A Guide for Using Social Media at Your Next Trade Show

Social media allows you to connect with people both at the trade show and those who couldn’t attend. It is a useful tool for before, during and after an event and something that you should definitely be utilising at your next show.

It can be difficult to keep your feed updated at a trade show or even just trying to think of what content to post. This is why we have created a short guide to using social media at your next trade show.

Being in the Moment

It is really important to keep your social media channels updated throughout the day but remember you are there to talk to the visitors and engage with other exhibitors. If you cannot bring another team member or the social media account manager with you, be wary of how much time you’re spending on your device and when you’re using it.

Try to use your device when there are no visitors around or a limited number, this way you are not putting them off coming over to your stand. Another way you can make your device look more professional whether it is a personal phone or work tablet is to get a branded case for it. This way it does look more like a work device rather then you checking your personal phone all day.

Photos

Social media is such a visual form of content, and it is no lie that photos do much better on social media than just text posts. It is also a shareable form of content so make sure you’re tagging your location, the event organisers and using the right hashtags to get your posts seen.  

Photos can be shared directly from your Instagram to Facebook and Twitter to save even more time when you’re at the expo, and it will give your other channels exposure.

Another form of visual content you could think about using is Instagram stories; this is a story of photos and videos only available to users for 24 hours. Using hashtags, locations and tagging other users in these will help you to gain views and attention from these stories.

Photos are not only great for your social channels, but they will also aid your visitors in remembering who you are and what you do. When a visitor sees your photos from the day, they will remember who you are and be able to put a name to a face.

Seminars, talks or other exhibitors you know will be great to snap photos of throughout the day.

Schedule

Some trade shows get extremely busy and, especially if you’re on your own, there may be no time to post on social media. This is why it is a good idea to schedule some generic posts about the day beforehand. This way if you are rushed off your feet at least there are some “live” posts about the expo going out – your followers won’t know that they were scheduled.

These posts can be generic posts about the trade show that you’re at; they won’t include any photos or specific details about the people you have met. They could mention about any guest speakers you’re hoping to see, the timings for the day or even just to say that it has been a great day so far.

Remember to schedule information like any offers or competitions you’re running on the day to keep people informed and attracted to your stand.

Live Video

Facebook Live Video is a brilliant platform to use in general and especially at a trade show. Facebook gives a slight push to live videos as well so it will help all your followers see this post and even notify them when you’ve gone live!

Seminars or talks are great to video, make sure you have an unobstructed view and good audio though. Even though it is live, you will still want to keep the quality good.

Another idea for a live video would be a tour of the trade show space, showing people who are there and some of the stands – this may help attract people to the event.

There are so many ways you can use social media to your advantage at an event like a trade show, so find the way that works best for you and run with it. These are just a few ways you can use your channels to your advantage, and we would definitely recommend using your social media throughout shows.