That social media became an important part of most peoples lives is almost an understatement nowadays.

Many people get their first images about a destination through social media and more then 70% of people are somehow influenced by Social Media, making it a very important platform for a tourism company to be present on.

On the other hand there are so many channels available and it is a lot of work to make a channel successful. Where do you get the time from to present your social side of your tourism organization.

Start with one social media at a time, does it work for your travel company go for the next.

If you start, post regular, work on the quality and start boosting your post to your targeted audiences that you defined in your strategy, preferable as narrow as possible like for example to cities where satisfied clients live that have recently booked your products. You have a nice way of boosting and supporting the natural word of mouth from your clients.

Most important when working with social media is that you have to be clear, with your messages, you need to grab attention quickly, people don't have time and act with a split second.

But also post frequently, its better to focus on only social media channel and do this channel good then spreading your attention over several social media channels.

If you don't post regular a social media doesn't work, because its about 2 way communication, building an audience, if you are silent for long times, you are like that friend that never calls back.

Emphasize on regular, this doesn't have to be daily if you have nothing of value to post, if you can only post one great post per week, that is fine. Just make sure its regular and has value for your customers. A bad post ruins more then no post. Algorithms reward good quality posts, if there is a lot of engagement more people will see your post.

What can a travel company achieve with social media ?

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Social Media can bring 3 big benefits towards your travel company

1. Brand Awareness / Preference for a destination
2. Engagement with and learning from your customers / community
3. Customer services - another communication channel to help your customers to get most out of their travels.

Social Media is used to interact with potential clients, to tell your brand story (who you are) why to buy from you vs others, you can also use it to help customers get the most out of their holiday with practical tips and to convince people to buy your product because its to good to resist.

Because social media is network where friend / family / relations interact with each other its a great place to share experiences from customers on a trip with you, which is super power full.  Not only for all people to see but especially for people who are already in the network of your customers. They might also be interested to go to your destination.

Getting the right followers, that fit within your community / tribe should be the main focus. Get a following of like minded people who share a passion about the things you do and preferable your brand.

And you can only do this with putting your audience central, that means talk about the why your product is excellent for them. Contexts they love. Give them valuable information they can use, or be entertained with.  

Be human, on social media be empathetic, show you understand your customers, and share their concerns, feelings and desires but also solutions for that.

What to post on Social Media

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As a destination curate the best of what is happening in your destination. Focus on your persona's and the niche products you have identified in your strategy.

As a company show your human side, why are you doing what you are doing, how do you create those experiences and with who, show customers in action, the partners you work with etc.

Reuse content you have already made and use your social channels to promote content with long lasting value like a blog or a Youtube video. Most of the time a blog or video will get you visitors for a longer period of time.

Use pieces from these blogs and videos to publish them on your other social media's. For example a blog about a destination can have four small teasers which you can post on your socials.

You can also use Youtube and blogs to make summaries of the best social media posts in that way you can work much more efficient.

Besides creating your own content stimulate travelers to share under certain hashtags like for example my destination that Dubai did with #MyDubai which shows how people are experiencing highlights of their holiday, inspiring others to also add that destination on their travel wish list.

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Which Social Media Channels should i use ?

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Which social media channels to use depends on your target market, older people might not watch Tiktok for example. But is also depends on what you and your team feel comfortable with. Social media is about communities and you and your team should be part of an online community where you feel at ease and home.

Are you comfortable with short movies and you earn your money with a younger public, then TikTok is definitely a place for you to be. Also beginners with good videos, and videos about holiday experiences can look really good. Can attract an interested public relatively fast, because the algorithm works based on content and less on followers. Instagram Reels and Youtube short work in a kind of same manner, and when you love doing video, these 3 channels should be on your list.

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Value Through Passion and Social Media

Do you want to learn more about how Value Trough Passion can help your travel organisation grow to its full potential. Then please send us an email.

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