Fall wedding shows, craft fairs and community home and recreational events are just around the corner and they are a great way to get your business name out to local shoppers. Here are a few tips to help you attract traffic to your booth.
- Choose the right show – Before you sign up, always evaluate the show to make sure it’s a good fit for you. Who are the other exhibitors? What demographic does it attract and how many attendees come to the show? Just because you’ve always had a booth at a show doesn’t mean it’s still worth doing.
- Plan ahead – Figure how much product you need to bring, what market and designs to showcase, how you’re getting it to the show and how your booth will look.
- Deal or no deal – Work with the show organizers to get the best possible deal for your booth. You may be able to work out a cheaper agreement (or a free booth!) if you sponsor the show, donate products to give the events centre a fresh floral feel or create bouquets for the bridal fashion show.
- Bring only the best – Don’t dig into the back of the cooler for blooms close to the best before date. Decorate your booth with fresh designs. Grab fragrant stems so visitors can smell you an aisle away.
- Freshen up those flowers – Ask show organizers for access to water so you can feed your hungry stems and keep your displays from drying up.
- Make attendees feel welcome – Trade shows are all about promoting your business. Don’t stand in the corner with your arms crossed. Welcome attendees, engage them and tell them about your shop. Give them a reason to stop and chat with you.
- Give away – One of the best things about going to a trade show is the freebies! Hand out individual flowers to attendees or bundle together a few stems for each person that signs up for your e-newsletter. It will generate a buzz because everyone will be asking “where did you get those flowers?”
- Go for an intimate approach – For market specific shows like bridal events, set up a comfy area in your booth for quick consultations. You can invite the bride-to-be into your booth and let her know about your services without being interrupted or jostled by other attendees.
- Show off your skills – Set up an area in the booth where you can do a live demo and show off your floral design expertise. Advertise certain demo times to drive traffic to your booth.
- Follow up – Once the show is over, go through all the information you gathered and follow up immediately. Show your customer that their business is important to you and you are more than eager to serve them.
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