Don’t get left behind, here’s 10 easy digital marketing tips for travel agents that you should start implementing now.
Let’s face it, we live in a different world now, and instead of complaining how the online world has changed the way we do business, we should embrace it and use it to our advantage. Below are 10 easy steps that should already be part of the way you market to your customers in the digital space.
1. Build a persona
Whether you’re a sole proprietor or a huge corporation, you’re a brand. The easiest way to think about your brand is to look at it as a persona, would you like this person? You need your customers to love your brand. Make sure the persona you choose for your brand is appropriate to your demographic and be consistent.
2. Don’t be a pusher
The thinking that we can just tell the customers what we’re about is old hat. We had to change the way we sell, so now we have to change the way we market. It’s not just about pushing your message out but pulling your audience in, think about engaging messages that make people want to be part of your world.
3. Update your social
We’ve said it a few times, you should be using all social networks to get your messaging out, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, YouTube and Instagram. Each one of them is different, so handle each of them uniquely, what works for Facebook often doesn’t work for Twitter.
4. It’s all about the blue
According to Katie Boes, head of integrated marketing and strategy for Travel + Leisure, we should be using photos that have large swaths of blue in them as they get the most engagement. Think lots of sky or sea in the photos.
5. Engage your audience
Ask your audience questions, use shorter questions rather than long ones, you don’t want to make it so complicated that it leaves most of your audience out. It’s about creating conversations. Of course, don’t forget to answer them or talk to them.
Hi @airfarewatchdog The pools along the arcades reflect the mosque's spectacular columns, which becomes even more glorious at night! *ZD
— Etihad Help (@EtihadHelp) December 17, 2014
6. Instagram is not just for food
Instagram will be your new best friend, it’s an excellent advocate for your amazing travel photos and your audience can easily share your pics through their Facebook and Twitter accounts. You should check out how Tourism Australia is kicking butt on Instagram.
7. Get busy with the movies
According to Forrester research, 60% of the traffic online comes from video. Make sure you go with video on your website, blog and social networks – they don’t have to be long either, just short, punchy and to the point.
8. “Hack” Google search
Did you know that you could be cheating yourself if you’re not on social networks? Google ranks content that is spread via social media higher than other content, so the more active your social presence the higher your content will appear on the front page.
9. Don’t ignore Twitter
Would you like to have #Christmas dinner under the #sea? http://t.co/8PhfftBCKk @anantarakihavah #maldives pic.twitter.com/sZOoJYRC5g
— Flight Centre (@flightcentreAU) December 21, 2014
Jeff Rohrs, VP at ExactTarget explains that Twitter users “are an audience with audiences”. It’s time to start Tweeting again, and don’t worry, we know it’s sometimes difficult but it can be very rewarding.
10. Content is king! (yes its a cliché, but its for a reason)
“The way to achieve ROI with social media marketing is to have your customers spread content on your behalf. People want to share content that is remarkable,” said Ben Arnon, VP, global brand partnerships at Wildfire, which is owned by Google. “Develop content that consumers will piggyback off of.” As travel agents, this could mean either something funny or aspirational. Perhaps share some great travel hacks or some dream itineraries or something that your customers would want to share with their friends.