Is your company participating in a trade show? Are you worried about your small budget? With the proper planning and the right display tools, your small booth can become a huge crowd-puller. Check out our helpful tips to create an impactful display on a small budget.
1. Use Pop-up Trade Show Displays
Tension fabric trade show displays are the most budget-friendly option for advertising your brand. There are several advantages of using trade show display stands. They are convenient, customizable, lightweight, durable, easy to transport, easy to set up, and reusable. These display stands create an enormous impact on a small budget. They display brilliant, eye-catching graphics that enhance your brand image.
2. Rent a Booth
If you have the need for a more elaborate booth, but only plan to use it once, renting makes more sense than buying it. When you rent, you pay less than the amount you would spend on purchasing booth components. This can make a larger exhibit fit in your budget when purchasing would require a simpler, less impressive display.
3. Host a Contest Instead of Offering Free Merchandise
Free giveaways like pens, t-shirts, bags, coffee mugs are an indispensable part of trade shows. Many brands give away a free item with its logo in the hopes of winning the attention of the audience. The catch is that giving free merchandise is expensive. Even a $5 pen can cost thousands of dollars if you’re giving away hundreds of them.
The practical and budget-friendly alternative is to hold a contest. Get event attendees to participate in a quiz or game to win a grand prize like an iPad. Attendees are much more likely to remember the brand that had a $1,000 prize than the brand that gave away free t-shirts worth $10. Also, organizing contests makes attendees spend more time at your booth, improving brand engagement and brand impact.
4. Book Early to Enjoy Discounts
Most trade shows offer early-bird discounts for brands that book first. The deal can help you save thousands of dollars on registration and exhibition fees. Additionally, when you book early, you can also book hotels and flights at cheaper rates. Ideally, you should plan which trade shows you want to attend and book as soon as registration opens to enjoy great discounts and other extras.
5. Choose Local Trade Shows
Traveling to and from a trade show and overnight hotel stays all cost a lot of money. If you’re running low on funds, then it’s a good idea to participate in a local show in your city before attending a bigger show in another state or country. Think of it as a test drive to practice your marketing strategy before going big. Also, local trade shows give you more ROI as the leads are more likely to convert.