When it comes to travel, we are the experts. We provide valuable insights and recommendations to our clients based on years of experiences—some good and some bad. Five years ago, I bet you had heard about podcasts but really didn’t know about them. Today? They are everywhere. With the meteoric rise in the popularity of podcasts, we have a unique opportunity to reach a wider audience and share our expertise in a new and engaging format.
Here are some reasons why a travel agent should begin a podcast:
- Build a loyal audience: Podcasts have a loyal and engaged audience. By creating a regular show, we can become a trusted source of information, and listeners can rely on us for travel tips and advice. Just don’t give away the farm when it comes to information.
- Showcase expertise: Podcasts allow us to showcase our expertise and knowledge of the travel industry. We can share our travel experiences or those of clients, highlight destinations, and provide insider tips that can help convince listeners to allow you to plan their trips. This establishes us as a thought leader in the industry and builds trust with potential clients.
- Reach new clients: A podcast can help agents reach a wider audience and attract new clients. By creating valuable and informative content, we can attract listeners who are interested in our specialties.
- Generate leads: Podcasts can also be a great way to generate leads and build a list of potential clients. By including a call-to-action in each episode, such as offering a free travel planning guide, we can encourage listeners to sign up for our email list or schedule a consultation.
- Create partnerships: Podcasting provides an opportunity to enhance existing preferred partnerships with hotels, airlines, cruise lines, and tour operators. We can solidify and grow a partnership by featuring these partners in a podcast.
- Stand out from the competition: Not many agents are podcasting; a podcast can help you stand out from the competition. A podcast will allow you to differentiate yourself from all the rest!
Podcasting is a powerful tool for travel agents to showcase their expertise, reach a wider audience, and generate leads. By starting a podcast, travel agents can build a loyal audience, attract new clients, and create partnerships with other travel businesses. And, as a bonus, it is not that expensive to start, and does not take an inordinate amount of time.
Next week, I’ll discuss some of the nuts and bolts of podcasting!
