When it comes to trade fairs, first impressions count. In fact, you’ve often only got a split second before a potential customer walks by. So it’s important to use everything at your disposal to grab their attention. Here are a few tips that will do just that as you plan your stand.

Don’t be a wallflower. Colour, movement and a bit of theatre are sure-fire ways to grab attention. Don’t blend into the background

Come to your senses.  Sight, sound, taste, smell and touch. The more you can use to get your message across, the greater the resonance of the message

Make your products king. Your offering should always be front and centre. Make the products the hero of your display

Access all areas.  Your stand needs to be accessible so potential customers can easily see your products. Try not to clutter with obstructive things like furniture, banners etc.

Theatresports. It always helps to add some colour with a bit of showbiz- whether a multimedia presentation  or a live demonstration- such shows attract people to you

People power. Always have enough staff to man your stand throughout the fair. Tired and overworked sales staff won’t present your products in their best light.

Making the most of your opportunities

Home & Giving Fair provides some great opportunities for those wishing to expand their business, but making the most of these opportunities means some extra leg work by you

• Make sure you go to the fair with clear achievable objectives
• Know your target market well. Understand their business type, their size and their location
• Get in touch with your existing customers as well as your list of potential customers by email or post card, to let them know that you’ll be at the fair. Encourage them to visit perhaps, enclosing a map with the exact location of your stand
• Collect contacts religiously throughout the fair and follow up every one after the fair has ended. It is important to maintain regular correspondence with these potential customers.