The tourism industry is highly competitive and demanding. There are so many travel agencies, accommodation websites, products, places, and destinations that you really have to step up your game if you want a piece of the market. This is why building the right online presence is key to your success. And, social media marketing should be among your strongest assets.

If you want to get more bookings and improve your results, you need to know how to use social media marketing properly. To help you out, we’ve put together the ultimate guide you’ll find below. Just keep reading to learn how to get more bookings through social media.

Let’s take a closer look.

1. Create a Story

Storytelling is a brilliant marketing tool and among the favorite techniques that marketers all over the globe have been using.

And, it’s even easier to use it in the travel industry, since you have all the important elements:

• amazing destinations

• unexplored places

• a chance for an adventure

Build a story around a destination, telling your potential customers what their getaway could turn into. Include as many details, pit stops, anecdotes, and invite them to daydream with you.

If you help them imagine, you’ll have them more prepared to book the trip and hit the road.

2. Share Stunning Visuals

Social media such as Facebook and Instagram are perfect for sharing stunning visuals that play a huge role in helping you get more bookings.

It’s simple- people love to look at beautiful images and fancy videos.

And, with the power of social media, you can now share:

• images of beaches, cities, mountains, lakes, and resorts

• videos of all the destinations they can book

• images of the accommodation you’re offering

The more you share, the better feedback you’ll have.

Not only will you have them interested in your offer, but they’ll be able to trust you more and be certain there will be no surprises if they do book a trip with you.

3. Stay Connected

Showing that you’re professional and trustworthy is another important factor that most of your potential clients will pay attention to. 

Social media gives you the chance to stay connected with your potential clients, and always be ready to:

• answer their questions

• send them useful links

• respond to their messages or comments

• thank them for a share, repost, or like

• give them feedback

The more active you are on social media, the better your relationship with your customers will be. That will lead to them trusting you more and being ready to book more trips with you.

4. Share Value
   
   

While visuals are important for grabbing the attention of potential customers, sharing valuable content is important for having them stick around.

Fluff content and empty words won’t do the trick for most of your customers. If you want them to think more of you, you need to provide and share truly valuable content through your social media channels.

That includes:

• useful information

• facts

• data

• travel tips, tricks, and hacks

• helpful insight

• blog posts you recommend 

Check out some helpful research paper writing services in case you need help in creating this type of content.

Show them you're an expert in what you do and give them all the help they need. Once they see how professional and experienced you are, they'll consider booking a trip with you.

5. Promote Deals & Special Offers

Special offers and interesting deals are super-powerful when it comes to reaching more people and getting more bookings. If you have anything like that lined up for your customers, you need to promote it using the power of social media.

You could use a ton of social media tools, but here’ what we recommend strongly:

• Facebook & Instagram sponsored ads

• Instagram stories

• Live videos

Share this trending content with your potential customers and let them know about all the great deals you’re offering.

6. Share User-Generated Content

User-generated content (UGC) is the brand content created by people other than the brand itself. In your case, it’s the images, videos, posts, and stories, created by your happy customers.

UGC is important because it provides social proof. Your customers can see how other people feel about you and this can help them decide whether to trust you or not.

Share UGC whenever you can:

• repost their social media posts

• invite them to share their experience

• share their stories

Show them how others see you, and you’ll win more bookings in no time. 

7. Use the Sense of Urgency

When you want people to decide quickly and leave out the hesitation part, you want them to feel like they might miss out on something good.

Creating a sense of urgency through your social media posts is another powerful tool you simply have to use. 

To make people feel like they have to react ASAP or else they’ll lose a great deal, incorporate the following phrases, words, and elements into your social media posts:

• hurry up

• only X spots left

• almost completely booked

• only today

• book now

• get your special discount now

Urge them to make instant decisions and react on an impulse. They’ll feel like winners and you’ll have more bookings before you even know it.

Final Thoughts

Social media marketing is an effective and valuable tool that you simply have to include in your business strategy. 

Use the tips we’ve shared above to get more bookings through social media. Try out the strategies that suit your business model and reach your goals faster and easier.