Trade show marketing is a lucrative way to advertise. In fact, in 2016, trade show and event marketing grew to become a 12.8 billion dollar industry in the United States.
It’s great to know that industry is alive and well, but with so much competition in the space, how can you stand out?
You have to make your booth unique. And we’ve compiled 10 awesome tips to help you create a trade show booth design that will do just that.
Read on to learn more!
1. Swag, Swag, Swag
Giving away free things is a trade show classic. But that’s because it works!
Have you ever been at a trade show and see people carrying some intriguing swag? That’s one of the main points of giving away free stuff.
However, you need to do it right. Pick something unique that will be different than the usual pen or t-shirt. One idea you could consider is giving away food or drink items.
Or how about giving them something they can take home and actually use later? Some unique ideas are pop sockets, car air fresheners, or iPhone cases.
At the end of the day, your swag will keep your business top of mind but also help bring traffic to your booth.
2. Invite Your Customers Inside
When you’re coming up with your booth design, remember to make it inviting. You want people to easily make their way inside your booth and then find ways to keep them there.
Oftentimes, companies don’t think through booth layout. A long table in the front keeps your customers at a distance with you on one side and them on the other.
Changing up that layout could get rid of the physical separation but also improve your emotional connection as well.
3. Another Booth Design Tip: Focus on Your Visuals
It might seem obvious to focus on your booth visuals, but in all honesty, most companies could drastically improve their brand image in their booths.
When designing your visual elements, including signage, banners, tablecloths, and carpet, just to name a few, keep things consistent. Have a consistent message, but don’t overdo it with too much text.
Use the same colors and fonts throughout your booth, like you would do for any other branding material. But be creative! Think of a catchphrase that will garner people’s attention or an image that will be shocking or funny.
These types of things make an impact on people.
4. Offer a Limited Time Deal
It’s simple. People respond to urgency. In fact, psychologists have found that urgent situations cause people to suspend deliberate thought and to act more quickly than normal.
So for that reason, you should consider offering a specific trade show deal at your booth that only lasts for the duration of the event. This is a terrific way to close more sales because these types of deals generate higher levels of excitement.
This also helps ensure that people don’t go home and forget about your company. Instead, they can sign up for a great price and become a happy customer right then and there.
5. Set up a Photo Op
In the age of smartphones and selfies, a photo op is another way to increase traffic to your booth. You should definitely consider this when developing your booth design.
When someone sees a fun photo opportunity, this can be a perfect way to break the ice and start a sales conversation.
Here are a few photo op ideas:
- Use a simple retractable banner with the conference logo as well as yours
- Make a picture frame with your company name and logo that people can hold in photos
- Bring fun props or even a character in costume
The ideas are truly endless!
6. Incorporate Product Demos
A product demonstration is another great way to draw attention to your trade show booth.
One way to do this is to have scheduled product demos throughout the day. These are effective because they create a crowd in your booth, intriguing even more people as they walk by. To inform people of these demonstrations, consider creating a sign, either physical or digital, to announce the times.
You can also do one-on-one product demos as people approach your booth. Both methods can be effective.
7. Think about Lighting
Another booth design tip is to consider the lighting in your booth. While overhead lighting does the job, creative lights can make your booth stand out.
Think about the atmosphere you want to create. Lamps and side tables could create a warm and comfortable atmosphere. Brighter or more contrasting lighting could add a modern touch.
Lighting specific parts of your display is also an option. This can help emphasize key points and add visual interest to your product information.
8. Add a Game or Contest
If you want to stand out, a contest or game can make your booth both interactive and fun. People love to win free items, whether on a small wheel of fortune or a big grand prize. It’s exciting to have the possibility of winning.
Other games have proven effective as well. One idea is to place printed materials around the venue before attendees arrive that can be redeemed for a prize. This is a great way to increase incoming traffic to your booth.
9. Don’t Forget Your Uniforms
It can be easy to overlook your uniforms, but don’t make this mistake! Whether you are going with branded outfits or business casual, make sure your team’s look is cohesive.
One way to stand out is with humorous or creative t-shirts that can be read from afar. These are a great way to get people’s attention.
And even if you choose business casual, plan the outfits beforehand. Have everyone wear the same shirt, tie, or suit.
10. Make Your Booth a Charging Station
Conference days are long and it’s common for phones and computers to need a quick charge. Why not capitalize on this by adding charging stations to your booth design?
This is a great way to increase traffic. And what’s even better is that you now have a captive audience while devices are charging.
Don’t be afraid to use this time to strike up a conversation. It could result in a major sale.
What’s Next?
Now that you’ve read these 10 tips to improve your trade show booth design, the next step is to implement them! So, go ahead and pick a few and get started.
If you need custom banners or signage, contact us today. We’re here to help.
