Using Social Media to Promote Your Booth at the Trade Show

One of the main ingredients to a successful trade show is incorporating the right advertising components to promote your company and draw visitors to your booth. Social media marketing added into that mix will really help you shine during the trade shows. Here is a checklist for social media best practices at a trade show:

1. Decide which social channels you will use. Base your decision on your resources and what can be done efficiently.
2. Plan Ahead.  Blogging can be done ahead of time and can include booth location, maps, advance information about sales, and products or services. YouTube videos can also be done in advance and can highlight your products or services. Choose a Twitter hashtag and use it during the event.  Set up a Foursquare check-in to help promote your booth. Make sure that you have great photo opportunities on a regular basis to post on all the other social channels you are using.
3. Execute the plan. Stick to the calendar of social events and updates that you have laid out. Make sure that your social stream is consistent, professional, and steady throughout the duration of the trade show.
4. Coordinate with other booths. If you have partner companies or businesses with complementary products or services then see how you can work together to create additional buzz for both of your booths.  Also consider doing the same with local businesses in the city or town where your trade show is being held.
5. Engage with attendees. Seek out attendees using search on social channels and reach out to them. Invite them to your booth, post discounts, and offer tips to both the event and the visiting city.
6. Follow Through. Just because the trade show is over does not mean to stop your social efforts. Social media should be done consistently all of the time, not just during events.