Small and big businesses alike have found out just how powerful social media can in helping their company expand.  In fact, according to CeBIT, the massive German technology show, 97 percent of consumers search for businesses online. The more technologically-advanced our society becomes, the more people will be relying on social media websites and mobile apps to help make their purchasing decisions.

While social media allows for people to conveniently network online, nothing compares to the effects of networking face-to-face, which is why trade shows continue to thrive, even in this technology-driven world. Combining both your online and face-to-face networking worlds will not only boost your brand awareness, but, if done correctly, could be drive traffic to your trade show display. With these tips, you will be able to create a more effective online presence and get more leads at trade shows.

1.       Post Short Videos – Video can be a great way at talking clearly about your business and trade show booth. Your video should explain a little bit about who you are and what they can expect to see at your booth. Don’t be afraid to tease them a little bit by just giving hints about who your well-known guest speaker will be or what kind of giveaway will be available. The anticipation will help give them an incentive to stop by.

2.       Use Hash Tags – Honestly, there have been many times where I have seen people on Twitter go a little hashtag-happy. In other words, they like to make every other word a hashtag, which is one of my pet peeves. That being said, hash tags can also be very helpful for exhibitors if the hashtags being used are related to the name of the event or your industry. By doing this, it will make it much easier for other exhibitors and attendees to find your tweets, as well as people in your industry who may not be aware of the event. But whatever you do, DO NOT use more than 2 hashtags per tweet for the sake of people like me who can’t stand it!

3.       Write Regular Blogs – By now, most companies have a blog set up, but many do not keep it up-to-date. Stay consistent by writing one every day, even if it is a short one. Post photos of your finished booth, as well as updates on what you and your company is doing to prepare for the trade show. This could mean letting your audience know about a contest you will be holding, a special promotion being held at the trade show only, or a new product that will be launched. Continue writing these blogs before the event, as well as after to give readers an idea of what they may have missed at the show.

4.       Incorporate QR Codes in Your Booth Design – QR codes allow attendees to simply scan it with their smart phone, taking them to a copy of a digital brochure, website, or landing page. This is an excellent way to give attendees all the information they need to make a purchasing decision, without spending a fortune on thousands of brochures that will end up getting tossed in the trash before the show is over anyways. Include these codes on your booth graphics, signage, and any other marketing materials you may have brought with you.

5.       Connect on LinkedIn – Once the event has officially ended and you have collected a pile of business cards and lead forms, stay connected with these potential customers through LinkedIn or another social media site that your audience may use the most.

With these 5 tips, you will be able to enhance your social media strategy, while drawing in a bigger crowd to your booth. Happy exhibiting!