Tourism SEO.com

Importance of Social Media Platforms as a method of creating interest

in tourism online.

In the past, those that travelled either did it because they had heard about a destination, or they had free spirited nature and they packed up the car and left for places unknown. Now, with most travellers researching their destinations online before they leave a “look before you leap mindset,” there seems to be a real need for information online in regards to tourism.

How do they search though?

and what is the difference between a good online presence

and a weak one?

Content! and content alone! With the incorporation of photos on websites, flickr accounts, Tripadvisor accounts, Slideshow presentations, Facebook Pages and Groups, and Local Tourism Magazines, we can help those tourists that are planning a stay-cation to travel to some of the most interesting Ontario landmarks, events, and cultural destinations. We can help them imagine where they want to go by providing something tangible they can focus on. But it must play upon their own desires which may include: adventure, relaxation, comfort, peacefulness, etc.

The copy that we provide next to these photos should sound like a mix of a travel blogger and a passionate traveler sharing tips to others. That is where Social Media is heading, as it is personal, so keep it that way. Stay clear of corporate messages and classic press releases online, the readers can tell when you are just trying to sell to them.

Just share great information and ask for their stories as well as they visit your region. Ask questions, and keep in touch. Social Media as a corporate strategy ends up being a tool for customer service and going that extra step will bring tourists to your doorstep. Feature interesting videos on Youtube. It is not a television and as such, it was never intended for infomercials about your Region.

You will get better results with timeless videos that may turn viral that we all love. An example would be that of a ski video from some locals that are just having a good time, perhaps a fall, some laughing, then we laugh, then the video pans around the escarpment, and the Youtube Channel can point to your Region in the link section. Let tourists imagine themselves in situations without beating them over the head with how wondrous your Region is.

Finally, keep open minded and look for fresh perspectives. There is a great deal to offer, but if you keep trying to push something that tourists do not want, you can spend huge marketing dollars just to convert the way they think. Pass on that, just play upon the hidden strengths in your Region. No independent contractor study from a large marketing firm needed. Just ask local cab drivers and the tourists themselves where they are going and why. They will tell you, and you may find a tourist treasure in your own backyard. Wiarton Willie is a good example of that. We all know where the idea came from, but we don’t care. For some reason thousands of tourists visit him every year. Perhaps the movie groundhog day plays a part in our mental psyche, but it doesn’t matter why people show up, it is the fact that they do!

Send out information about what people really want to know!

The Four Steps of Selling on your Facebook Page/ Website/ Mobile Site/ Social Media Accounts

How soon we forget that the information that we put online for our businesses still has the sales process underneath of the surface of that slick design.  Recently I attended a class on sales and it reminded me that our online efforts in selling our products and services should have a similar format to when someone enters a retail store and is just browsing.  It should not be a pushy sales approach, or one that is too relaxed, instead it should flow through the "4 Steps of Selling," which include " a greeting, an infomation exchange, selection, and an affirmation or close."

The greeting should be a casual and visually pleasing landing page that feels welcoming and it should match the expectations of the client.  If you have an adventure touring company, it should have a feeling of adventure and freedom.  If you are selling widgets online, then a practical and sell deigned ecommerce site is suitable.  Personally, I like websites that sell relationships with their clients.  This means that they use imagery that pulls you into how you will feel if you use their products or services, and how wonderful you will feel after you have been looked after by their caring employees.  The greeting has to suit the business style, and it should feel that way that it is expected to feel.  Color scheme, copy, font styles, the types of imagery, the logo...this all makes a big difference in how your business is percieved.  The right feeling of the greeting creates a great starting place to move to the next step.

The infomation exchange online is where we showcase our variety of products, our mission statements, our testimonials, and how a sale can be made.  This is a classic spot for feature and benefit selling, but there remains a catch...

We have to have the foresight into why the client may want to make a purchase.  It is to make their lives better? to relax? to make higher profits? to address a need they have?  Yes!  Needs and wants from the retail sales process have come to life online.  Ideally, we would already know what they may be looking for, and we can answer the questions that are typical when buying a particular service or product.  These needs are different in every situation, but there are some underlying similarties that occur in every sale.  Go ahead and answer the "Who? How? How long? How Much? Where? What are the benefits? Why you? etc.     Show the features of the products and services and then show how it will help makes their lives easier.  Make the sale personal. It leads us well into the most important step.

The selection is where you should highlight a variety of service offerings without becoming too confusing. "KISS -Keep It Simple Stupid!" comes to mind.  Too many choices clouds our judgement, and too little annoys us as consumers.  We want products and services that make sense to us.  So make the sale happen in a timely, concise manner, and accomodate our needs in the process.  This means selling on service, and not cost alone.  Offer 3 levels of service, and pricing that suits a variety of budgets.  Your niche can be carved out even further if you position yourself with better services then others.

Finally, Close the Sale!!!

Online an affirmation is to hae your potental clients call or pay you directly through Paypal.  The ultimate close is to add in a few extra services once they have decided to buy, thus over delivering and exceeding all expectations.  If they call, answer all their questions and call them back.  If they email, send them information and be warm in your approach.  They made their choice, now reward them.

Justin Skultety- Tourism SEO