How To Promote Your Business At Local Events
Attending local events like trade fairs, festivals, and business conferences is a great way to introduce your business to new customers and fellow entrepreneurs in your local area.
Unlike other forms of marketing, attending events doesn't have to cost a lot, making it ideal for small businesses on a tight budget.
The value of attending a business event is huge. One survey found that 95% of people agreed that better business relationships are built through face-to-face meetings.
But to make your event attendance worthwhile, you'll need to know how to promote your business and interact with other attendees effectively.
To help you out, we've put together a list of easy-to-follow steps to help you make the most out of any future events you attend.
Here’s how to promote a business when attending local events.
1. Have Business Cards At The Ready
Although technology has transformed business communications, one piece of printed branding that remains as important as ever is the trusted business card.
While mixing at an event, handing out a business card to potential prospects, customers, and local business groups is a great way to promote your brand and make a great first impression.
Not only does your business card share important contact information such as your name, title, email, website, address, and phone number, but it introduces people to your overall business image.
The company logo on your card gives a glimpse into your brand identity, as well as the fonts, colors, and paper you chose. Make sure you have a high quality, professional business card at the ready.
2. Be Active And Engage With People
While attending business events, it's crucial that you put yourself out there and spark conversations with people you think might be interested in what you have to say.
Networking at a conference can be a great way to form professional relationships, explore new areas, and boost your career.
This sounds great but starting a conversation with a stranger isn't always easy.
That's why we've shared some helpful opening questions to help you get chatting:
- What do you do for work?
- What brought you to this event?
- What do you think about the event so far?
- Are you familiar with any of the speakers?
- How do you like working for your company?
- What's your primary role at your company?
- What projects are you working on right now?
- How did you get involved in your field?
3. Talk With People In Your Industry
When networking at local business events, ensure you focus on those in your industry. After all, you don't want to waste valuable time chatting with people who won't be able to help your business.
Before attending an event, read up on industry news and trends so you'll be prepared to discuss relevant subjects. Ask for other people's thoughts on topics that are interesting to both of you.
When meeting people in your industry, it's important to remember that even if they can't help you directly, someone in their network probably can.
4. Have Freebies Or Giveaways At Your Booth
We now know handing out your business card to event attendees can have great results.
However, freebies and giveaways tend to have an even more significant effect, especially on prospective customers.
That's because everyone loves free stuff. Before attending an event, consider bringing along some free swag for the big day.
Pens, mugs, t-shirts, and tote bags, including your company name and logo, are always a good idea as they lead to further exposure and an added way to promote your business.
Also, community events are an opportunity to do a giveaway for new products or services you're looking to introduce.
5. Sponsor Events
Sponsoring an event in your community is one of the most effective ways for a small business owner like you to increase your brand's visibility.
Not only does sponsoring an event help to expand your network and create meaningful business relationships, but it also proves that you care about your local community.
Attaching your business to worthy causes helps cultivate a positive brand image, proving to new and existing customers that your company is reliable and trustworthy.
You may also receive extra exposure in press releases or in your local newspaper.
One survey found that 74% of customers are more likely to buy a product of a brand they were exposed to via event marketing.
Even if the event is only for a day or two, putting the spotlight on your business can have major long-term benefits.
6. Entice People To Sign Up To Your Email List
Organizing a giveaway is a highly effective way to get attendees to sign up for your mailing list. Every person who shares their email address with you will be entered into the competition.
Before creating a giveaway, choose an attractive prize that will make signing up for your mailing list irresistible.
Collecting customer email addresses in your database to use in the coming months is an excellent way to expand your business.
For best results, avoid overloading inboxes with too many emails or ads. Every email you send should have something of value to offer the receiver.
Attending events is a fantastic way to promote your business, build professional relationships, and win new customers.
From networking with people in your industry to offering freebies and giveaways to potential customers - attending events is an excellent method of business promotion.
If you'd like further assistance promoting your small business locally or on search engines, our team at 406 Marketing would love to help.
At 406 Marketing, our talented team has years of experience helping local businesses like yours reach their target audience online through search engine optimization, conversion focused website design, and other online marketing efforts.
To discuss an in-depth strategy for promoting your business online, reach out, and we'll get the conversation started!