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Use Your FAM trips as a marketing tool11/28
2023
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Use Your FAM trips as a marketing tool

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Use Your FAM trips as a marketing tool

as a travel agent, how can you use a familiarization trip as a marketing tool to gain new clients?

As a travel agent, traveling is your #1 marketing tool! If you want to build and maintain your travel business, you need to travel and market yourself effectively while doing it.

A FAM trip is an excellent marketing tool. It shows off that you are educating yourself in new products, services, and destinations, and it shows a real commitment to those that follow you.

You have the best opportunity to learn about the latest trends in a destination. This information can help you stay ahead of the curve and provide your clients with the best possible service. Not to mention, it’s super effective at generating interest in the destination and encouraging people to book trips with you!

There are lots of opportunities to market yourself well before, during and after your FAM trip.

Jump to a section:

  1. Overview to FAM Marketing
  2. Marketing Before the FAM
  3. Marketing During the FAM
  4. Marketing After the FAM
  5. More ways to market

Here are some ways you can get marketing from your FAM trip:

  1. 1. Create a Facebook group! We have agents that DOMINATE a brand and destination by creating a Facebook group around it. For example, going on an Aruba FAM? Create a Facebook group for 'Aruba Travel'. Post information that will demonstrate you as the expert and provide tremendous value to those interested in traveling to Aruba. Invite anyone you think would be interested. As people search social media to find more information about Aruba travel, they will find your group!
  2. 2. Make a long form video
  3. 3. Share short videos on Reels or TikTok
  4. 4. Record and showcase a room tour
  5. 5. Post a review online about your experience, and leading people to your blog post to learn more
  6. 6. Capture unique pictures for your posts and websites
  7. 7. Write a blog post

Marketing Ideas Before your FAM Trip:

Promoting your FAM trip before you actually leave is just as important as it is while either in destination or when you return. Do a Facebook or Instagram Live Video explaining to your audience about the trip you are about to participate in and ask for questions. Not only does this get engagement on your social media channels but also helps to build the like, know and trust that you need to gain attention and new clients online.

Marketing a familiarization (FAM) trip before you embark on it is an excellent strategy for generating interest and attracting new clients as a travel agent. Here are some effective ways to market the trip beforehand:

  1. Announce Your Trip: Start by announcing your upcoming FAM trip on your website, social media platforms, and through email newsletters. Build anticipation by sharing details about the destination, the itinerary, and what you hope to discover or experience.

  2. Create a Countdown: Use a countdown on your social media channels to build excitement as the trip date approaches. This keeps your audience engaged and reminds them of the upcoming adventure.

  3. Tease the Destination and Activities: Share teasers about the destination, such as famous landmarks, unique activities, or lesser-known attractions you plan to visit. This can intrigue your audience and make them curious to learn more.

  4. Host a Pre-Trip Q&A Session: Organize a live Q&A session on social media where you discuss your upcoming trip. Encourage your audience to ask questions and share what they would like to know or see during your journey.

  5. Blog Posts or Articles: Write blog posts or articles about the destination, highlighting what makes it special and what clients can expect. You can discuss the culture, cuisine, activities, and potential itineraries.

  6. Collaborate with Suppliers: If you have established relationships with suppliers at the destination (hotels, tour operators, etc.), mention these collaborations. You can also discuss any exclusive deals or unique experiences you’ll be scouting for your clients.

  7. Email Marketing Campaign: Send out a series of emails leading up to your trip, each highlighting different aspects of the destination or what you plan to uncover. This can include local secrets, culinary delights, adventure activities, or relaxation spots.

  8. Share Client Testimonials: Share testimonials from clients who have traveled to similar destinations or who have enjoyed similar experiences. This adds credibility and sets the tone for what new clients can expect.

  9. Use Visual Content: Utilize visually appealing content like photos, videos, and graphics related to the destination to capture the attention of your audience. This can be sourced from previous trips or promotional materials.

  10. Promote Special Offers or Future Deals: Let your audience know that you’ll be looking out for special deals or exclusive offers during your trip, which you’ll be able to pass on to them.

