The new year means it’s time for home shows across the country. While this column typically focuses on social media in the day-to-day life of running your business, social media can be especially effective at a show where you’re exhibiting. Here are a few tips to use your social presence to your advantage.
1.Follow the show's social media accounts. Depending on your market, your local home show likely has its own social media accounts. Give these accounts a follow to stay in the loop on announcements and tips before, during and after the show. You can usually find links to these accounts on the show’s website.
2. Use the show's official hashtag. Most shows have an official hashtag they encourage attendees and exhibitors to use. Look at the show’s account bio or recent posts to find what it is. Then use this hashtag in your tweets and posts. This will help attendees who are browsing the hashtag find your company, boosting your exposure. The show’s official account may also share or retweet your posts that include the hashtag.
3. Tag relevant accounts. Have a great post or tweet about the show? Tag the show’s official accounts or even any celebrities who may be at the show (i.e. Jonathan and Drew Scott, those guys seem to be everywhere) in hopes they retweet/share your message. This could give you valuable exposure you couldn’t gain otherwise. Consider writing a blog post with content relevant to the show that is likely to get shared on social media.
4. Stay active. Once you get to the show, stay active on social media (when not talking to customers, of course.) Post photos of your staff and encourage your followers and those browsing the hashtag to stop by your booth. Don’t be afraid to have a little fun!
