If you're a trade show exhibitor, you know it takes a significant amount of time, effort and money to set up and run a booth.

You're doing it to meet new business prospects, and maintain strong ties with existing customers. In short, you want traffic, and the more, the better. There are three proven methods you can use to build booth traffic.

1. Mail to the Pre-Show List. Virtually every trade show has a list of attendees for sale that you can use as a mailing list. Consider buying it and using it. Particularly if you have new products, new services, or new key personnel to meet at the show. A postcard is an effective, low-cost way to deliver your message.
2. Offer a FREE giveaway. A premium, or giveaway item, is a proven traffic builder. Your budget will determine what the item will be. But stating loud and clear in your pre-show mailing "Come to Booth 1234 for your FREE GIFT!" will pull in more people.

3. Splash your Booth # in your ads. If you advertise, be sure to mention what show you're going to in the issue that runs just prior to the show. Most magazines will find a place to put a "starburst" in with your Booth # and do it for free - you can add "FREE Gift" if you're doing that, too. Just make sure they remove the starburst after the show.

There are other promotional and advertising options that each show offers, and you can look at the show material to and decide if any have value to you.