1-888-736-2382 | No Contracts | Pay As You Go
Let’s talk about the impact of digital marketing on tourism and how travelers choose their next destination in Canada.
Nowadays, many people are influenced by different digital marketing strategies. Whether it’s for their everyday chores or big-time business deals, there’s no doubt that digital marketing has been a very influential tool for sales. One industry that’s not going to be left behind with these trends is the travel industry.
Many travel agencies in Nova Scotia and even national tourism offices in Canada have been utilizing digital marketing and SEO services to reach more audiences. But how exactly does digital marketing enable industry professionals to expand their reach? We’ll learn more about that in this article.
Social Media Marketing
Before traveling, many travelers want to see visuals of the place they’re going to. Through social media, it’s possible to get a glimpse of these different destinations before actually visiting them.
For instance, social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and TikTok boast different photos that show how beautiful it is to go to these places. The beauty of these places is also amplified when travelers post real-time content through stories and reels.
The more social media traction a certain small business gets, the more likely it is that travelers want to visit that place. As such, social media has become a necessary tool to make a destination feel more attainable. It’s all about brand awareness and building an audience to showcase your products or services, whether it’s for small business or tourism in Nova Scotia.
Hashtags & geo-tags are also a big part of social media marketing. They help categorize content and make these posts more discoverable to a wider audience. Travelers can browse these categories and make travel decisions based on the posts they see under a certain hashtag or geo-tag.
Digital Marketing on Tourism and Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing has also become a big thing in the digital marketing world lately. Influencers, especially micro and mid-tier influencers, have loyal followers who trust their recommendations. When an influencer visits a certain destination, it piques the interest of their followers, and the place gains more popularity.
One way influencer marketing can work when it comes to choosing the next destination is through sponsored trips. This is when a tourism board or travel brand covers an influencer’s travel expenses in exchange for content and exposure.
This type of marketing works because influencers are known for posting their daily highlights and behind-the-scenes moments. As such, their followers get a more immersive experience where they feel like they’re also on that trip. If the influencer has positive things to say about the destination, then it will make travelers want to book that trip.
Search Engine Marketing (SEM) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
For other travelers, they trust Google and other search engines for recommendations. This is where SEM and SEO strategies come in. When travel content ranks higher in search engine results, it means it reaches more travelers around the world.
SEO is the side of this strategy that doesn’t involve paying for ads. It all relies on great content based on keywords that users are actually searching for. Blog posts that rank higher in search engines are more likely to influence where travelers want to go for their next destination. Beyond promoting destinations, SEO also provides readers with valuable insights—helping them determine the best and worst times to travel, what to avoid when visiting certain locations, and more. This not only builds trust but also enhances how travelers perceive travel businesses.
On the other hand, SEM is when brands pay to appear at the top of search results. Many travel brands and tourism boards utilize this kind of strategy so they know they’re visible whenever potential travelers search for destinations and activities online. This strategy influences travel decisions because it offers instant visibility. Geo-targeted ads also help reach people in specific countries or cities.
Online Reviews
Reviews are extremely important when it comes to a destination’s reputation. It’s the one thing almost all travelers do before they go to a certain place. Google Reviews give an overview of what to expect in the place, from the hotels, food, and other activities. Feedback from real travelers with real experiences has a greater weight than any ad.
Online platforms like TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and Yelp, all serve as platforms where travelers can easily search reviews for a destination. It provides social proof as well as potential red flags. These reviews are also sometimes very extensive that they provide real-time details on what it’s like to visit that place.
So, for example, if a traveler wants to discover iconic adventures like the Inca Trail, they can do so through digital travel recommendations. Through reviews, travelers can easily compare their choices when traveling. They will find a place that’s trustworthy so they can really make the most out of their time. In addition, these reviews also allow travelers to find hidden gems in a place. Many travelers would like to avoid tourist traps, and going through these reviews can help them do so.
The Bottom Line
Choosing a destination like beautiful Nova Scotia, and deciding what to do while traveling, can be challenging. With many options out there, it can be difficult to narrow down your choices. With digital marketing, however, travelers can find many possibilities.
Digital marketing has become an extremely useful tool for travelers in the past few years, and there’s no stopping this trend. Through utilizing different strategies, both travelers and tourism can transform the way they see the world.
Learn more about digital marketing services for tourism in Halifax Nova Scotia or any other city in the Maritimes by contacting Go Smart Media for a discussion regarding how to make your business a success online.
