Branding and Marketing-You never get a second chance to make a first impression and that is especially true when you’re presenting your brand to the world.Add in the stress and fast pace of a trade show and it becomes a make or break situation.

Trade shows are important events for small and mid-market business to network, showcase their brand, grow their platform and ultimately build revenue. The key is creating an experience that is impactful for those experiencing your brand for the first time without it costing an arm and a leg.Putting together a strategic game plan when it comes to branding and marketing before you hit the trade show will go a long way to accomplish both.

Try these five ideas to freshen up the trade show experience:

Do Your Research – Participating in a trade show often requires a large investment so if you are a newbie to the trade show game, you need to learn from those who have more experience than you.  Go to different trade shows and take time to explore a variety of booths. Learn what works and what doesn’t. No matter how much preparation you put in, there will always be something you can learn from those who have ore experience.

Get Interactive –  Not all brands are easy to display. Find a way to allow your booth traffic to interact with your products or services because if you can make your product or service interactive, people will hang around. Not only will you generate interest, but they will get a better understanding of what is unique to your brand and that goes a long way to building trust with a potential customer.

Promotional Items – Imprinted pens, calendars, and t-shirts will keep your company’s name and logo on people’s minds every time they use them. Promotional giveaways that are easily visible are a great way to extend your booth’s reach. So hand out big stickers, wearables, etc and turn it into a game. The more people you get to wear them, the more others will want one. The can also be a great conversation piece that automatically inserts your brand into that conversation. Brochures and other printed materials also work really well – especially if you can get them at a great price.

Give them Social Proof – Trade show booths that seem to have a lot going on tend to draw more action. Bring extra employees (dressed in regular clothes) and have them surround your booth and interact with the staff and onlookers. Social proof inspires trust and seeing others already engaging with your brand will cause others to come see what’s so fascinating.

Follow up Fast – Connect with leads as quickly as possible after the trade show. I would suggest waiting no longer than one day and then reach out to any prospects so that your interaction is still fresh in their mind. I know we all want to think we’re special but at a trade show, so many interactions take place that it would be hard to remember everyone.

These tips will help you stand out at any trade show and create lasting business relationships that could positively impact your bottom line.When putting together your branding and marketing strategy, don’t forget to swing by Staples for everything your business needs to prepare for events, from updating and upgrading marketing materials to completely outfitting your booth signage and displays – all at an affordable price!