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
Meet the Winners: My Top 5 Highest Performing Subject Lines of the Past Year (and the Top 3 Duds)
Well how do you like them cinnamon-sprinkled apples. I’ve been sending out my Weekly Tip email (almost) without fail for TWO WHOLE YEARS now. Apparently, I have a lot to say about travel agent marketing! So, since another year has gone by, I think it’s time for my annual round up of my top performing subject lines. The ones you guys couldn’t stop clicking on. I’ve rounded up the top 5, according to open rates — i.e. the percentage of my email list that opened the email — and we’re counting down … 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
Build Your List of Leads — Without Writing New Copy
Ezines. Ezines. EZINES! You’ve probably been hearing a lot about how important ezines are for your travel business. Sending out an ezine consistently keeps you top of mind with your prospects and clients, so they know exactly who to call when they’re ready to book their next vacation. But. Sending out an ezine is only one part of the equation. Your travel business may sustain itself if you commit to the ezine, but it doesn’t mean you’ll grow. To grow your travel business, you have to grow your ezine list of subscribers. And to … 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
3 Ideas for Travel Pro Holiday Marketing Campaigns You Should Run *Right Now*
December’s here! December’s here! I don’t know about you, but pretty much for this entire month all I want to do is check out and stuff my face with every kind of cookie imaginable, washed down with eggnog. … But that wouldn’t be very smart of me. Because December is the month of opportunity for small business owners. Yes, even service-based business owners like travel agents. The spirit of giving is in the air — and there’s no reason why you can’t get in on that jolly giving and gifting … read more
The Top Travel Agent Marketing Tools (5 Are Free!)
As a travel entrepreneur, you wear a lot of hats — and CMO (that’s Chief Marketing Officer) is one of them. It takes time (and passion!) to market your travel business effectively. Luckily, there are TONS of tools out there aiming to make the marketing process easier for entrepreneurs. Without further ado, here are 7 of my favorite travel agent marketing tools — and you don’t have to spend a penny on some of them!: My Top 7 Travel Agent Marketing Tools to Help Build Your Travel Business 1. Help A … 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
