Whether you’ve been in business for decades or months, you’ve learned the importance of marketing potential clients and engaging current ones at trade shows. You’ve learned that while handouts and brochures are great to have at your place of business, trade shows and business conferences, they don’t always speak to the customers you’re looking for. So, now you’re here, looking for a fresh and exciting way to vamp up your marketing and heighten business appeal at your next trade show.
Developing new marketing materials and an effective overall campaign takes time and thorough development, but starting small - with coasters, for example - can help push you in the right direction and prepare you for what’s next. Here are four reasons why coasters are the perfect item to hand out at your next trade show appearance.
1. They’re less disposable. Whether or not your brochures, pamphlets, business cards and flyers offer important and relevant information to your customers, the fact remains that they’re the most disposable marketing tools out there. They can be incredibly effective, and are often expected at events. However, it’s likely that when your customers get home, they end up tossing out most of the handouts they picked up at the trade show. Giving out coasters significantly decreases the chances of your materials getting tossed out, and consequently, increases the chance that you’ll be remembered down the road.
2. They’re inexpensive. Compared to the value a custom coaster offers, they’re fairly inexpensive. With the ability to design them in color and print them on quality paper stocks, it’s easy to design a marketing coaster that validates your investment and supports your business tone.
3. They offer a simple and concise way to showcase your product. With such a small area, it’s impossible to say too much on a coaster. The space forces you to be precise, intriguing your customers with a sneak-peak of your product or service. Include your business information, and make sure they know how they can contact you to find out more!
4. They spread the word themselves. Give your customers the chance to spread the news about your product or service without saying a word. Of course, there’s no guarantee that your coaster will be used to play host to friends’ and family members’ drinks, but the better the quality, the better the chance and possible impression.
Designing a coaster doesn’t have to take a lot of time, but there’s certainly merit in perfecting your imagery, selecting your typeset, paper stock and color. Just like other marketing materials, the sharper they are, the better impression you’ll make with your customers and prospects!
