helloworld is looking to take advantage of the increase in mobile spending, with live online chats, blogs, agent websites and more.
The online upgrade has started to roll out to its Independent agents including helloworld for business as well as its Affiliate and Concorde Agency Network.
New features are designed to help agents connect with clients and potential travellers through online tools.
Among them is a blog where they share their travel experiences with customers; an image gallery of photos they have taken on holidays; and live chat where they handle any enquiries.
Following the footsteps of home-based agencies, helloworld agents will also soon have the option to self-manage their own websites with new and relevant content.
Changes are designed to compliment the recent launch of helloworld ‘in-store’.
The new system is designed to compliment helloworld’s recently launched platform that allows at-home shoppers to access in-store deals via the company’s website.
David Padman, Head of Associate and Affiliate Network, said the upgrade will deliver greater profile and productivity to the increase (43 percent this year) in Aussies booking via mobile devices.
“Mobile commerce is growing at about three times the pace of ecommerce overall and our managed website solution not only delivers a professional and dynamic online solution for our Associate agents, it also puts them in the best possible position to take advantage of the e-commerce revolution.”
David Padman, helloworld Head of Associate and Affiliate Network
“Our Independent agents love the fact that we’re solving the online content challenge for them in such a dynamic way while also providing them with the customisation they need as independent businesses.”
He said upgrades will be device-responsive and optimised for maximum visibility across desktop, tablet and mobile.
“It also provides an intuitive user interface design which seamlessly integrates with marketing communications. This is a platform which will be continually enhanced so that our Independent agents can choose the functionality they need to meet the needs of their consumers. We’re determined to make it as easy as possible for consumers to find our agents and shop with them.”
According to the Director of My Travel Expert, Leonie Clay, the managed websites will also help agents deliver to the increase in website enquiries.
How clients will connect with helloworld agents online:
It all starts with a website.
Travellers can either search for helloworld, or type in helloworld.com.au
From there, potential bookers click on the ‘in-store’ tab, where they are redirected to a page full of deal, packages and brochures.
Currently, once the traveller has found something they like they can either call or find an agent online.
However, once the upgrade has finished rolling-out, at-home shoppers will be able to chat to agents online and search for more information via their websites.
