Calls to Action – Trade Show Guide

What are Calls to Action (CTAs)?

At trade shows it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd and capture the attention of attendees. Calls to action, or CTA, is a statement that encourages people to take a specific action such as visiting your booth or signing up for your mailing list. CTAs are essential for getting the most out of the trade show experience, as they help you generate leads and build relationships.

 

Why do I need CTAs at a trade show?

Trade shows can be bustling with many vendors vying for the attention of potential customers. Having a clear, eye-catching CTA will help you stand out from the competition and draw more interest to your booth. A call to action is an integral piece of a successful trade show because CTA’s can create engagement, generate leads, and build connections with attendees.

 

How do I implement my Calls to Action?

For an effective call to action, you must consider how you are communicating it throughout the trade show; by using various methods to communicate a CTA you increase your chances of converting visitors to customers. The following list provides examples of where to communicate a call to action:

• Booth Signage. Place CTAs prominently on your booth displays or banners. For example, “Visit Us for a Demo.”
  
  

• Interactive Displays. If you have interactive displays or demonstrations incorporate CTAs within them. For instance, “Try Our Product Now” or “Scan Your Badge for a Free Trial.”

• Promotional Materials. Include CTAs on your brochures, flyers, or business cards. This could be something like “Contact Us for a Consultation”
  
  
• Engagement Activities. Encourage engagement with CTAs during activities like games or contests. For instance, “Spin the Wheel for Prizes” or “Complete Our Survey to Receive a Gift.
  
  
• Presentation Endings. If you’re giving a presentation conclude with a clear CTA. For example, “Stop by Our Booth to Learn More” or “Schedule a Meeting with Us.”
  
  

• Social Media Promotion especially LinkedIn for B2B. If you’re active on social media during the event use CTAs in your posts. This could be something like “Follow Us for Live Updates” or “Use #EventHashtag to Join the Conversation.”
  
  

• Networking. In conversations with attendees, end with a clear CTA. For example, “Let’s Schedule a Follow-Up Meeting” or “Visit Our Website to Learn More.”
  
  

What makes my CTA better than the rest?

The key is to make your calls to action clear, compelling, and actionable to drive desired outcomes, whether it’s generating leads, making sales, or building relationships. Differing your call to action from your competition will help you stand out. Some CTA variations include:

“Discover our latest products” – This invites attendees to explore what’s new and innovative from your company.

• “Meet with a specialist” – This provides attendees with the opportunity to schedule a one-on-one consultation with a knowledgeable representative from your company.
  
  
• “Experience it for yourself” – This invites attendees to try a product demonstration or sample, giving them a hands-on experience with your offering.
  
  
• “Take advantage of our offer” – This offers attendees a limited-time discount or special offer for visiting your booth.
  
  

In conclusion, calls to action that are personal, interactive, and offer value to the attendees tend to work well at trade show booths. By incorporating these types of CTAs, you can engage with attendees, generate leads, and build relationships that can benefit your business in the long term.