Trade show giveaways are for businesses a powerful marketing tool.
They have an enormous effect. Just how much can be estimated from the fact 62 percent businesses use them to increase brand awareness. Their conversion rate of nearly 34 percent is higher than other content types. Their overall impact helps to get leads, acquire new customers, raise brand awareness, and increase sales.
Trade shows also present an opportunity to connect with potential customers.
Creative giveaways are among the most effective ways to draw to your booth visitors. They drive meaningful conversations and also leave a lasting impression.
POWER OF TRADE SHOW GIVEAWAYS
Giveaways cater to multiple purposes. Like,
- ATTRACT FOOT TRAFFIC: Having something useful to give to visitors in a crowded show will encourage them to visit your booth. Just the promise of a free item is enough to draw attendees to stop by and start a conversation.
- INCREASE BRAND RECOGNITION: Unique or branded items with your logo and contact details have a major impact. They act as constant reminders of your brand long after the show gets over. A memorable giveaway increases the chances of potential customers recalling your brand. They recall it when later making purchasing decisions.
- CREATING EMOTIONAL CONNECTIONS: Giving a giveaway that resonates with attendees will work wonders. Whether it’s through humor or personalization, it can create a strong emotional connection with your audience. People if they feel a positive connection with the giveaway will more likely to remember your brand.
- GENERATING SOCIAL MEDIA BUZZ: Giveaways also present a chance for attendees to share online their experiences. An interesting or novel or fun giveaway is more likely to get social media mention. Your company gets exposure. As a result of which it can reach out to more people.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING GIVEAWAYS
It can get difficult selecting the right giveaways. It is not just about offering freebies. You also need to take into consideration several factors to choose the right giveaways aligned with your goals for a lasting impact.
- TARGET-AUDIENCE: Without knowing who your audience is, you cannot work out what giveaways to give.
- Consider the demographics and professional profile of your audience. If you’re in the tech industry, consider giving high-tech gadgets. They will be much appreciated by industry professionals. Likewise, if you’re in a small business, give your audience practical items like organizational tools or planners.
- BRAND RELEVANCE: Giveaway should be relevant, It should relate to your brand and industry.
- Eco-friendly giveaways are a good choice if you’re an eco-conscious company. Giveaways like Reusable Bags OR Water Bottles. They reinforce your brand message and sync with your audience.
- BUDGET: Giveaways come at a cost. To make sure they are well within your budget, set a realistic budget. This will ensure sufficient items for the trade show without in any manner compromising on quality or utility value of the item. A thoughtful well-designed giveaway can still make an impact even if it’s not extravagant.
PRACTICALITY AND UTILITY VALUE: Focus on those items that are actually used by people. A giveaway that serves a functional purpose will impress your audience and keep your brand on top of mind. They increase the likelihood of the item being used long after the trade show booth experience ends.
- UNIQUENESS AND APPEAL: Offer something that is not the usual stereotyped giveaway or of little use. Instead, offering a giveaway that is of benefit to your audience will help foster greater brand loyalty. Think out-of-the-box as to what kind of item will win over your audience. Then watch how they drive a memorable and shareable experience. They get the attendees associated with your brand.
BEST OF CREATIVE TRADE SHOW GIVEAWAY IDEAS
The following creative ideas tell what kind of giveaway will be suitable for the show.
CUSTOM-BRANDED TECH GADGETS
People in a tech-driven world are always keen on gadgets. They enhance their digital experience. In this regard, custom-branded tech items are among the most effective giveaways. They are a worthy giveaway as they have high perceived value. They also appeal better to attendees of all industries.
- POWER BANKS: Portable chargers as a giveaway makes a lot of sense. They appeal to attendees who rely on their phones to navigate the event, take notes, and connect with others. A branded power bank for instance ensures your logo is seen repeatedly. Both at the trade show event and after the event.
- USB DRIVES: Classic giveaway item. They can be both practical as well as personal. For added value, pre-load them with useful details about your company. They can also be used to preload with industry insights or product demos for added value.
- BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS: High-quality Bluetooth Speaker containing your brand’s logo. They help it stand out from the usual stereotyped swag.
- SMARTPHONE STANDS: Mobile phones today are integral to people’s daily lives. Offering a custom Smartphone stand OR holder will be a handy giveaway and much appreciated.
SUSTAINABLE AND ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS
Consumers are getting eco-conscious. As a result, eco-friendly giveaways are much in demand at trade shows these days.
Eco-friendly items align your brand with modern values. At the same time, significantly attract eco-conscious customers.
- REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES: Stainless steel. Or BPA-free plastic water bottles. They are a perfect giveaway. People today use them daily for storing drinking water. They are useful. Besides they also give your brand constant exposure thereby spreading brand awareness.
- CANVAS TOTE BAGS: High-quality tote bags. They are much sought after. They are functional and eco-friendly, perfect for carrying other swag items. They are also good for everyday use thereby providing publicity for your brand image.
