How do you attract new clients as a travel agent?

How to Find New Clients for Your Travel Business: Proven Strategies for Growth! Whether you're a seasoned travel agent or just starting out, you can discover the proven strategies for finding new clients for your travel business.

What are the main methods of marketing for travel agents that EVERYONE should be using?

The big 6 marketing channels for travel agents are:

• Referrals / Word-of-Mouth
• Email Marketing
• Website SEO
• Direct Mail
• Social Media
• Online Reviews

Let's dive in and discover more about these channels, and as a bonus, explore even MORE marketing ideas for travel agents.

Did you know: We want our agents to experience the highest success. We focus on highly targeted SEO & SEM, as well as local content marketing for our agents. We have the best automated email marketing and direct mail marketing in the industry, as well as CRM automation. Learn more: Join Our Team.

Referrals / Word-of-Mouth Marketing

When it comes to marketing for travel agents, NOTHING beats word-of-mouth.

Why?

Recommendations from friends and family are VERY highly trusted. When potential clients hear positive experiences from people they know, they are more likely to trust your services as a travel agent.

They are targeted. Referrals often come from people who know your target audience and have similar preferences. This means you're getting leads that are more likely to convert.

Why spend money on advertising or promotions when you can focus on gaining referrals! Give the client who referred them a token of your appreciation by a gift card or something to show you care about them.

Referrals often lead to long-term relationships with clients and their networks. These connections can provide a steady stream of business over time.

How do you encourage referrals?

• Provide exceptional service: Satisfied clients are more likely to refer you to others.
• Ask for referrals: Don't be afraid to politely ask satisfied clients if they would recommend your services to their friends and family.
• Offer incentives: Consider offering referral bonuses or discounts to clients who bring in new business.
• Follow up: Thank clients who refer you and keep them updated on the progress of the referred client.

Email Marketing

Many potential clients do not make immediate purchases. You need to FOLLOW-UP, and you need a system to keep you top-of-mind with them.

Make sure the travel agency or host you're working with has automated email marketing, managed through your CRM.

This allows you to STAY TOP OF MIND, making it more likely that they will return for future travel needs.

Even though it's automated, it can be very personal. The emails are tailored to individual clients based on their travel history, preferences, and upcoming trips. This EXTREMELY personalized approach helps clients feel valued and appreciated, increasing the likelihood of repeat business.

You can auto-send targeted offers and promotions to specific segments of your client base. This can help increase sales and encourage clients to book additional trips.

clients receive timely reminders about upcoming trips, important documents, or special offers. This reduces the administrative burden on travel agents and helps maintain strong client relationships.

Email marketing can be tracked and measured, allowing travel agents to see first hand the effectiveness of their marketing efforts and make data-driven decisions.

Read our email marketing articles for more ideas:

• Automated Email Marketing for Travel Agents
• Unlocking Growth: Why Email Marketing is a Game-Changer for Travel Agents

Website SEO

Why Website SEO is Important for Travel Agents

Website SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is crucial for travel agents wanting to gain new business because:

• Increased Visibility: SEO helps your website rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs) when potential   clients search for travel-related keywords. This means more people are likely to see your website and consider your services.
• Targeted Traffic: SEO allows you to target specific keywords and phrases relevant to your travel agency's niche. This ensures that the people who visit your website are genuinely interested in your offerings.
• Credibility and Trust: A well-optimized website with informative content and relevant keywords can establish your agency as a credible and trustworthy source of travel information.
• Local SEO: If you're a local travel agent, optimizing your website for local search terms can help you attract clients in your geographic area.
• Cost-Effective: SEO is a long-term investment that can provide a consistent flow of new business without requiring ongoing advertising costs.

Key SEO Best Practices for Travel Agents

• Keyword Research: Identify relevant keywords and phrases that your target audience is searching for.
• On-Page Optimization: Optimize your website's content, titles, headings, and meta descriptions with these keywords.
• Backlink Building: Acquire high-quality backlinks from reputable websites to improve your website's authority.
 
• Mobile Optimization: Ensure your website is mobile-friendly, as more and more people search for travel information on their smartphones.
• Content Marketing: Create valuable and informative content, such as blog posts, articles, or guides, to attract and engage your target audience.

