Why should you focus on YouTube?

Next to Google, it is the #2 most used search engine. Also, videos found on YouTube can be found in Google search.

As a travel agent looking to attract your ideal clients, who wouldn't want to be found on the #1 and #2 search engines in the world!

You have the added benefit of one day being able to monetize your channel. You can set a goal of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in a year, which will enable you to make money off your channel.

Here are some of the most important tips for a travel agent who wants to use YouTube to promote their services.

For potential clients, you want a know, like and trust relationship as quickly as possible. Today, video is the best way to do this.

ULTIMATE PRO TIP: YouTube Videos show up in search results based on factors like how well their titles, descriptions, and content match the viewer’s query. Also, a video’s performance—that is, how long it keeps viewers watching—contributes to its ranking in search results. Search results ARE NOT a list of most-viewed videos for a search query.

Know your audience

Before you start filming, define your ideal client.

Are they young adventure seekers or luxury vacationers? Are they older couples looking for a river cruise on the Danube or a family going to Universal?

This will influence:

• The destinations you showcase
• The tone of your videos
• The kind and type of travel tips you offer and so much more

High-quality content is key

Use reliable video editing software to create polished videos.

Canva is a great place to start! Look at our Canva guide for creating YouTube videos. Invest in good lighting and sound equipment. Shaky, fuzzy, or pixelated phone footage with muffled audio won't capture viewers' attention.

Stunning visuals and clear audio will make your travel videos look professional and trustworthy. Invest in a tripod. Having stationary video clips goes a long way to keeping viewers focus on you and your content.

Variety is the spice of life

Check out our article, The ULTIMATE Video Guide for Travel Agents.

Don't just create destination spotlights. Offer travel tips like packing hacks, travel mistakes to avoid, hidden gems in popular locations, unknown local food and drink recipes. Consider behind-the-scenes glimpses into your day-to-day life or interviews with satisfied clients.

There is no better way to make your potential client feel like you're the perfect fit as their travel agent when they can see their problems and pain points being solved in independent, 3rd party, reviews and testimonies directly from your happy clients!

Be informative and engaging

People come to YouTube mostly to learn and be entertained.

Provide valuable travel information but keep your videos engaging. Be animated! Use humor, tell stories, and showcase the emotional aspects of travel. 30% of your emotion is lost in video, so it PAYS TO exaggerate! Be larger, bigger and MORE than you think you need to be.

Calls to action

You are here for sales! Convert the client. Don't leave viewers hanging.

Cut through the fog with clear calls to action.

Tell them what to do next, whether it's visiting your website, contacting you for a consultation, scheduling an appointment through your Calendly, or simply subscribing to your channel for more travel inspiration.

Optimize your channel

Use relevant keywords in your titles, descriptions, and tags so people can easily find your videos. Create eye-catching thumbnails that entice viewers to click. Where appropriate, use branding that makes you look official.

Promote your channel

Share your videos on social media, travel blogs, article sites, forums, newsletters, etc. Run targeted ads to reach your ideal audience. Engage with viewers in the comments section and respond to questions. Focus on collaborations. For example, partner with other YouTubers, travel bloggers, and influencers to expand your reach.

Consistency is key

Regularly upload new content to keep your audience engaged. Aim for a specific upload schedule, even if it's just once a month.

Leverage YouTube features

Explore YouTube features like playlists, end screens, and cards to link viewers to other relevant videos and information.

Create engaging titles and thumbnails

Craft attention-grabbing titles and thumbnails that showcase your content and entice viewers to click.

Develop a content strategy

Plan and produce a consistent stream of content, such as destination guides, travel tips, and client testimonials.

Showcase your expertise

Share your knowledge and insights to establish yourself as a trusted travel expert.

Utilize SEO

Optimize your video titles, descriptions, and tags with relevant keywords to improve visibility in search results.

Engage with your audience

Respond to comments, answer questions, and interact with viewers to build a loyal community.

Collaborate with other travel influencers

Partner with fellow travel agents, tour operators, or influencers to expand your reach.

Share client success stories

Showcase happy clients' experiences and testimonials to build credibility and trust.

Offer exclusive content

Provide incentives, such as exclusive travel deals or insider tips, to encourage viewers to subscribe and engage.

Leverage YouTube Analytics

Track your performance, understand your audience, and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Set Goals

For example, set a goal to be able to monetize your channel. This way you can open yourself up to ad revenue. This allows you to enable ads on your videos once you meet YouTube’s monetization criteria.

Embed videos on your website and share with social media

Increase your online presence and drive traffic to your YouTube channel.

YouTube is a powerful tool for travel agents. By following these tips and creating high-quality, informative, and engaging content, you can attract new clients and establish your travel agent services and ensure you are a trusted travel resource.

Learn more about this by signing up as a member, today! Travel Agent Pro Application Form.

To learn more techniques and how to grow your travel business, read more on our Pathfinder Series.