  11. Leverage Influencer or Partner Marketing: If possible, collaborate with influencers or other travel partners to broaden your reach. They can help promote your trip to their followers, increasing visibility.

  12. Share Your Preparation Process: Share how you prepare for such a trip, including how you research and plan your itinerary. This can position you as a knowledgeable and thorough travel agent.

By using these strategies, you can effectively market your FAM trip and generate excitement among potential clients. This approach not only showcases the value you provide as a travel expert but also helps in building a relationship with your audience even before you start your journey.

Marketing Ideas During your FAM Trip

Marketing a familiarization (FAM) trip effectively while you're on the trip itself can be a dynamic way to engage potential clients and showcase the unique experiences you offer as a travel agent. Here are some strategies to consider:

  1. Live Social Media Updates: Share live updates on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Use stories, live videos, and regular posts to give a real-time view of the trip. Tagging locations and using relevant hashtags can increase the visibility of your posts.

  2. Interactive Content: Engage your audience with interactive content such as polls, Q&A sessions, and live videos where you can answer questions in real-time. This creates a two-way conversation and makes potential clients feel involved in the experience.

  3. Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses: Share behind-the-scenes content that shows a different perspective of the destination or experience. This could include local culinary experiences, unique accommodations, or interactions with locals.

  4. High-Quality Photography and Videography: Capture high-quality photos and videos that can be used for immediate posts and future marketing materials. Beautiful imagery can capture the essence of a destination and is more likely to be shared by your audience.

  5. Testimonials and Interviews: Gather testimonials from fellow travelers or conduct brief interviews with local vendors or guides. This adds authenticity and provides diverse perspectives on the destination.

  6. Blog Posts or Travel Diaries: Start a blog post or travel diary series that you update daily during the trip. Share these posts on social media and through email newsletters to engage your audience.

  7. Exclusive Offers or Promotions: Announce exclusive offers or promotions that are available for a limited time to your social media followers. This can create a sense of urgency and encourage immediate inquiries or bookings.

  8. Email Marketing: Send out a special newsletter to your email list with highlights from your trip, offering personalized travel planning services based on your current experiences.

  9. Networking and Collaborations: Use the opportunity to network with local suppliers and mention these collaborations on your social media. This can enhance the credibility of your services and offer unique experiences to your clients.

  10. Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, messages, and emails promptly. Engaging with your audience in real-time shows that you are accessible and attentive, which can be a deciding factor for potential clients.

  11. Utilize Storytelling: Craft compelling stories around your experiences. Storytelling can evoke emotions and make the destination more appealing.

  12. Share Local Insights and Tips: Offer exclusive tips and insights about the destination that only someone on the ground could know. This showcases your expertise and value as a travel agent.

By effectively using these strategies, you can create a sense of excitement and interest in your current trip, which can translate into new client inquiries and bookings. The key is to be authentic, engaging, and responsive, making your audience feel like they are part of your journey.

Marketing Ideas After your FAM Trip

Marketing a familiarization (FAM) trip after returning home is crucial for capitalizing on the experience to gain new clients. Here are some effective strategies to consider:

  1. Share Comprehensive Trip Reviews: Write detailed reviews of your trip, covering hotels, restaurants, activities, and overall experience. Post these on your website, blog, and social media. Be honest and informative in your reviews to establish trust with your audience.

  2. Create Engaging Content: Use the photos, videos, and notes from your trip to create engaging content. This could be in the form of travel vlogs, photo albums, informative blog posts, or even short documentaries about your journey.

  3. Host a Post-Trip Webinar or Event: Organize an event or webinar where you share your experiences, insights, and recommendations with potential clients. This could also be a platform to introduce special travel packages based on your FAM trip.

  4. Email Marketing Campaigns: Send out a series of emails to your subscribers showcasing the highlights of your trip, what you learned, and how it can benefit them in planning their travels.

  5. Utilize Testimonials and Interviews: If you've collected testimonials or conducted interviews during your trip, share these to add authenticity and diverse perspectives to your content.