By prioritizing website SEO, travel agents can significantly increase their online visibility, attract qualified leads, and ultimately drive more business.

Read our website SEO articles for more ideas:

• SEO - Discover the Secrets to Skyrocketing Your Online Visibility
• SEO for Travel Agents

Direct Mail

Just like email marketing, make sure the travel agency or host you work with has automated direct mail campaigns.

These campaigns are connected to your CRM system.

Who has the time and money to travel? Older clientele. What is the best way to reach older generations? Through the mail!

Direct mail provides a physical, tangible presence that can stand out in a crowded digital landscape. A well-designed postcard or brochure can make a lasting impression on potential clients.

Targeted Reach: Direct mail can be highly targeted, allowing travel agents to reach specific demographic groups or geographic areas. This helps ensure that marketing efforts are focused on the most likely prospects.

Many savvy travel agencies offer 5 or more different direct mail pieces each quarter, including Postcards, brochures, catalogs, letters and self-mailers. On the inside and outside covers, your information is included as well as a QR code. QR codes added links recipients to online content, such as a website, landing page or quick contact form to reach out to you.

Social Media

Showcase your expertise. Suppliers, destinations, niche travel experiences, etc. by way of engaging content.

Just a few ideas on how to use social media as a travel agent:

Create Engaging Content Travel Tips and Inspiration: Share helpful travel tips, destination guides, packing lists, and inspirational travel photos. Behind-the-Scenes: Offer a glimpse into your daily life as a travel agent, sharing personal experiences and behind-the-scenes photos. Client Testimonials: Showcase positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied clients.

Read our article for more ideas: Social Media Content Ideas For Travel Agents

Online Reviews

Why are online reviews important, especially on a Google Business?

Online reviews act as social proof, demonstrating that other customers have had positive experiences with your services. This can build trust and credibility among potential clients.

Think about it, when someone is searching on Google for a travel agent who specializes in river cruises, what if your client's review showed front and center in the Google search result for a local river cruise travel agent?

Positive reviews encourage new clients to book their travel arrangements through you rather than competitors.

A comprehensive marketing strategy for travel agents should consider a combination of these channels, depending on the target audience, budget, and specific goals.

But, as a travel agent, what are more marketing ideas to help you be successful? What else can you be doing to market your services?

I'm glad you asked!

Even MORE Marketing Methods for Travel Agents

The methods above are undoubtedly essential for most travel agents, but here are some additional strategies that can complement your marketing efforts.

Partnerships and Collaborations

• Travel influencers: Partner with travel influencers to create sponsored content or exclusive travel packages.
• Other businesses: Collaborate with airlines, hotels, and attractions to offer joint promotions or bundles.
• Local organizations: Partner with local chambers of commerce, tourism boards, and event organizers to promote your services.

Read our article for more ideas: Gain Clients Through House Parties and Event Gatherings.

Public Relations (PR)

• Press releases: Send out press releases to announce new offerings, partnerships, or achievements.
• Media outreach: Pitch your agency to relevant media outlets for interviews, features, or expert commentary.
• Awards and recognition: Seek out industry awards or recognition to enhance your credibility and visibility.

Content Marketing Beyond Traditional Channels

• Podcasts: Create a travel podcast to share insights, stories, and tips.
• Videos: Produce travel videos for platforms like YouTube or TikTok.
• Webinars: Host webinars on travel trends, destinations, or planning tips.
• Guest blogging: Contribute articles to travel blogs or industry publications.
• Lead Magnets: Powerful tool for travel agents to attract new clients, build trust, and establish themselves as experts in the industry.

Niche-Specific Marketing

• Travel fairs and conventions: Attend industry events to network with potential clients and partners.
• Travel agent associations: Join relevant associations to connect with other professionals and stay updated on industry trends.
• Networking events: Attend local networking events to meet potential clients and build relationships.

Offline Marketing

• Flyers and brochures: Distribute flyers and brochures in relevant locations, such as airports, hotels, and tourist attractions.
• Window displays: Create eye-catching window displays to attract passersby.
• Community events: Participate in local events and festivals to promote your services.

By incorporating these alternative methods into your marketing strategy, you can diversify your reach, build stronger relationships, and attract a wider range of clients.

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.