5 Ways to Market Direct to Customers (Part 1)

Companies and business enterprises have many techniques at their disposal to attract potential customers and to encourage them to purchase their products and services. However, most of these techniques cost money, even if it is as simple as sending a direct mail advertising products. Marketers should therefore ensure that their marketing methods are as effective and as direct as possible. Alook below at 5 effective ways to market directly to customers.

1. Freebies - Everybody loves freebies, owing to which they usually evoke positive responses from potential customers. For instance, a proprietor of a book store could sell certain books at a discount or offer the first 100 customers a free book along with the one they have purchased. Much cheaper but stil loften effective is to offer free pens. Pens of course are extrenmely useful and are an extremely cost effective marketing freebie.

2. Exhibitions and Events - Organising an exhibition where products and services can be displayed to a large number of interested visitors goes a long way in directly expanding a company’s customer base. Organisers can also offer freebies, conduct surveys and collect valuable customer feedback at the event to help them improve their business.

Looking for information on Display Stands?

(Part 2 coming next week)

London Fashion Week

This week is not only about the visit of the Pope to the UK, but also sees the world of fashion head to London for the ever popular London Fashion Week. It's been a quite hectic few days down here at the Strand, as everyone gets ready for tomorrow with the show running through from the 17th to the 21st September.

This years London Fashion week takes place in and outside Somerset House, an iconic building which is an ideal venue given its West End location and with relatively good access via subway and close enough to the main airports for the many international visitors and exhibitors.

As one gets to expect with LFW, the show involves 6 days of shows and these tend to run from 9am through to 9pm and include many of the most famous fashion labels and designers; in addition to many of the talented newcomers. There are a hundred plus shows in all and thus the best option is to analyse the schedule and plan on seeing certain shows.

It is very busy down here in and around Somerset House and clearly a lot of money is floating around with some quite stunning displays and stands already erected. I've seen a few famous faces around the venue and many more stars will more than likely make their way down here in the coming days.

London Fashion Week is very much an industry event although you can apply to register for the event still although it is too late now to apply online. You can find more information on the offical London Fashion Week website.

Choosing a good exhibition stands provider

Most exhibitors want to have an eye-catching, unique display that attracts crowds of visitors to their stall. If you are planning on putting up a stand at an Expo and are looking for a company that can provide you with a good exhibition stand service, there are several factors you might want to take into consideration before deciding on which provider to use.

One of the two main factors you will have to consider is your budget and the design portfolio of the exhibition stand company. Seeing the exhibition stand solution providers previous work and what types of solutiosn they can provide is not a bad start. You might see an unusual or unique stand at an expo and pick up the business card of that company. After you have created a list of good exhibition providers based on their design displays, you will then proceed to shorten your list by checking if they can cater to your budget.

It is essential that the exhibition solution provider that you choose is capable of handling the planning, design, layout, theme and placement of the display. A good provider will be able to guide you and give you ideas to make your exhibit unique while remaining well within your budget. These providers may also help you set up at the venue and dismantle after the event is over.

If you are creating a booth in which you would like to create a seating area, the exhibition stand solution provider should be able to provide you with furniture, that you can rent or buy. Many top providers even go a step ahead and offer to design custom furniture to suit the exhibit.

Exhibitions Outdoors and considerations

A lot of the main Exhibitions and Trade shows in the UK tend to take place indoors, including in venues such as Earls Court, the NEC Birmingham and Exeter's Westpoint Centre for example. There are though a number of very good outdoor shows which take place annually and locations such as Kent Showgrounds and Hampton Court for the flower festival near London are a few.

Boat, garden and horticultural shows tend to be 3 key themes for these outdoor shows and the benefits for each of these areas, in being held outside are clear.

Considerations: If you are an exhibitor with a stand or exhibit at an outdoor event, there are certainly things that it is advisable to consider. Try and for example make sure that:

• You use a stand which is water and wind proof or have a backup plan for inclement weather.
• Ensure that any literature will be secured i.e. that even with light winds that business cards and leaflets do not fly away.
• Consider issues such as the uniforms (if the team members are expected to wear them) in terms of outdoor use.
• For exhibitions in the summer consider issues such as ensuring the staff are hydrated given the hot weather than can occur now and again in the UK.