by Lisa Iannucci
Last updated: 9:00 PM ET, Fri September 15, 2017
For any travel agency, trying to get your name out there can be hard.
You need a bigger budget in order to take out television, radio or newspaper ads, much less a spot on your local billboard. And it's a shot in the dark as to whether or not it will work.
However, with a little creativity and some tips from veteran travel agents, you can spread the word about your agency without breaking the bank and without even using social media.
Think About Organizations
What do you belong to?
Think back to the schools you attended and the organizations you've joined, then think about how they can benefit you. For example, most graduates keep in contact with the school where they graduated and most universities have a bulletin to promote what alumni are doing.
"A good way to network is through your natural affinity organizations, such as your school's alumni program, your PTA organizations, knitting circle and more," said Katiana Jolimeau of Trips Travel Agency in Virginia. "You already have a common interest/background with these groups, and usually your profession comes up naturally, making it a great time to introduce your business."
Use Referral Programs
"The best way to get business is to ask those who are already doing business with you for their referrals," said Samarah Meil of Amarillo Travel Network in Amarillo, Texas.
"We stopped doing a lot of expensive advertising because we were actually getting more business and quality business from our clients. So, in return, we have different things we do to thank our travelers for their confidence in us by telling their family and friends about our services."
Be Our Guest
"I think a fantastic, free way to get your name out there is with radio and podcast interviews," said Beth Johnston, travel designer with Beth's Beautiful Getaways in Pinckney, Michigan. "I have done several. They are fun. A good interviewer is able to ask the right questions and help you when you stumble."
Being a guest on a show is free and automatically puts you in front of an audience where the host will mention your name and the name of your business multiple times. And all you have to do is show up or call in!
Offer Freebies
Sometimes, giving something away, especially free advice, is enough to draw the attention of a new customer.
"You should have a specific goal," said Margie Lenau of Wonderland Family Vacations in Grand Rapids, Michigan. "You can tailor a marketing strategy to that goal with an IFO-irresistible free offer. For example, a list of tips for a destination or type of travel is always a good idea."
Lenau offers 10 tips to the email addresses of customers who have signed up for it: "This way you can target the clients that are interested in what you would like to sell more of."
[READMORE]READ MORE: 6 Ingredients of a Successful Travel Agent[/READMORE]
Use HARO
Kimberly Milnes, owner of Family Travel Boutique in Cherry Hill, New Jersey said she checks the site Help a Reporter every day. It's where reporters and television/radio producers post for sources they need for articles or guests for their shows.
"I was able to secure, and be a part of, a great piece in "Parents" magazine, free, as well as other online and print media," she said. "I believe that when people see your name or quote in a paper or media that they believe is credible, it automatically gets you that expert status and they reach out."
Visit the website and sign up: HARO sends out source requests three times a day, Monday through Friday. All you need to do is find something that you are interested in and respond to the journalist. If the journalist is interested, they reach out to you!
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