your social media active and alive during your shows will draw people in and allow them to share in the thrill of the show, your company, and your brand!