Yesterday afternoon I was busy investing in my professional development … Okay, you caught me. I was lying on my couch eating Cheetos. But! I was listening to my favorite copywriting podcast. And the guest they had on that day said something really interesting about building authority. When I heard it, I immediately made a mental note to share it with my travel agent readers (had to be a mental note, and not a note-note, because my fingers were still covered in Cheeto dust). Here’s the point the guest, a … read more
Where to Find (Free!) Photos to Use in Your Travel Agent Marketing
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Now as a copywriter, I’d say “they” are overemphasizing the importance of visuals by just a little bit. Okay, maybe by a lot. But even I agree that a web page without any photos is a webpage I’m probably not going to spend a lot of time on. That’s especially true of travel agent websites, since travel is such a visual medium. Pretty pics of palm-studded beaches and cobblestone streets DO make a difference! Plus, breaking up your blog posts and other online … read more
The Snowball Effect: How To Conquer Content and Social Media for Your Travel Agency
It’s January, my friends. The time when you make resolutions, buy all the planners, and pump yourself up for your BEST.YEAR.YET. And I believe you can do it! But …. If your resolutions include finally sending out an e-newsletter, finally blogging, finally getting and staying active on social media, finally growing your list with an opt-in offer/IFO … I’m afraid you’re going to get burnt out before we even make it out of the winter doldrums. Because that’s a lot of content. And there’s only one of you. Math may not be my strong suit, but even I … read more
The Difference Between “Copy” and “Content”—and Why Travel Agents Need to Know It
There’s something that’s been bugging me. It’s about my fellow copywriters. Well, some of them. “Copywriters,” in scare quotes, if you will. I’m talking about the folks who brand themselves as copywriters, and then mainly sell blogging services. Yeah … that’s not copy. And these “professionals” should know that! (And that’s why I’ve very purposefully branded myself as a copywriter and content marketer). You can be one helluva travel blogger, without scoring a single client. Or, you can advertise your travel services on a big ol’ billboard — or a flashy Facebook ad … read more
The Sweet Spot for Travel Agent Blog Posts
Last week, I was on a call with a client (hi, Tamika!) and she asked me a great question: How long should her travel agent blog posts be? She had been doing some research, and some gurus said shorter posts (like 400 words) were the ticket, while others were claiming that mega 2,000 word posts (yikes!) worked best. My answer? You need both. And there are a couple of reasons for that. Reason #1:Mix Up Travel Agent Blog Posts for SEO Success The first has to do with SEO. Blogging … read more
The BIGGEST Super Bowl Marketing Lesson for Travel Pros
I am definitely one of those people who watches the Super Bowl for the commercials (and the wings … mmmm, chicken wings). So I was at the edge of my seat every time the game faded to black and another brand came blaring on the T.V. Who earned the coveted title of Best Super Bowl Ad? The copywriter circles I run in seem to think that Tide came out on top — and I agree. If you haven’t seen the Tide ads (yes, there are multiple), you can read more about the … read more
Why Your Travel Agent Marketing Is Really a Numbers Game
Think travel agent marketing is all about dusting off your English Lit skills and writing compelling copy? Naw. Marketing is a numbers game. This might sound funny coming from a copywriter … but it’s true. It doesn’t matter how incredible the blog post you just wrote is — if it’s the only blog post you wrote in the last 3 months, it won’t really make a difference. And that juicy opt-in offer you absolutely slaved over? If that’s the only opt-in offer you’ve got, you’re leaving tons of prospects on the … read more
Travel Agent Tips: 7 Marketing Stats Every Travel Agent Should Know
I’m a words gal, but I know it’s sometimes useful to consider the numbers. Looking at marketing statistics helps us understand what’s working and what’s not for other marketers. That’s why I found 7 marketing statistics that I think apply to travel agents — if you’re a solo-preneur or the head of your agency, then it’s your job to be on top of marketing trends and numbers, too. These 7 travel agent tips and marketing stats will help you decide where to focus your marketing efforts and, hopefully, inspire you … read more
Make Your Travel Agent Marketing Instantly Better With This Literature Trick
I want you to think waaayyy back to English class for a moment. (Ugh, I know, who wants to remember that — but trust me, this will help with your travel agent marketing!). Do you recall a nifty little technique called in medias res? That’s Latin for “into the middle of things.” Why am I dredging up old Lit 101 lessons right now? Because applying this dusty old technique — used in classic texts like The Iliad and modern classics like Inception — can *actually* help you write far more compelling copy for your travel prospects. Think … read more
10 List-Building Strategies for Travel Agents — That AREN’T Facebook Ads
Let me preach for a sec: Facebook ads are NOT the end all, be all of list-building tactics. *Wait, hold on a minute Emily, back up please.* Oh, right. Before I start preaching, let’s talk about lists. If you want to know how to get travel clients — or how to get MORE of them — know this: It all starts with your list. Your email list of itching-to-book prospects. Prospects you’ve formed a relationship with through your travel agent email newsletter, opt-in offers, email campaigns, etc. etc. etc. The … read more
