Build your Trade Show - Virtually

Virtual trade shows are gaining momentum as a way to encourage participation in the event - both live and online. Here are a few ideas to help you expand your trade show - virtually.

1. Provide a map of the show floor that matches the live show. Link each booth on the map to the vendor's virtual booth.

2. Have each online show visitor register. Give them an ID number to make it easy to request more information from the vendors online, rather than having to fill out forms at each virtual booth.

3. Let visitors search at least three ways: company name, booth number, or type of products.

4. Have the grand opening of your virtual trade show at least 2 weeks before the conference.

5. Encourage each vendor to offer a "show special" that is featured on their trade show page.

6. Offer coupons booth that online visitors can print and bring to the live show. As the organizer, you should plan to offer special coupons online as well. Consider a free drink coupon or a special souvenir of the conference, only available with the coupon.

7. Provide online stations in the exhibit area so that live visitors can visit the online trade show. Provide a printer to print coupons or number the coupons so that they can bring the number to the booth for the "special" discount.

8. Use a digital camera at the live show to take a picture of each booth. Add the photos to the vendors' pages for after-the-show identification.

9. Leave the show online for at least three months after the live show so that attendees can follow up. Consider a year-round show with vendors who sign up for next year's live show participating all year long for a reduced fee.

10. Offer a virtual booth only fee to vendors who cannot be at the live show. Price it accordingly.

11. Include a means for vendors to create their virtual booth at your site. A full booth might include a Front Page, a Back Wall, Right and Left Sides, plus a page for specials. As an alternative, a lesser fee could provide just a Front Page with a link to their site.

12. Open links to vendors' company sites in a new window. That way you don't lose the traffic. Once they close the other window your site is still in the background waiting to be seen again.

Dr. Jeanette Cates is an Internet strategist who works with experts who are ready to turn their knowledge and their websites into Gold. Her reputation as a speaker and trainer has earned her the title of The Technology Tamer. Jeanette shares her news and views in OnlineSuccessNews.com

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


4 Sales Strategies with Your Trade Show Exhibition Booth

Trade show booths can act as an excellent source for... Read More

A Seven Letter Word That Helped a 3 Month Marketing Newbie to Online Success

Who would have thought that a three month newbie and... Read More

Good Marketing Pays for Itself

Most companies ask themselves this question: "How much will this... Read More

Cook Up Something Special: How To Create A WOW Experience For Your Clients

My niece recently graduated from high school, and my family... Read More

AIDA From A Different View - I Call It the 5 Ws

My childhood was my foundation for how I write and... Read More

Marketing in Business and Commerce in the New Consciousness

The point is what you give to another you give... Read More

How to Leverage Your Most Powerful Marketing Tool

Second in a series of three articles:What if you could... Read More

Top 9 Strategies To Attract More Clients Now

1. Advertise in trade journals, ezines, and web sites that... Read More

Provacative Research Works

If you want to double your business, then you need... Read More

Are You Overlooking Your Hidden Profit Centers?

There are other names given to "Back-End Selling". You may... Read More

Marketing Planning Made Simple - Another Small Business Power Tool

Marketing planning must be really difficult and complex, otherwise why... Read More

The Battle of Positioning -- Altruism or Paranoia?

Competition in the past has embodied such beliefs of "kill... Read More

Niche And Grow Rich

Unless you've been living under an Internet rock, you've probably... Read More

Marketing Strategies: What Choices Do You Have?

Most business people want to see improvements in sales and... Read More

How to Discover your Primary Market and Where to Find Them

Whether you market online or offline, you already know the... Read More

Top Four Marketing Secrets of Building a Professional Practice

Building a coaching or consulting practice can be rewarding and... Read More

Three Alternative Methods On Getting Quality Testimonials with Bonus

Here are three alternatives to increase your testimonial numbers or... Read More

Build Your Business Through Networking

Here's one of the most important success principles you'll ever... Read More

How to Earn the Right

"How to Earn the Right..."Marketing your professional services is a... Read More

Read Your Markets Mind - 3 Great Market Research Resources

Starting a new online business, developing a new product, launching... Read More

5 Tips on Establishing Yourself As An Expert In Your Community

Wondering how to get new patients into your practice? Wondering... Read More

First to Market Theory

AGE OLD QUESTIONBusiness scholars throughout the planet keep asking the... Read More

Your Marketing Plan - Prerequisite to Success

Marketing is a vital aspect of a business' operations. It... Read More

Wooing Women With Packaging

In just one month three California vineyards have introduced new... Read More

Networking Events ? Lose the Fear and Gain the Benefits

"Kevin, are you saying I need to go to Networking... Read More

Marketing Yourself and Your Business to Thriving!

We all watch the commercials on TV. We hear them... Read More

What Our CAT Taught Me About Marketing!

Toby is one of our two family pets (both cats).... Read More

Budgeting for a Postcard Mailing

If you've never done a postcard mailing, you're probably wondering,... Read More

Trade Show Promotions That Are Memorable

If you have been to expos and trade shows as... Read More

Demographics For the Masses

Information is the lifeblood of the economy. That's especially true... Read More

Free or Not Free ? That is the Question

You may be in business for yourself or as a... Read More

8 BIG Benefits To Selling Big Ticket Items

Ok, before we get down to the benefits of... Read More

Loan Officer Marketing ? How to Target the Right Agents

Once there was a loan officer, who marketed his services... Read More