Trade shows can be a great way to spread your brand message and attract new customers, but they are also a competitive space where many businesses are vying for the attention of the same audience.
To make sure that attendees stop by your booth and remember you, it is important that you make a lasting impact.
This is where mascots come in. Custom mascots are a great tool for any business and can be especially effective at a tradeshow – they are exuberant, they stand out and they put a face to your brand - but this isn’t all they do.
Before heading out to your next trade show, consider how a mascot can increase the effectiveness of your trade show booth and engage with attendees. BAM Mascots has listed just a few of the many ways a mascot can help your company improve business performance at your next trade show.
Mascots get their attention
Mascots stand out in a crowd and easily attract the attention of people walking by your booth. The visual 'wow factor' of your mascot differentiates your brand from the competition and demonstrates your company's creativity.
They are also more approachable for certain markets. People view mascots as a friendly and familiar face, not as a salesperson trying to sell a service or product – making it easier to interact with the brand without it feeling like just another dollar sign.
Mascots keep them occupied
If you're lucky, your booth will be crawling with people who are interested in learning more about your brand and what you are selling. The problem is, you don’t always have enough people to engage with everyone who passes by, and while your booth may be compelling on its own, potential customers may feel unappreciated or ignored if they are not quickly engaged by a member of your team.
Mascots are a great distraction and can be helpful when your sales reps are tied up with other visitors. They can engage with guests, show them your products and generally entertain them until someone is available to speak with them.
Mascots let them know what you are about
Mascots are a great way to get your brand's message to the customer. A mascot’s visual appearance is specifically designed to emulate the emotions that your company wishes to communicate. Are you a playful brand, a socially responsible brand, a secure brand?
Whatever it is, the way your mascot looks is the first step to telling your customers what your business is all about.
In addition, mascots can help be more direct about your messaging by handing out pamphlets or flyers, and promotional material. Best of all, they are able to do it in a way that is approachable and friendly, making attendees feel more comfortable collecting your brand materials, even if they aren’t ready to speak to someone just yet.
Mascots help them remember you
When being inundated with information and pamphlets, attendees can become overloaded with information, making it difficult to distinguish one brand or conversation from another. In these situations, a 'visual memory' can be a much stronger reminder than a slogan or logo. If you want your brand to be memorable, consider using a mascot at public events.
When your brand is mentioned, consumers who have interacted with your mascot will have a visual memory, and likely a very positive connection.
To keep your mascot and business top of mind, even after the show, you can include their image on your promotional items or even create items in the shape of them, such as stuffed animals, or keychains, acting as a reminder of the positive impression your brand gave them.
To get started with building a mascot for your next tradeshow, contact us today! Our team of design professionals is excited to get started on your next project.
