Even though the travel industry has been drastically changing due to COVID-19, the fundamentals of attracting and retaining customers haven’t. Travel agents are still facing the same challenges as ever before: how to attract new customers and keep their attention without risking the health of their employees.

If you’re looking to grow your travel agency, here are five ways you can effectively implement online marketing to achieve greater reach and impact.

1. Create a Loyalty Program.

Loyalty programs are a common practice among businesses, but they aren’t just for reward schemes. They can also be an incredible tool in influencing a consumer’s future purchasing decisions. If your goal is to gain long-term customers, consider implementing a loyalty program.

The benefits of a loyalty program are numerous. For one, you can incentivize customers to keep coming back. Second, you can create strong brand loyalty. Third, you can establish the value of your brand. Finally, a loyalty program is a great way to track the impact of marketing efforts.

To form a solid foundation for your loyalty program, speak to your customers. Find out what they like about your services, what they don’t like, and what would make them feel more appreciated as a customer. You can also ask them what they expect in terms of promotions and incentives. A good place to start is by looking at other businesses in your niche for inspiration. What do you enjoy most about your competitors’ work, and what do you wish they would stop doing? The answers to these questions will help you figure out what makes your agency special and what you should do differently. With this information in mind, you can craft a loyalty program that appeals to your customers.

2. Use Social Media.

Keeping in touch with customers is an essential part of any business. However, it’s more than just sending out informative emails or posting on social media when you have new products or offers. You can use various platforms to engage with your audience and establish yourself as a brand to be reckoned with.

The best part about social media is that it is an inexpensive and accessible channel for reaching your audience. You can utilize numerous platforms, from Twitter to Instagram, to establish yourself as an expert in your field and gain credibility. You should also consider using social media to gain awareness about your brand. If a customer is searching for information about your agency on social media, they may come across your content and learn about your company, all because you were able to make a small impact through a social media post.

3. Host Events.

If you’re looking to attract new customers and retain existing ones, consider hosting events. This could be anything from a wine and cheese party for those in the industry to a travel agent conference or trade show for those in your community. In addition to providing you with with with a great opportunity to engage with individuals who can potentially become customers, events can also be used to educate your audience about your company and what it offers. You can use the opportunity to launch new products or services, promote your existing ones, or simply share useful information about your industry. Find out what makes your customers take interest in your events and consider implementing them as a part of your marketing plan.

4. Start an Email List.

An email list is a fantastic way to provide customers with valuable information and promote your services. People are more likely to believe and act upon anything sent to them via email. Start a list for each of your major customers and begin sending out periodic emails containing information about your company, events, or new products and offers. You can also use email lists to send out announcements about your loyalty program. Customers who sign up for your email list will receive important information about your company, as well as unique offers and discounts. They are also more likely to become recognized patrons of your agency.

5. Run Promotional Campaigns.

Keeping in touch with customers is an important part of any business. However, you can use digital marketing to reach a wider audience and establish your expertise in a smarter and more effective way. Consider running promotional campaigns on social media in an attempt to gain more traction and establish yourself as an expert in your industry. The best part about these campaigns is that you can target the right audience and make a measurable impact without having to break the bank.

The trick to digital marketing is to find the right platform, build a following, and then use that platform to engage with your audience. Once you’ve done that, consider taking advantage of the engagement by running a sweepstakes or offering some type of prize for the best answer. This could be in the form of a gift certificate or a discount on their next purchase. These types of promotions will not only gain you new customers but also encourage them to quickly spread the word about your agency.

As you can see, there are many different ways you can use online marketing to attract and retain customers. Some may be more effective than others based on your particular industry and customer base. However, implementing these strategies will certainly help you gain a better understanding of how to engage with your audience, attract new customers, and retain those you already have.