There has never been a time when travel has become more popular, and it’s largely due to social media’s popularity. After all, when you’re scrolling about on your phone in your home and come across an Instagram Reel of a famous tourist spot, it’s hard not to feel that FOMO (fear of missing out).
Social media indeed triggers that travel itch that many adventure seekers can’t ignore. With every beautiful sunset or hidden gem showcased online, the urge to pack a bag and leave your home behind grows stronger.
Travel brands can captivate like-minded travelers by sharing enticing moments on social media. But that begs the question: how?
1. Host Giveaways and Contests
Everyone loves a good giveaway. If you seek to gain exposure among a broader base of travelers, it helps to host giveaways and social media contests, especially ones that involve engagement with your brand.
This can be done in several ways. One of them is to make contest participants follow your page. You can also incentivize their participation when they share your page with their friends. It’s a win-win situation for both contest participants and your brand.
Of course, you have to make the rewards enticing. Because you’re dealing with adventure seekers, make the prizes relevant to their interests. For instance, a complimentary one-night stay in a five-star hotel in Tokyo. You can also award a free flight to any destination of their choice. These may seem like grand examples, but if your end goal is truly to gain attention and engagement on social media, it may be an investment worth considering.
2. Provide Actionable Tips
Planning a trip can often be tedious for many adventure-seekers, especially if they have busy schedules. Chances are, they will quickly search for tips and tricks on their social media platform of choice with the relevant keywords. This is where your brand steps in.
You can share potential itineraries, packing guides, and other local insights that make planning travel much easier. Quick and informative content will keep your audience engaged and more likely to make your brand a go-to resource for travel content.
To set your brand apart, it may help to add some personal touch to your content by sharing first-hand experiences or behind-the-scenes stories. Travelers benefit from seeing other travelers’ perspectives before they make any important decisions on their trip.
For example, instead of just posting pictures about the thrilling Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, add details about the best time to go, what to pack, and any hidden spots along the trail. Engaging storytelling, paired with high-quality visuals, will make your content stand out and encourage adventure-seekers to return to your brand for future travel planning.
3. Collaborate With Travel Influencers
Influencer marketing can give your brand a much-needed boost. Influencers have amassed a large following, particularly due to the content they produce. They often provide tips, reviews, and suggestions for possible itineraries for your next trip.
While many followers have become more prudent about influencer advertisements, influencers can give you a platform to reach an audience that values authentic travel experiences.
The key here is to collaborate with influencers who create content adjacent to yours. This allows them to seamlessly incorporate your brand into their content, which makes it a more organic form of storytelling.
Hospitality influencer marketing is a common niche, and there are many great options in this space. Let influencers showcase your destination or service through their own lens to make the experience feel genuine and aspirational. This may involve a balanced review of your brand, with both pros and cons mentioned, but that’s a critical component of the organic content that many of their followers seek.
4. Highlight Unique Travel Experiences
Many travelers desire something new. They seek experiences many others haven’t had, whether uncovering hidden treasures, visiting unconventional places, or engaging deeply with local traditions. By showcasing distinctive and eco-friendly travel experiences, your brand can attract adventure enthusiasts looking for more than just standard tourist hotspots. Sustainable travel is excellent for your bottom line, too.
Craft engaging sustainability narratives that showcase eco-friendly accommodations, responsible wildlife encounters, and community-based tourism initiatives that allow travelers to leave a positive impact.
Feature stories of local guides, conservation efforts, or cultural traditions that define a particular destination. This not only sets your brand apart but also makes your content more relatable to conscious travelers looking for one-of-a-kind adventures.
5. Share Community-Driven Content
Community-driven content is a powerful way to build trust, engage your audience, and expand your brand’s reach. Encouraging travelers to share their experiences using a branded hashtag creates social proof.
Featuring real traveler content across social media, websites, and emails motivates other travelers to participate. To maximize impact, engage with contributors and showcase top posts.
Final Thoughts
Social media has changed how people discover and plan their adventures. Travel brands that share stunning visuals, partner with influencers, and feature real traveler experiences can connect with adventure seekers with more authenticity. Take note of these strategies, and your brand can rise to the top.
