Small Business Big World Episode 12: Marketing Your Small Business to Travel Agents and Influencers – An interview with Eric Hrubant from CIRE Travel
This is Small Business Big World, our weekly podcast prepared by the team at Paper Trails. Owning and running a small business is hard. Each week we’ll dive into the challenges, headaches, trends, fun and excitement of running a small business. After all, small businesses are the heartbeat of America and our team is here to keep them beating.
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As a small business owner, you’re likely familiar with the challenges of attracting the right clientele and staying ahead of your competition. At Paper Trails, we understand the fears and headaches that come with managing your business’s marketing efforts. One area that can be especially helpful for many small businesses is using the expertise and contacts of travel agents and influencers.
In this article, we’ll dive into effective strategies for marketing to these key players. We were joined by Eric Hrubant, owner of CIRE Travel to talk through these strategies. By the end, you’ll gain insights into leveraging your small business to attract travel professionals and influencers, ultimately boosting your brand’s visibility and success.
Marketing to travel advisors
Gone are the days when travel agents simply booked tickets for their clients. Eric explains that today they’ve evolved into comprehensive travel advisors, focusing on providing personalized and luxurious experiences. This shift emphasizes the importance of tailoring your services to meet the evolving needs of travelers in the digital age. By understanding the transformation from traditional travel agents to travel advisors, you can better position your small business to appeal to these professionals.
Importance of visibility and connections
Marketing to travel agents and influencers requires establishing visibility and connections within the industry. Building relationships with key players and leveraging your knowledge pool are crucial steps in attracting travel professionals to your business. Eric says that whether it’s through networking events, industry partnerships, or social media engagement, finding ways to connect with travel agents and influencers can significantly enhance your business’s reach and reputation as they are more likely to recommend your business if they know you personally.
Utilizing social media to market to travel agents
Social media platforms offer valuable opportunities for engaging with different audiences, including travel agents and influencers. Platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn cater to diverse demographics, making them ideal channels for showcasing your small business’s offerings. By crafting compelling content and utilizing targeted advertising, you can effectively reach travel professionals and influencers on these platforms. Additionally, Eric says that he has used, and you can consider, recruiting a summer intern to manage your social media strategies, keeping them fresh and effective.
Online reviews and reputation management
In today’s digital age, online reviews and reputation management play a crucial role in attracting travel agents and influencers to your business. Positive reviews can significantly impact a potential client’s decision to work with you, while negative reviews present an opportunity to showcase your exceptional customer service. Eric talks about the importance of encouraging satisfied customers to share their experiences online. Further, he always tries to address any negative feedback promptly and professionally. By managing your online reputation effectively, you can build trust and credibility with travel professionals and influencers.
SEO strategies to help market your business to travel agents and influencers
Search engine optimization (SEO) is another essential aspect of marketing to travel agents and influencers. Eric has learned the importance of optimizing your website, and platforms like Yelp, for relevant keywords to improve visibility in search engine results and attract more traffic to your site. Focus on creating high-quality content that provides value to your audience while incorporating targeted keywords naturally. Additionally, consider implementing backlinking strategies and staying up-to-date with the latest SEO trends to maintain your competitive edge in the travel industry.
Conclusion
Marketing your small business to travel agents and influencers requires a strategic approach and a deep understanding of the industry’s dynamics. By establishing visibility and connections, utilizing social media effectively, managing your online reputation, and implementing SEO strategies, you can successfully attract travel professionals and influencers, as well as all types of customers, to your business. At Paper Trails, we’re committed to helping small businesses navigate the complexities of managing a business. By implementing the strategies outlined in this episode, you can help elevate your brand’s presence and achieve business success.
This podcast is a production of Paper Trails. We are a payroll and HR company based in Kennebunk, Maine, and we serve small and mid-sized businesses across New England and the country. If you found this podcast helpful, don’t forget to follow us at at Paper Trails Payroll across all social media platforms and check us out at papertrails.com for more information. As a reminder, the views, opinions and thoughts expressed by the hosts and guests alone. The material presented in this podcast is for general information purposes only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. By inviting this guest to our podcast, Paper Trails does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific individual, organization, product or service.