This article originally appeared in the September issue of AGENTatHOME magazine. Subscribe here to receive your free copy each month.
Cole Kirkpatrick, Classic Travel Connection
Personal touches are everything in our social media strategy. Travel advisors who capture their clients’ personal experiences — and help their following see themselves in a destination — will curate more business. Empty “Big savings!” and “Look at these deals!” posts capture attention, but they lack personality, and our industry relies on personal connections in this digital age. We cannot look past the effectiveness of our service and the satisfaction it brings to real people.
Another tip? Capitalize off current social media trends. Take ASMR [autonomous sensory meridian response, which evokes a satisfying physical reaction to triggering audio or visual stimuli] and create a video showing a traveler in a more traditional pose, but incorporate relaxing or pleasing sounds in the background.
Abbey Meyer, Altitude Travel
Posted is better than perfect. I see so many advisors who will sit on gold mines of content, playing around with the perfect delivery for their social media. And then, they never end up posting it. This topic is debatable among our community, but I recommend posting in real time while traveling. Travel advisors posting during their own trips creates excitement that clients can feel now, not weeks later. People love feeling like they’re part of the journey as it unfolds.
For example, I find my audience really leans in and my engagement goes up when they know I’m gorilla trekking in the mountains of Uganda right now, versus three weeks ago. They want fresh content. I typically post in real time through my stories. But, by all means, post your trip details and highlights upon returning from your trip, as well! This will help keep your audience engaged from takeoff until well after landing.
Ashley Taylor, Wanderlove Vacations
One of the most successful social media tips I have for travel advisors, which I’ve found works well for me, is to post myself and my family traveling. I feel like I always get the most engagement and inquiries when posting about myself and the activities I do during my trips. I believe this makes for a good social media strategy because followers love to see their travel advisor travel, and they love to live vicariously through us. I think it also makes it easier for prospective clients to picture themselves doing the same things.
I also suggest that travel advisors try to post something on social media every day. By posting daily, you will continue to reinforce your value as a travel advisor, and it will keep your services top of mind for prospective clients and leads.
Kendra Wagner, Kendra Wagner Travel
Don’t copy what someone else is doing. I see so many advisors trying to replicate what others are doing, but that won’t help you grow. People are drawn to authenticity. Take the time to create original content that reflects your voice, values and goals.
Also, know your ideal client. What do they want? Where do they want to go? What kind of experience are they craving? Once you know that, align your content with the type of travel you want to book. If you’re dreaming of selling clients on luxury trips, stop posting about budget-friendly all-inclusives. Once I made that shift, I went from budget bookings to planning high-end trips across Europe, the Caribbean and beyond.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