  6. Develop Tailored Travel Packages: Based on your experience, create tailored travel packages or itineraries that you can offer to your clients. Highlight the unique aspects or exclusive experiences that you discovered on your trip.

  7. Social Media Campaigns: Use various social media platforms to share different aspects of your trip. For instance, Instagram can be used for photos and short videos, Facebook for longer posts and stories, and Twitter for quick updates and links to your blog posts.

  8. Share Stories and Personal Experiences: People connect with stories. Share your personal experiences, anecdotes, and what you loved about the trip. This human element can make your content more relatable and engaging.

  9. Update Your Website: Refresh your website with new content, photos, and travel packages based on your FAM trip. Ensure that the information is easily accessible and enticing for potential clients.

  10. Leverage Customer Feedback: If you’ve received feedback or inquiries about the destination based on your pre-trip and during-trip marketing efforts, use this to tailor your post-trip content and offerings to match your clients' interests.

  11. Offer Limited-Time Deals: Create a sense of urgency by offering special deals or discounts for a limited time, inspired by your trip. This can encourage potential clients to book sooner rather than later.

  12. Follow-Up with Leads: Reach out personally to anyone who expressed interest before or during your trip. Offer them personalized advice and travel options based on what you’ve learned.

  13. Use Video Testimonials: If you recorded any video testimonials or personal reflections during your trip, share these across your platforms. Videos can be powerful in conveying emotions and experiences.

  14. Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, messages, and inquiries promptly. Engaging with your audience post-trip shows that you are attentive and ready to assist with their travel needs.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively market your FAM trip experience to attract new clients, showcasing your expertise and the unique insights you gained during your journey.

More Ways to use a familiarization trip as a marketing tool to gain new clients

As a travel agent, leveraging familiarization (FAM) trips as a marketing tool to gain new clients can be highly effective. Here's how you can do it:

  1. Create Engaging Content: Use the trip to generate a wealth of engaging content. This can include high-quality photos, videos, and blog posts showcasing the destinations, accommodations, activities, and local culture. Sharing these on your website, social media platforms, and email newsletters can attract potential clients by giving them a taste of the experiences you offer.

  2. Personal Experience and Expertise: By experiencing the destination firsthand, you can provide personal insights and tips that online research can't match. This expertise can be a significant selling point, as clients often look for personalized advice and recommendations.

  3. Build Strong Relationships with Suppliers: FAM trips allow you to establish or strengthen relationships with suppliers (hotels, tour operators, etc.). These relationships can lead to special deals or exclusive offers that you can pass on to your clients, making your services more attractive.

  4. Social Proof and Testimonials: Use the trip to gather testimonials or create case studies showing the type of experiences you can arrange. Seeing real stories and feedback from satisfied travelers can significantly boost your credibility.

  5. Live Updates and Teasers: Share your experiences in real-time through social media stories, posts, or live sessions. This creates excitement and can engage your audience, prompting inquiries and discussions about similar trips.

  6. Educational Workshops or Events: Upon returning, you could host an event or workshop to share your experiences and knowledge about the destination. This can attract potential clients interested in the destination and position you as a go-to expert.

  7. Tailored Packages and Special Offers: Based on your experience, create tailored travel packages that you know will appeal to your client base. Special offers or limited-time deals linked to your FAM trip experience can create urgency and attract bookings.

  8. Networking and Partnerships: Utilize any networking opportunities during the trip to establish partnerships that could lead to referrals or joint marketing efforts.

  9. Feedback and Improvement: Use your firsthand experience to gather feedback about various aspects of the travel experience, and use this information to improve your service offerings.

  10. Use Client Personas: Tailor your marketing messages and content to fit the specific interests and preferences of your client personas, based on what you learn during the FAM trip.

Remember, the key is to share your unique experiences and insights in a way that showcases your value as a travel expert, builds trust with potential clients, and differentiates you from competitors.

Learn more about this by signing up for one of our Online Travel Agent Academy Courses.


To learn more techniques and how to become a travel agent, sign-up to become a travel agent today!

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