After establishing your eCommerce startup from scratch, it is time for you to find the best marketing opportunities. One of the most underrated tactics would be attending eco-friendly trade shows.
It is a commercial event where companies showcase their products and services based on the industry. Studies show that 92% of companies participating in trade shows go there to learn about innovations and the latest trends in the industry. At the same time, 56% of the visitors travel hundreds of miles to attend these exhibits.
Attending sustainable trade shows could increase your brand awareness and foster loyalty. Moreover, it is a chance to network and put the word out about your startup.
In this blog, we will cover the importance of trade shows for eCommerce startups. It will also show you how to prepare for the exhibit and about sustainability. Let’s get into it!
Why Should Startup Founders Attend Trade Shows?
Trade associations usually organize these shows, but sometimes, government agencies can also be the organizers. In either case, attending a trade show can be fruitful for your new business because of these reasons:
- You get to learn about your competitors, new products, and trends in the industry. As an eCommerce startup, you can make an impression and directly make a sale.
- Startups can consider trade shows an affordable marketing solution that can be a great lead generation opportunity. You can also understand more about your target audience.
- You can socialize with other eCommerce owners in your market. Startup owners can meet industry leaders and get inspiration, knowledge, and ideas.
Furthermore, communicating with like-minded people can help you foster connections and build relationships. In turn, this can lead to future joint venture opportunities and partnerships.
You can choose the trade show you want to attend based on the niche of your business. For example, you should visit a technology trade show if your startup is geared toward developing computer products.
Why Do Startups Need to Go Eco-Friendly for Trade Shows?
According to the Trade Show News Network, these exhibits generate about 600,000 tons of trash yearly. This amount causes severe damage to the environment.
As people are becoming more aware of these impacts, they would rather choose a sustainable company instead. A study by McKinsey suggests that 60% of people would pay extra for sustainable products.
Therefore, it is crucial for you to focus on eco-friendly exhibits. You should encourage the use of reusable products and opt for digital handouts for attendees.
According to Classic Exhibits, avoid limiting your eco-friendly vision regarding sustainable booths. Most green booths are made from flexible, biodegradable, and reusable materials. Stacy Parizek from Bella Creative says that Classic Exhibits provide flexible, creative, responsive, and dependable services.
Moreover, you have a green advantage that shows your company’s sustainable efforts. You can focus on energy efficiency and future-proof your startup with sustainable exhibits. It also increases your staff’s morale and gives your new brand a competitive advantage.
Hence, the first time you go to trade shows, use an eco-friendly display and recycled materials. Doing so will solidify your brand’s name in the market.
How Can You Make Your First Trade Show Exhibit Successful?
Preparing for a trade show should be organized and systematic, just like any other marketing endeavor. As mentioned, trade shows help you make connections and give your startup much-needed exposure.
Your sustainable trade show booth should be visually compelling, practical, memorable, and dynamic. To achieve this, you must follow these steps:
- Set Goals – Consider the promotional materials required based on the attendance count. After that, you can check the social media interactions, contacts created, and conversions during the exhibition.
- Analyze Venue – As a startup, another essential thing to consider is the exhibition’s limitations. Once you pick the desirable trade show, consider essentials like booth space, decoration, location, accessibility, and parking.
- Design Display – Once you have set goals and have analyzed the venue, it is time to design an innovative booth. Of course, you will need sustainable products and banners. Remember to put a wireless charging station, seating options, and offer freebies.
Furthermore, as a startup owner, you must research the type of competitors coming to the trade show. Doing so will help you create promotional materials to get the word out about your attendance.
The Bottom Line
Studies show 82% of trade show attendees have buying power. Most of the people attending them love going to these exhibits because it helps them understand what to buy. About 74% of customers said they would buy a product after seeing it displayed at trade shows.
These statistics show that startups can benefit significantly from such exhibits. You can learn about competitors, socialize, and generate leads. We have taken the time to show you everything you need to know about this subject. Go over the information again and make the most of it for your startup.