Four Obvious Ways to Creatively Make your Exhibit Stand Out at this Year's Home Shows

These four marketing rules for your exhibits shouldn't be overlooked just because they're obvious. Try a little harder to put a creative spin on them.

1. Giveaways, of course. Make sure you have samples on hand for your audience. Give them a taste of what you have to offer. If they can interact, or provide feedback, even better for your future efforts. Creative spin: Have them vote on the quality of the samples, with a promise to email back resulting tallies.
    
2. Email Offers. Email coupons are a great conversion tactic for shows. Attendees will provide their contact information in exchange for something of value. Creative spin: Send them a suprise gift card with their verification email. A simple $5 coffee card will do wonders.
   
3. Referrals. If existing customers stop by your booth, make sure you strike up an engaging conversation -- you'll have no better advertisement available. Creative spin: Send your best customers free passes and encourage them to bring friends. Make sure they know you'll take care of them for spreading the good word.
   
4. Branding. Represent your brand so that your customers connect with you; wearing t-shirts with your logo on them is one way to do that. Giving away t-shirts with your logo on them will go the extra mile, connecting your potential customers with your brand. Creative spin: Snap a photo when you spot people wearing the shirts -- perfect social media content.