Trade show follow up is one of the most important keys to exhibiting success, but it can be a challenge to know what’s best and, for some exhibitors, it’s can be difficult just to know where to start. Today’s post will help you get your creative juices flowing with 15 ideas off the top of my head… I’m sure with some focused brainstorming, you could think of even more (when you do, please share them in the comments section below).
1. Text your hottest leads at the end of each show day to create top of mind awareness as they reflect upon their conversations with you and your competitors.
2. Call your important contacts immediately following your event to schedule additional discussion time and answer any lingering questions.
3. Go back over the notes you took in the booth; then e-mail additional information to clarify your answers and emphasize relevant discussion points for each visitor.
4. Invite your visitors to opt-in to your mailing list (don’t just assume they are interested because they stopped by your booth) to receive additional information from your company on a recurring basis.
5. Opt-in to your new contacts’ mailing lists to show your interest in them too.
6. Write a personal thank you note to any clients who visited your booth or made time to connect while you were in the convention city.
7. Write a personal thank you note to any prospects who made time to sit down with you for a meeting during your trade show.
8. Check in with visitors who made a purchase during the show to ensure that their product/service has been received and is working properly.
9. Check in with visitors who made a purchase during the show to introduce complementary offerings.
10. Reach out to any potential partners you met at this event to make appropriate introductions to other contacts where appropriate.
11. Find and connect with your new contacts on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social media sites.
12. Publicly congratulate booth drawing winners, promote the extension of your show special, and/or recognize new industry friends through your website, blog, or social media channels.
13. Continue on-line efforts you had started before your event to promote your trade show presence: maintain a consistent blogging schedule, comment on group discussions, and share useful industry/company/offering information (even if your next event is a whole year away).
14. Consider extending or expanding your presence in relevant publications (both on- and off-line) through advertisements, article submissions, etc.
15. Send a greeting card with a picture of your team at the show to remind visitors how much you enjoyed meeting them at the event.
Robyn Davis - Owner, When I Need Help (WINH)
Robyn helps exhibitors improve their results at conventions and trade shows by providing on-site sales and marketing support, pre-/post-event consulting services, and convenient products. Contact Robyn to discuss your situation today!
