Blogs

One of the great things about YTB is that there’s not a wrong way to work your business. You just have to try different things and figure out a marketing strategy that works to your strengths. And, talking to others and asking questions is a great way to start figuring out your plan. Last week, Gordon asked a great question regarding Facebook. I’ve included our conversation here. What other ideas would you add? Get creative and post your thoughts in the comments!

Gordon: “Hi Caryn,
 Do you have any tips on setting up a business page on FB, making it look nice? I am trying to get more of my FB friends to “Like” my business and show them and their contacts the value of doing business with me.”

Caryn: “Hi Gordon! Setting up a business page with Facebook is a great way to spread the word about your business. However, it’s not a small task. You have to be dedicated to posting great content for your fans. (Something I know you can do!) With the new timeline features, you have some amazing real estate to grab attention. Can I ask what side of the business you’ll be promoting? In other words, are you promoting your travel business for people to book travel with you or are you thinking about marketing our Travel Program and other products as a Rep? Let me know, and we’ll continue to discuss. One word of caution, the timeline format, which allows you to choose a cover photo… There are specific rules for that. You can’t have any call to action, price or purchase information, or any type of contact info. Meaning – Don’t put your web URL, email or phone number on that piece as it is a violation of Facebook policy.”

Gordon: “Thanks for that tip! I am promoting buying travel. I want to grow my team and I am working on that. Do you think promoting that I am looking for travel agents to join my team that I will pull in more travel customers too? My independent travel agency specializes in Honeymoon Registries, Group Travel and non-profit fundraising. I am trying to work with churches, non-profits to raise funds and have affordable travel solutions for their people. 
Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated! I have 800 plus people on FB friend list, but only 100 liking my business. I want to capture more!”

Caryn: “Hey Gordon! I think you’re doing it right. I wouldn’t mix your Rep and RTA businesses. Those are separate opportunities that need to be marketed separately. The key is going to be content. Keep posting content that will engage people, ask questions, and post content that people will want to share. Particularly in travel, several of our vendors have Facebook pages with videos and photos you can reshare on your page. With non-profit fundraising in particular, Carnival has a great fundraising program that I doubt many people know about. How about putting together a group to raise funds for the church youth group? Maybe a marriage encounter with the pastor? Then, ask them to share photos of their trip and recap how much money was raised for the youth group. Get testimonials and post them on your page letting everyone know you are their travel professional of choice. Another way to help grow your page, make sure that you’re telling your clients about it. When you meet newly engaged couples, tell them to connect on your Facebook page. (If you have some current clients with honeymoon registries, ask them for an engagement picture to announce on your page and tell people about their registry.) There are so many things that you can do. Get creative. Don’t be afraid to start conversations. One more, if you know any area RTAs who have pages, ask them to help you get the conversation going by responding on your page, and then you do the same for them. Sometimes if you can just get a few of your friends talking, the conversation will follow from potential customers. I hope this helps you Gordon! Just remember to have fun!”

Remember to share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s discuss!

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