Why are virtual exhibitions a good way to market a B2B company

27 July 2023

Virtual exhibitions can be a really effective way to market a B2B company – they offer numerous benefits and opportunities for businesses to showcase their products, services, and expertise to a targeted audience. However they should be approached with careful planning and execution to maximize the benefits.

Here are some reasons why virtual exhibitions can be advantageous:

#1 Increased Reach and Accessibility

Virtual exhibitions eliminate geographical barriers, allowing businesses to reach a global audience without the need for physical presence or travel. Attendees can access the exhibition from anywhere, resulting in a broader reach and potential for engaging with a larger number of prospects.

#2 Cost-Effective Marketing

Participating in virtual exhibitions can be more cost-effective compared to traditional in-person exhibitions. Businesses can save on expenses such as travel, accommodation, booth setup, and shipping of promotional materials. Virtual exhibitions often offer more affordable participation options, making it accessible for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with limited budgets.

#3 Targeted Audience

Virtual exhibitions attract attendees who are specifically interested in the industry or niche being showcased. This means that businesses have the opportunity to connect with a highly targeted audience of potential buyers, partners, and industry professionals. Exhibitors can interact with attendees who are actively seeking solutions, leading to more qualified leads and potential business opportunities.

#4 Brand Exposure and Awareness

Virtual exhibitions provide a platform for businesses to increase their brand exposure and create awareness among the target audience. Through virtual booths, companies can showcase their products, services, and brand messaging using multimedia content, videos, presentations, and interactive elements. Attendees can engage directly with the brand, facilitating brand recognition and recall.

#5 Networking and Lead Generation

Virtual exhibitions offer networking opportunities, allowing businesses to connect with attendees, industry influencers, and potential customers in real-time. Features like chat, video calls, and virtual meetings enable interactions and facilitate lead generation. Exhibitors can collect contact information, schedule follow-up discussions, and nurture relationships beyond the exhibition.

#6 Thought Leadership and Education

Virtual exhibitions often include educational sessions, webinars, and presentations by industry experts. By participating as a speaker or hosting informative sessions, businesses can position themselves as thought leaders, sharing insights and knowledge with the audience. This helps establish credibility, trust, and expertise, which can positively impact the perception of the company and attract potential buyers.

#7 Analytics and Data Insights

Virtual exhibitions typically provide analytics and data insights to exhibitors, offering valuable information about attendee engagement, booth visits, and content interactions. This data can be leveraged to measure the effectiveness of marketing efforts, identify areas for improvement, and refine future strategies.

What are the next steps?

It’s important to note that virtual exhibitions should be approached with careful planning and execution. To maximize the benefits, businesses should focus on creating an engaging virtual booth, developing interactive content, utilizing networking features, and effectively promoting their participation before, during, and after the exhibition. Providing a seamless user experience and promptly following up with leads and connections is crucial for converting virtual exhibition opportunities into tangible business outcomes.

If you are looking to grow your business the Digital Business ToolKit brings together a range of effective tools and services that will help you grow your business in the UK and overseas marketplace.

For more detailed information feel free to download our FREE ebooks – The Essential Guide to Permanent Virtual Exhibitions and The Essential Guide to Permanent Virtual Events.