Will PriceSocial media is a driving force in today’s travel world, with the ability to make or break a travel brand. Understanding the importance of a strong social media presence is the first step a travel brand should take when it comes to creating effective marketing campaigns and reaching the maximum number of prospective customers. Now more than ever, people are connecting through social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter, which can be used to the advantage of any travel brand.
The Facebook Influence
Facebook can be a powerful tool for promoting a travel brand. Whether you’re seeking to advertise a travel agency, booking service, or other travel-related business, Facebook can be used to not only entice new customers but to retain previous clients. For example, 52 percent of Facebook users admit that their travel plans are influenced by their friends’ vacation photos. According to recent research, a whopping 76 percent of travelers post their vacation snapshots on Facebook.
The Power of the Fan Page
Don’t underestimate the importance of your travel brand’s Facebook fan page. The vast majority (80 to 85 percent) of people who “Like” a travel brand on Facebook are current or previous customers. A solid Facebook page can inspire loyalty among customers by offering them engaging content and special promotions for Facebook fans only.
Tweet Your Way to More Customers
Facebook isn’t the only game in town when it comes to promoting your travel brand. Twitter is also a powerful tool when it comes to gaining customer trust and attracting new business. Recent research revealed that individuals are 44 percent more likely to discover a new travel brand on Twitter than anywhere else. In addition, 51 percent of survey respondents claim that a brand’s Twitter content directly influences whether or not they’ll choose a certain travel brand.
Social Media and Customer Service
Social media outlets are quickly becoming a customer’s favorite way to ask questions and obtain quick customer assistance. When a travel brand is active on social media, they are better equipped to respond to customer questions and complaints quickly and efficiently. What’s more, 92 percent of customers trust social media over other sources. In addition to Facebook and Twitter, travel brands can earn customer trust through reviews on outlets such as Yelp.
The Bottom Line
If you are serious about promoting your travel brand to the fullest, don’t shy away from social media. The social media trend is quickly becoming a norm in society and it shows no signs of slowing. Through Facebook, Twitter and even Pinterest, you can attract new customers and work towards retaining repeat customers. Although participating actively in social media requires constant work, the rewards reaped for today’s travel brands are definitely worth the effort.
Learn more about how social media is influencing travel plans with this infographic from Internet Marketing Inc.
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