How To Use Social Media During A Trade Show

The main focus of participating in a trade show is, of course, the physical presence. Meeting potential customers and clients face-to-face and getting in some genuine human interaction is still one of the best ways to grow a business. However, social media can play an important role in getting those people to your exhibit space in the first place.

Here’s how you should be using social media to promote your trade show presence.

Get The Hashtag

Most trade shows understand the importance of social media and will use it themselves. A hashtag, an identifying phrase with the “#” symbol in front of it, is one of the most common ways to be distinguished on social media.

If your trade show uses social media, get the trade show’s hashtag and start including it in your own social media posts. Doing this 2-to-4 weeks before the show itself is a good timeframe.

Use LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the social media website for professional interests, so you can count on there being interest in a trade show there. Keep an eye out for posts, articles, and other trade show-related items in the LinkedIn community in the run-up to a trade show and take the time to participate. The quality of engagement here, because it’s on a professional level, will be much higher.

You can also use LinkedIn to notify attendees about booking appointments, scheduling lunches, and other networking opportunities.

Post Video

YouTube, Twitter, and other social media platforms all make it easy to put up videos online. If you have any images you want to promote or even give a recorded talk, this is good content that you can use to promote your business.

Photos and videos tend to get higher engagement than text, so be ready with the images and video and post them regularly during the trade show.

Create A Landing Page

Any interest you generate on social media about your trade show participation can lead people to look up your website. Make sure your website is ready to handle extra traffic and inquiries. For search engine optimization purposes, including a landing page specific to your trade show to make yourself easier to find.

Remember that your website is the 21st century equivalent of a business card or brochure. Keep it up to date.

If you’re thinking of taking part in a trade show and want to plan your exhibit, we can help. Contact Lighthouse Exhibits, and we can assist you with designing and constructing your trade show exhibit.