Niche tradeshows - are they worth it?

[Makaveli2007]

Say I have a site about learning a foreign language.

Would there be any point in printing out lots of business cards and going to such tradeshows of my niche to network with people and hand out business cards?

Has anybody tried this before and gotten decent success or failed with it?:-)

[wheel]

Would there be any point in printing out lots of business cards and going to such tradeshows of my niche to network with people and hand out business cards?

I expect most tradeshows have guidelines that prevent you from soliciting in this fashion. At the very least it says something about the fact that you didn't cough up enough money to just get a booth like everyone else.

[Makaveli2007]

lol true. So have you tried the booth method before by any chance?

[Seidl]

Trade shows are always a good idea; you want to get your business out there to the people who are serious enough to go to said shows. The question isn't "if," but "when and where." With the economy in such a slump, many shows are pretty dead right now, i.e. shows in the furniture industry. It also depends on the venue.

[iamlost]

Niche tradeshows, conventions, and conferences can be a great opportunity. Rather than direct immediate solicitation simply network - remembering not to waste the exhibitors time, they are there primarily to get clients not become one.

However, as previously mentioned, gatherings of your peers, i.e. learning language services, are places to be a member, participant, exhibitor, not a place to look cheap. If you can not afford to stand on equal footing (yet) then consider gatherings of your target audience, those who need staff to learn languages. Go to those tradeshows, etc. instead.

Whether moving ad space sales, products, or services you need to become known. Become familiar. In a good way. While it can happen 'overnight' don't expect it. Think how long it takes a new member of a forum such as WebmasterWorld to become 'known' as worthy of attention - and the effort it takes. Finally, be bloody sure your after show followups can not be regarded as scammy or spammy.

A marketing campaign is a lot of hard work.