I am a start-up home based travel agent. Being a start up, my marketing/advertising budget is very small. Any recommendations for getting leads?

Home advisor is highly recommended. You can budget how much you wanna spend each month on leads excellent way for start up companies

I’m sorry, I don’t. I understand travel agencies are starting to make a comeback, so good luck with your endeavor.

I used to travel by air extensively and almost always used a travel agent.  I found that I was spending WAY to much time doing my own ticketing for air, hotel resv and car rentals.  I've used several different travel agents over the years so I have a fairly good perspective on this subject.

I think of your question and then ask myself "why did I prefer one agent over another?"  The answer?  OF COURSE - what set them apart was the level of service they provided. THE best one, I still use on the few trips I take each year.  I pay an extra fee for her service and she's worth it! So, based on my appreciation for all she does, it would take something earth-shattering for me to switch.  

I say all of this to now answer your question.  How do YOU set yourself apart from your competition?  Surely, I doubt that you will be able to think of anything that hasn't already been tried, but regardless of how you get clients, you have to first be able to explain (sell) WHY they should use you.  Just to say "...great service" is not enough.  

Why do I appreciate my travel agent so much?  In brief, it's because she has learned my travel habits and preferences more than just that I like to stay at Hiltons and prefer aisle seats on planes NOT in the bulkhead.  I've often told her that after my wife, she "reads" me better than anyone else.  If I'm on an inbound flight and it's running late, which means I will miss my connection, by the time I'm able to contact her she already has me booked on another flight or has a hotel reservation for me if there is not another flight out that day etc.

I'll stop here.  You can tell that I'm very passionate about the subject of service.  I wish you the best in your endeavor.

Do you belong to a host agency or are you totally on your own...?  Some host agencies have a referral program.  Some host agencies are free to join others have a membership fee.  You have to weigh the benefits to the cost. Join local chambers and other associations.  Do attend travel agent training, seminars and conferences; they hold classes on social media, CLIA certifications, marketing, legal, etc...On Facebook, look into STIA - Suncoast Travel Industry Association.  They hold bi-weekly "lunch and learn" in Tampa as well as monthly meetings.  Tell them Kathryn sent you!!!If you want to, you may call or email me, too...

Hi Karen, have you ever heard of personalized video? We work with a few travel agents and introduced them to this type of marketing and they all have seen a massive increase in business (that's what its design to do) when they click to watch your video it will be personalized to that viewer only, it captivates your viewers because you are talking to them directly... Inside your video they will not only see their name, they will also see an image of themselves inside of you video... Take a look at this sample, then let me know what you think..... https://goo.gl/A2CAhF

Hi Karen, I don't know how much good it will do you, but I am an author who uses real locations in much of my work. If you do service to the UK I'd be interested in exchanging references. My thought is I'd post an ad for you on my FB fan page:  https://www.facebook.com/Steph... Linked to my novel Worlds Apart which takes place in the Derbyshire Hills area of England. Something like since you've read about it how about seeing for yourself () can make the arrangements. In return, you could do an add of the 'want a peek before you book read Worlds Apart by Stephen B. Pearl' style that links to my novel. Nothing may come of it but its free and I don't see it doing either of us any harm. More locally I have novels centred in the Gulph area and along the Canadian shoreline of Lake Huron. PM me on facebook if you're interested.

Hi Karen.  Did you send out a "launch" letter via email to everyone in your address book?  Also, there are a few places you can have free profiles for your business besides on social media - NextDoor, Thumbtack, for instance.  Are you member of an association for your industry?  Boosting just one post on Facebook is really affordable and can reach a lot of people.  I do have my business name printed on t-shirts, jackets, and tote bags.  It was a bit of investment up front, but my name is always visible when I am out in public.  I also have name badges that I made and wear when I don't have logo attire on.  Is there someone you know who you could trade work with - graphic designer for a logo or screen printer for attire with your logo?  Besides a website, my business depends on word-of-mouth and client referrals.  You can visit as a guest at networking groups and chamber meetings...another way to reach a lot of people all at once.  If you like to write, you could have a blog to attract clients.  Give a presentation at retirement communities, libraries, senior/community centers, etc.  Attend expos/trade shows, discover related and complementary fields.  Always carry business cards!  Hope some of these ideas help. :-)

When I started as a Real Esate Agent I went to visit several Business Networking Groups such as BNI and Corporate Alliance and the Chamer of Commerce, and the Board of Realtors. I also went to women’s organizations such as Women’s Council of Realtors and I went to the Southern Utah Home Builders Association. Basically I attended as a guest several professional organizations. I picked the ones I liked and got involved and built good relationships. You can join some organizations as an affiliate member, and offer specials. You could go to the local hospitals or other large employers and offer a special or give them of last minute deals. If you want to talk about any of these ideas feel free to contact me directly. Best Wishes Chris xxx-xxx-xxxx

Hi Karen, there are many marketing strategies that don’t cost anything or very little to put out. I definitely agree with many that say go networking and get referrals, but the most important is that you have an elevator pitch that is top notch that people will want to talk with you. It’s important to stand out of the crowd and be different than your competition. 

I also agree that choosing a niche will be very important. Traveling for families, friends or couples definitely different. By choosing one niche to start with will be part of your success. 

One of the best marketing strategies would be to put a landing page with a very strong message both in your headline, sub headline and offer. This way you’ll educate your prospects and you’ll always stay in touch with them and they with you to create a trust so that when they are ready to buy, you will be one of their top choices  You are more than welcome to get a few free marketing strategies off my site, there’s no sales pitch on the videos, just education on a few strategies that are tested, proven and work. Check them out at www.BestEntrepreneurSolutions.com watch the 3 minute video and take it from there. 

Hope this helped! 

Well Karen, of course, when asking for ways to promote your business you will get all kinds of ideas and opinions, but you have to first decide what are you willing to do when it comes to promoting your travel business are you comfortable with online strategies or do plan on offline or both if you plan on online strategies you must be willing to put yourself out there big time if you looking to really make life-changing income inside your travel business and if this is a long-term business venture for you and your family then I suggest that you be willing to consider some online digital marketing training, because the problem with people giving you advice on what to  do now you have to figure out how to make it all happen for your business and the information I'm about to mention is the foundation for building a profitable business for yourself regardless of what kind of business you are promoting the first is content creation which includes your message to the marketplace, list building, follow up, traffic or lead generation and monetization these core areas will assist you with building a long-term travel business for yourself. it's not an overnight matter if you would like more information don't hesitate to connect with me and this information given is just my opinion based on what I'm doing to build a business leveraging the internet!