Designing good, clean exhibits and messaging for the trade show floor is simply a matter of common sense. However it seems that many trade show exhibitors miss the boat with their trade show design. An effective trade show booth display will entice potential prospects into your booth, where you can then convert them into customers.

Above all people must notice you when they walk by your booth. Your design must distinguish your booth from all the other trade show booths. You’ve only got a few seconds to grab the attention of the trade show attendees walking by your booth. Combining a full-color background image with a memorable tagline is one simple way to accomplish getting noticed.

Second and not to be overlooked, your booth design should make clear who you are and also what it is that you do. Your design must include your company name in big bold letters. You must also explain what your company actually does. If people can’t look at your display and immediately know who you are and what you do, you need to start your design over. If your company name is not Ford, or Coca Cola, or even Joe’s Glass Cutting – your tagline better tell what you do – or you might get passed over.

The third part – and this is critical –the potential client must immediately recognize what is in it for them to bother to stop at your booth. It is officially the me generation – whether the prospect is 25 or 65 – prospects justifiably or not care about themselves first, and want to know what you can do for them. Just remember, to be effective, your design must explain how you can help.

Your design must stand out from the crowd and get noticed. Your exhibit design should have your company name at the top and what your company does. And most importantly, your design must maintain how you assist and facilitate customers. Make sure your exhibit design is effective and covers these three points, and you will be more successful with your trade show results.