Modern-day travelers are spoiled for choice when it comes to vacation destinations. With the click of a button, they can fly to just about anywhere in the world or plan an entire trip with AI. But is this really the best approach?
People think trusting in algorithms offers all the answers, but they often forget the importance of the human touch. Travel agents have long been a source of knowledge about the best places to visit and how to get there. They are experts in their field and often have personal experience with locations, which gives them a unique edge.
Unfortunately, travel agents have lost their popularity in recent years. And for those still working, it can be difficult to stand out and remind customers of their value.
So, how can travel specialists grow their business? How can someone establish themselves as a trusted voice in an era of AI? All the while trying to keep their marketing spend as low as possible? Simple—through the power of social media.
Why use social media? And what platforms should you focus on?
Social media is a game-changer in business. Statistics show in 2023, there were nearly 5 billion social media users worldwide. By 2028, that number is expected to reach over 6 billion.
With this colossal audience, social media has become a new business battleground. You must have an active voice on popular platforms to reach audiences and stay competitive.
It’s estimated that the average person uses 6.6 different social media accounts each month. As such, it’s good to have a presence on each one. Below is a short list of the key players:
- Instagram: As a mobile platform, Instagram is ideal for posting pictures and short-form videos. Using hashtags, you can also tap into rising travel trends.
- Facebook: Facebook is one of the biggest social media platforms worldwide. It is accessible on mobile and desktop, and users can post a wide range of content, including articles, pictures, videos, and live streaming.
- X: Formerly known as Twitter, X is a fast-paced social media platform. It’s perfect for engaging with fans, tapping into popular hashtags, and sharing multimedia. It also offers a huge potential to go viral.
- LinkedIn: In an era of corporate travel, LinkedIn is an amazing asset. Travel agents can reach companies eager to go on business trips.
- YouTube: YouTube is a great video platform for sharing short- and long-form multimedia.
- Pinterest: Finally, Pinterest is a visual platform ideal for sharing travel ideas. Businesses can create media boards that contain lots of valuable travel content, including photos, articles, listicles, and more.
How to use social media to promote your travel business?
Social media is a fantastic way to promote services and grow audiences in the travel industry. Below are the main ways travel agents and businesses can leverage it for your own advantage:
Drive more traffic to your website and social media
In business, getting as many eyes on a website as possible is key. Only then can you hope to stand out from the crowd and convert curious people into customers.
A huge benefit of social media is its ability to raise brand awareness. People will pay attention to your posts and click on a link that takes them to your own platform. Once on your website, readers can get further information and read positive testimonials.
So, how exactly can you use social media to drive traffic? Consider the following:
- Website links: Add your website URL to all your profiles. You can also include your contact information.
- Watermarks: Remember to add your website URL as a watermark on any original images. If these are shared, readers can still visit your website.
- Scheduling: Post on your social media accounts when your followers are online. Remember to post seasonal travel content at the right times, too.
- Thumbnails: Ensure pictures are high quality and eye-catching. Consider conducting A/B testing to ensure you use the best-performing thumbnails.
Create a vibrant portfolio and share updates on your travel offers
Travelers are visual people. They like to flick through photographs to see what a particular destination is like. They also want to read personal accounts to understand the culture. Travel agents can tap into this curiosity via social media.
When researching new places, why not document your adventures? Not only can you highlight the best parts of a trip, but you’ll also become a trustworthy source of information.
However, travelers keen to share content must overcome one major obstacle—connectivity. After all, your smartphone will likely go out of service if you’re visiting several different countries.
Until recently, your only option was to buy expensive local SIM cards or roaming packages. And even then, you might have poor reception, making posting content impossible. Now, there is a cheaper, more reliable solution.
An eSIM is an exciting new way to experience seamless connectivity. It is a digital version of a traditional SIM card. It allows travel businesses to change network providers within a simple smartphone app.
With an eSIM, you can enjoy seamless connectivity worldwide. Simply take out a prepaid plan and tailor it to your trip length and data needs. Activate it before jetting off so you can document your entire trip once you land.
Boost engagement through social media communities
Social media is one of the best engagement tools a business can use. It’s estimated people spend, on average, 143 minutes per day scrolling through platforms. So, how do you attract attention and keep focus?
Travel agents can create exclusive member groups that incentivize people to check out your content. These groups can encourage people to join, share experiences, ask questions, and learn from you.
For example, you can set up a private Facebook group to grow your community. Members can share travel tips and post questions. This allows you to engage with people and learn about their needs.
Over time, you can share exclusive deals with members and run competitions to boost brand awareness. Best of all, you can leverage one social media to support another. Posting on one platform about your accounts on others can be a great way to expand your reach and stay relevant.
Using social media to transform your travel business
Social media is now the perfect way for travel businesses to engage with customers. By embracing different platforms, you can grow your brand and stay competitive.
As your following grows, travelers will come to trust your recommendations and be more inclined to take advantage of any special deals or exclusive offers you promote.
But for social media to pay off, you must also embrace modern technology. For example, by utilizing modern tech like eSIMs, you can engage with your audience anywhere. This allows you to share intimate travel experiences and bring them on a virtual journey!
About the Author
Mia is a the tech-savvy wordsmith who’s making waves in the world of tech writing. With over a decade of experience under her belt, She has a unique ability to transform complicated tech jargon into engaging content that captivates her readers. Mia is passionate about empowering people through technology and using her writing to bridge the gap between the tech world and the everyday user.
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