How to 'Be Known for Travel'
Often in travel advisor circles, we often talk about being “known for travel.” Even if your business has grown past the point of relying solely on your personal network to generate clients, it’s a concept that remains crucial for retention and referrals. Let's unpack this idea further and explore exactly what it means to be known for travel.
What Does Being Known for Travel Really Mean?
Being known for travel means that when people in your circle—be they friends, acquaintances, or even just social media followers—think about travel, they think of you first. It’s about owning an identity that’s more than just professional; it’s personal.
Even in a world driven by algorithms and targeted advertising, nothing quite replaces the power of being the person people think of when they need help planning their next adventure. It’s about becoming synonymous with travel expertise, someone who inspires confidence and evokes excitement at the mere thought of taking a journey.
How to Be Known for Travel
Travel is so much more than a hobby, a job, or a business—it’s a lifestyle, a piece of who you are. Being known for travel is about communicating your passion for travel at every turn. Your personal network, your clients, and their networks need to know that your identity is rooted in travel. First, establish that general identity, and then narrow it down as much as possible to reflect your niche. Do you specialize in river cruises, adventure travel, or luxury escapes? Let it shine through consistently.
Staying top of mind means engaging in routine, effective marketing tactics. Think email newsletters, targeted promotions, and regular social media activity—not just asking for business, but genuinely helping and sharing. Be present at events, from PTA meetings to community gatherings, with your travel hat on. Wear your branded travel gear proudly. Consider wrapping your car with your agency’s name and branding. And yes, bring a travel-themed dish to the tailgate. These small actions add up and cement your identity.
When people think "travel," they need to think of you. Whether you have a client base of one or one thousand, being known for travel must be at the center of your daily activity. It’s something every travel seller can and should cultivate every single day.