A complete guide to setting up a virtual exhibition: new trends in acquiring offline foreign trade customers during the off-season

Analysis of current off-season market trends

Under the current global trade pattern, the off-season for foreign trade is both a challenge and an opportunity. According to recent industry reports, during the off-season, the overall demand in the international market drops by about 30%. However, this does not mean that there are no potential customers. For example, in some niche markets, demand remains stable. Take the handmade jewelry market as an example. Even in the off-season, the demand from customers who value unique handmade products has increased by 15%.

One of the main challenges is increased competition. Orders are falling and more companies are competing for limited customers. To spot potential opportunities, you need to analyze market trends carefully. Emerging economies often show different consumption patterns during the off-season. For example, Southeast Asian countries may have higher demand for daily necessities and cheap consumer goods during this period. Understanding these trends, you can target these markets more effectively.

Build accurate customer profiles for the off-season

In order to make your marketing content more targeted and useful, it is essential to establish accurate customer portraits during the off-season. A complete customer portrait includes demographic information, purchasing power, consumption habits and pain points. Studies have shown that 70% of successful marketing activities are based on accurate customer portraits.

For example, if your target customers are small and medium-sized retailers in Europe, their pain points may include high inventory costs and limited cash flow during the off-season. You can tailor your marketing content to address these issues, such as offering flexible payment options or lower minimum order options. By understanding their needs, you can improve the relevance of your marketing messages and increase conversion rates.

Optimize product information in multiple dimensions

To stand out in the off-season market, you need to optimize your product information from multiple dimensions. First, highlight the unique selling point (USP) of your product. A survey shows that 80% of customers are more likely to buy products with a clear USP. For example, if you sell electronic products, you can emphasize features such as long battery life, high-speed performance, and user-friendly interface.

Second, address your customers’ pain points directly in your product descriptions . If customers are concerned about the durability of your product, provide details about the materials used and your quality control process. Third, use high-quality images and videos to showcase your products. Visual content can increase engagement by 60%. A great product video can give customers a more intuitive understanding of your product.

Multi-channel marketing strategy

In the off-season, it’s not enough to rely on a single marketing channel. You need to adopt a multi-channel marketing strategy. Traditional channels such as trade shows and direct mail still have their value, but emerging channels such as websites and virtual exhibitions are becoming more and more important.

Your website is your 24/7 salesperson. It should be well-designed, easy to navigate, and optimized for search engines. Statistics show that 75% of customers judge a company’s credibility based on its website design. A professional and user-friendly website can significantly enhance your brand image.

Virtual exhibitions are a new trend in off-season marketing. It can break through geographical and time limitations and allow you to reach a wider range of customers. For example, compared with traditional offline exhibitions, virtual exhibitions can attract 50% more international customers. By participating in virtual exhibitions, you can showcase your products to a global audience and increase your chances of getting orders.

Customer relationship management and follow-up skills

Good customer relationship management is essential to increasing customer satisfaction and repeat purchase rates. Once you’ve made contact with a potential customer, you need to follow up promptly. Studies show that 60% of sales are made after at least five follow-up attempts.

When following up with customers, personalize your message. Refer to previous conversations and show that you understand their needs. For example, if a customer asked about a specific product, you can send them more detailed information about that product and its related offers. By building a good relationship with your customers, you can increase their loyalty and encourage repeat purchases.

Success Stories

Let’s look at some real-world success stories to illustrate the effectiveness of these strategies. Company A is a furniture exporter that faced a drop in sales during the off-season. They analyzed market trends and discovered a growing demand for eco-friendly furniture in the North American market. They optimized their product information to highlight the eco-friendly features of their furniture, such as the use of sustainable materials and low-emission manufacturing processes.

They also participated in online furniture exhibitions, attracting a large number of potential customers. Through effective follow-up, they converted many potential customers into actual orders. As a result, off-season sales increased by 25% compared with the same period last year.

Interactive communication mechanism

In order to promote user engagement and community building, it is important to introduce interactive communication mechanisms. You can set up a Q&A section on your website so that customers can ask questions about your products and services. You can also organize online webinars or live events to interact directly with customers.

For example, Company B hosted a livestream event to showcase its new product line. They invited customers to ask questions during the event, which resulted in a 40% engagement rate. This not only increased customer engagement, but also helped build a sense of community around their brand.

Various content formats

Using rich content forms such as charts, videos, and Q&A can improve communication effects and user experience. Charts can present complex data more intuitively. For example, you can use a bar chart to show the market share of different products in your product portfolio.

Videos can bring your products to life. Well-made product videos can show your product’s actual features and functionality. Q&A sessions can answer common customer questions and build trust. By using these diverse content formats, you can make your marketing content more engaging and memorable.

Are you ready to take your foreign trade business to new heights during the off-season? Don’t miss out on the opportunities brought by online exhibitions and other off-season marketing strategies. Click here to learn more about how to build online exhibitions to improve customer acquisition efficiency and brand influence.