Purchasing Travel Leads: A Guide To Generating Sales

Travel companies and agents can purchase leads from travel aggregators to boost their business. These aggregators, such as Holidify, Tripoto, TravelTriangle, TripCrafters, and TripClap, provide leads that are carefully sorted and shared exclusively with the buyer. The leads typically include verified contact details and travel timelines. Some companies offer dynamic pricing, allowing buyers to choose leads based on their exact needs and preferences. Additionally, some platforms provide free registration, pay-per-lead structures, and flexible plans without long-term contracts. It is essential to consider the quality of the leads, as some platforms offer refunds for low-quality leads that slip through their filtering process.

How to use digital marketing to generate travel leads

Digital marketing is an essential component of generating travel leads. The travel industry is undergoing a digital transformation, and online lead generation is crucial for travel agencies. Here are some ways to use digital marketing to create more travel leads:

Website and Mobile Optimisation

A user-friendly, optimised website is vital. Ensure fast loading times, a clear layout, and effective use of multimedia. Optimise for mobile viewing and ensure your website is easy to navigate with clear call-to-actions (CTAs). CTAs are essential, acting as signposts for visitors to take the next step.

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

Mastering SEO means your website will rank highly in search engine results, generating organic leads for free. Use competitive keywords and conduct keyword research. Also, optimise titles, meta descriptions, and build links. SEO ensures your website is visible to potential customers.

Pay-Per-Click Ads (PPC)

PPC ads are featured listings that you pay for each time someone clicks on them. You can set these up on search engines or travel sites. They are customisable and allow you to add promotions or links to direct customers to your page.

Social Media Marketing

Social media presence helps build brand recognition and reputation. Create a social media strategy with consistent content, linking to CTAs, and engaging with your audience. Social media is used by 55% of travellers when planning a vacation, so it is an excellent way to gain more leads.

YouTube Marketing

Video content allows customers to experience destinations and attractions. Create helpful tips, benefits of your service, and testimonials to build a following and generate leads to your website.

Email Marketing

Email marketing is an effective way to communicate with customers and act as a CTA. Send newsletters with updates and deals, and include clear instructions on what you want the customer to do, such as 'Book Now' or 'Get a Quote'. Offer incentives such as downloadable brochures or access to exclusive videos in exchange for email addresses.

Online Referral and Incentive Schemes

Use existing customers to generate new leads by offering incentives such as discounts, early booking, or gift cards for successful referrals. People are more likely to opt for a company recommended by someone they know, so this is a great way to gain new leads.

Partnering with Travel Agents and Bloggers

Developing relationships with travel agents is a valuable strategy. Travel agents will promote your product to their loyal clients and handle sales. Also, partnering with travel bloggers can provide fantastic exposure for your brand. Bloggers provide detailed, objective information, and their readers trust their advice.

These strategies will help you effectively use digital marketing to generate travel leads and increase conversions.

How to buy leads from travel aggregators

There are a few ways to buy leads from travel aggregators. Firstly, it is important to understand what a travel aggregator is and how it works. A travel aggregator is a website that collects and presents travel offers and prices from multiple sources, allowing users to compare and find the best deals. These sources include online travel agencies, hotels, and airline websites.

Now, there are a number of travel lead aggregators in the market, such as Tripoto, TravelTriangle, TripCrafters, and TripClap. These companies generate travel leads for local travel agents and connect travellers with these agents. To buy leads from them, you can follow these steps:

Choose a Travel Aggregator

Start by selecting a travel aggregator that suits your needs and has a good reputation. Research their services, terms, and conditions, and decide if they align with your business goals.

Register and Sign Up

Most travel aggregators will require you to register and create an account. This usually involves providing basic information and creating a profile. Some platforms may also offer free registration, so look out for that.

Understand the Payment Models

Typically, there are two main payment models when buying leads from travel aggregators:

• Subscription Pay Per Lead: This model allows you to pay a fixed amount for each lead you acquire. You have the flexibility to choose the leads that are most relevant to your business.
• Subscription: With this model, you pay a fixed monthly or annual fee to the aggregator, and they provide you with a promised number of leads. However, you may not have the option to pick and choose the leads.
• Explore Lead Types

Travel leads can vary, and understanding the different types will help you make an informed purchase. Some common lead types include:

• Domestic Leads: These are leads where the traveller explores destinations within their own country.
• Outbound Leads: Outbound leads refer to travellers going from their home country to a foreign country.
• Inbound Leads: Inbound leads are the opposite of outbound leads. They refer to travellers coming into the agent's country from a foreign country.
• International Leads: International leads involve travellers going from one foreign country to another.

Review Lead Details

Before purchasing leads, carefully review the information provided. A verified travel lead should include details such as the destination, origin city, number of travellers, departure date, hotel category, services required, booking status, trip type, and verification method.

Complete the Purchase

Once you have selected the leads you want and reviewed the details, complete the transaction by following the aggregator's payment process. Make sure you understand the pricing, whether it is a one-time purchase or a subscription, and any associated costs.

By following these steps, you can effectively buy leads from travel aggregators, helping you grow your travel business and reach potential customers.

