The COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way business is done in every industry. Before the pandemic, trade shows were favorably used among roofing businesses as an effective way to generate roofing leads. However, with group restrictions and social distancing requirements, in-person trade shows are no longer a viable solution. Instead of canceling these events, roofing professionals are pivoting their approach and looking for ways to move these collaborative events online.
With the right strategies and tools, you will help your business stand out to connect with customers who are ready to invest in their roofing projects.
Here are a few tips to help you maximize success at your upcoming virtual roofing trade shows:
Establish an Online Brand
There are many ways to establish an online brand. The favorable methods are:
- Sharing your website and any useful information to your target demographic.
- Creating an online presence on social media and video creation.
- Spreading the word of your business through email marketing.
Having a strong online brand builds presence for your company when potential clients are searching for roofing projects online. Additionally, having a strong online brand indicates to users that you are established in the local roofing industry.
Once you have established a strong online brand, the next step is to attend an online trade show. Virtual roofing trade shows are a great opportunity for connecting with potential leads because it still gives roofing contractors the ability to build solid relationships with homeowners.
Prepare Digital Displays
Many virtual home improvement trade shows offer the opportunity to share materials and information. However, it is important to note that you want to make your virtual booth engaging and eye appealing for visitors. For example, when someone expresses interest, your roofing trade show displays should include:
- A live video showcase
- GIFS and banners
- Before and after pictures
- Informational .pdf downloads
- Clear information about requesting a project estimate
Finally, when a potential lead enters your virtual booth, be ready to engage them with quality information. A friendly smile and low-pressure conversation are a welcoming substitute for an in-person handshake and pamphlet distribution.
Know What to Expect
Gather information from the event planner so you know what to expect on the day of the trade show. This preparation will give you time to learn the platform’s features if needed. Working through the technical details in advance ensures that you can focus on the needs of potential customers during the event.
Since you are interacting with people in a virtual room, prepare a professional setting for these conversations. You need a quiet location, nice background, and a decent set of headphones to facilitate the conversation.
In-Person vs. Video Chat Mannerisms
Many of these interactions will happen over video chat, which is beneficial for reading body language and non-verbal cues during the conversation. Think about the body language you previously used for in-person discussions. Many of these cues translate to video chat, giving you a way to cater to each homeowner conversation.
For optimal results, make sure you are attending virtual roofing trade shows on a computer. The bigger screen of a laptop provides more visibility compared to the limited space on a smartphone.
Registering for Virtual Roofing Trade Shows
When you want more leads, the International Roofing Expo is an excellent opportunity for marketing your roofing company. Registration is now open for the upcoming virtual trade shows that are happening in March.