- PLANT KITS: Branded plants like herbs or succulents. They make for unique giveaways as they symbolize growth and sustainability. Better still they provide an interactive experience for your visitors and enhance your brand identity.
- BAMBOO PRODUCTS: Great renewable resource. They are a perfect eco-conscious giveaway. Like bamboo pens, toothbrushes, etc. In some cases, even bamboo charging cables.
PERSONALIZED GIFTS
Personalized giveaways make attendees feel uniquely special. They get more connected to your brand.
There is something about personalization that gets attendees drawn towards them. They add a unique touch and drive emotional connection with your audience.
- MONOGRAMMED MUGS OR WATER BOTTLES: Customized mugs. Or water bottles with attendee’s initials or name, they give a personal touch. They make it a standout giveaway.
- PERSONALIZED NOTEBOOKS: Notebooks customized with attendee’s name. Or a special message. They captivate the attendees’. They also serve as a thoughtful, functional gift.
- CUSTOMIZED APPAREL: Present your attendees the opportunity to personalize items OR t-shirts or hats, or foodies. They add a fun, interactive element to the whole gifting process. They also enhance the chances of attendees wearing them or using them as items.
INTERACTIVE AND FUN GIVEAWAYS
Just handing out free items will not get people to visit your booth. They need an experience that engages and entertains them.
Interactive giveaways are a great way to break the ice. They make your booth feel uniquely different.
- SPIN-TO-WIN WHEELS:
- Set-up a spin-to-win prize wheel at your booth. Aside from the lure of interactive experience, the chance to win prizes will draw attendees in droves.
- Offer a variety of items. From small trinkets to larger prizes like premium tech gadgets or gift cards.
- GAMES AND CONTESTS: Host a fun game or contest that rewards participants with a giveaway. Simple trivia game or Quick Challenge, or Scavenger Game. They add an element of fun with excitement to the event. At the same time, also generate engagement with your brand.
- BRANDED SELFIE STATION:
- Create a branded photo booth or selfie station. Attendees will get a place to take fun photos with your props or products.
- Offer instant prints or digital images with your logo. They encourage attendees to share on social media. Your brand and products stand to get exposed to more people.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS PRODUCTS
Health and wellness are prominent today. For many people remains a top priority. Take the opportunity to give health-related giveaways for trade shows. They resonate deeply with health-conscious attendees. And additionally serve as an indication of your brand’s focus on health and wellness.
- STRESS RELIEF ITEMS: Stress Balls, Fidget Spinners. Or Aromatherapy Products, like diffusers or essential oils. They help attendees to stay relaxed and unwind. Besides these items are extremely effective at trade shows that can for visitors at times get tiring or feel too overwhelmed.
- FITNESS GEAR: Branded fitness items like Yoga Mats, Resistance Bands, OR Pedometers. They enhance brand appeal and industry image.
- HEALTHY SNACKS: Packaged snacks like Protein Shakes. Or Trail Mix and Granola Bars. They make for an appreciative giveaway for health-conscious attendees.
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS AND VOUCHERS
Service or offer at times can be when compared to a physical product be best giveaways
Discounts or vouchers are good examples of that. They are a powerful way to get attendees to make a beeline to your booth, and take the opportunity to drive immediate action and boost sales and
- DISCOUNT COUPONS: Discounts on your products/services. They entice attendees to visit your booth. This will give your booth staff the next step in getting them engaged with your business.
- FREE TRIALS OR SAMPLES: Software, Subscription services, or any other type of product. They can be tested or provided as free trials or samples to interested attendees. This will allow attendees to experience firsthand your offering.
USEFUL OFFICE SUPPLIES
Giveaways that can be used in professional lives are much appreciated.
Office supplies are a good example of that. They present an easy way to entice attendees in droves to your booth. They also ensure your brand stays in their daily routines in front and center.
- BRANDED PENS, NOTEPADS, AND CALENDERS: Classic trade show giveaways that still remain effective hits with the audience. Pens, notepads, calendars, etc, are all simple, everyday items that are used or seen. They keep your brand visible in people’s eyes.
- DESK ORGANIZERS: Compact branded desk organizers, or multi-functional tools. They help attendees stay organized at work. At the same time, also promote your brand in a big way.
- PHONE AND LAPTOP ACCESSORIES: Branded items like laptop sleeves, cable organizers, or phone grips. Although small, they are highly useful giveaways. They ensure your brand gets repeated exposure daily every second.
Use social media to amplify the significance of your giveaways. Then, encourage attendees to share their experiences
Trade show giveaways are not just promotional tools. They also are an opportunity to drive meaningful connections with your audience. Besides, they increase brand recognition, and most importantly leave a lasting impact that stays embedded in memory for long.
Make it count at your trade shows with creative giveaways aligned with your brand values and brand image. They will set your brand apart from competition to leave a lasting impact.
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