How to choose the best travel lead aggregator

When choosing a travel lead aggregator, it is essential to select one that is reliable, ethical, and attuned to your company's unique needs. Here are some key factors to consider when making your decision:

• Attention to Your Needs: Choose a partner who takes the time to understand your specific goals and provides the right leads to drive meaningful growth for your company. Avoid aggregators who simply want to sell you lists without truly knowing what you need.
• Source of Leads: Ask about the source of their leads and ensure they are transparent about their network and compliance practices. Most aggregators now offer hybrid models, generating leads from their own original sources and sourcing them from other reliable sources.
• Technology and Integration: Look for an aggregator that uses modern platforms and online tools, ideally with the capability to integrate directly with your CRM and other systems. This ensures seamless lead management and efficient lead distribution into your sales pipeline.
• Compliance and Ethics: Lead aggregators must comply with rules and regulations to protect consumers' personal information. Ensure your aggregator can demonstrate a high level of knowledge and compliance with these standards. Regulations can vary by industry, so be sure to do your due diligence.
• Performance Reporting: Request performance reporting data from potential aggregators to evaluate their track record. Also, ensure they have processes in place to report on the performance of the leads and related services they provide to you.
• Exclusivity and Competition: Inquire about the exclusivity of leads. Some aggregators connect each verified lead to multiple travel agents, so understanding the level of competition for each lead is crucial.
• Verification Process: Understand the verification process employed by the aggregator to ensure the quality and authenticity of the leads. This may include email, OTP, phone call verification, or a combination of these methods.
• Geographic Coverage: Consider the geographic coverage of the aggregator's leads. Determine whether they offer leads for your target destinations and if they meet your domestic, international, or region-specific needs.
• Lead Delivery and Timing: Ask about the timing and method of lead delivery. Do they provide leads in real-time, in batches, or through direct integration with your CRM? Ensure it aligns with your requirements and sales strategy.
• Support and Account Management: Evaluate the level of support provided by the aggregator. Having a dedicated account manager to assist you with training, technical issues, and general inquiries can be beneficial.
• Pricing and Flexibility: Understand the pricing model, including any subscription fees, cost per lead, and minimum purchase requirements. Assess if the pricing structure aligns with your budget and business needs.

Remember, the right travel lead aggregator will show attention to your unique needs, offer transparency, and demonstrate high levels of technological capability and ethical compliance.

How to generate travel leads at the optimal time

Generating travel leads is a crucial aspect of the travel business, and timing plays a significant role in its effectiveness. Here are some strategies to help you generate travel leads at the optimal time:

Build an Effective Website

A well-designed and optimised website is essential for attracting potential customers. Focus on creating a visually appealing and user-friendly website that showcases your travel offerings. Ensure your website has clear calls-to-action and relevant content that caters to your target audience's interests and needs.

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

Optimising your website for search engines is crucial to improve its visibility and attract more visitors. Use relevant keywords and phrases that your target audience is likely to search for when planning their travels. Regularly monitor your website's SEO performance to ensure you're on the right track.

Partner with Travel Agents

Collaborating with travel agents can be a powerful way to generate leads. They have access to a large network of customers and can help you reach a wider audience. Partnering with travel agents allows you to tap into their existing customer base and gain credibility within the industry.

Social Media Marketing

Social media platforms offer a vast audience and powerful targeting options. Create engaging content that showcases your travel offerings and attracts your ideal customers. Use social media advertising tools, such as Facebook Ads or Instagram Ads, to reach a wider audience and target specific demographics.

YouTube Video Marketing

YouTube is a powerful platform for marketing travel experiences. Consider creating engaging videos that highlight your travel packages or destinations. Collaborate with YouTube content creators or travel bloggers to promote your offerings and reach their subscribers.

Email Marketing

Building an email list allows you to develop direct relationships with potential customers. Collect email addresses through your website or lead generation companies and send targeted email campaigns. Offer valuable content, such as travel guides or early-bird discounts, to entice subscribers and increase the chances of conversion.

Referral Programs

Encourage existing customers to refer their friends and family to your travel business. Offer incentives, such as discounted trips or loyalty rewards, to those who successfully refer new customers. This will not only help you generate leads but also create a sense of loyalty and advocacy for your brand.

By implementing these strategies and timing your lead generation efforts optimally, you can effectively grow your travel business and increase conversions.

How to integrate leads into your CRM

Integrating your CRM with your Facebook account can help you follow up on leads in a timely manner, which may increase your conversion rate.

• Built-in CRM Integrations: If you use products and services from a single provider, your CRM will be integrated by default. For example, if you use HubSpot CRM, Marketing Hub, and Service Hub, your systems will connect automatically. However, if you use software from multiple providers, you can still integrate them with the click of a button. Common built-in integrations include Gmail, Outlook, Slack, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google, and Outlook Calendar, Survey Monkey, and TypeForm for lead forms.
• Connector Integrations: These act as third-party triggers to facilitate the connection between your CRM and other apps. Using connector software, you can create custom integrations for specific tasks and automated workflows. Examples include Zapier and Bardeen.ai.
• Build your own APIs: APIs (application programming interfaces) allow different systems to communicate and exchange data. With an IT team or development experience, you can directly manipulate APIs to create more customized integrations.
• Write your own custom code: Software developers can write custom code to make different systems communicate with each other. However, this option can become messy and requires constant updates to keep up with changes.

Frequently asked questions