A Smarter Website Strategy for New Tourism Businesses

South Africa - WildBeest Media, a leader in tourism web design, advises new tourism operators to delay building a website and instead utilize more immediate, cost-effective tools to establish their online presence.

Strategic Steps for New Tourism Operators:

1. Claim Your Google Business Profile (GBP): This amazing free tool allows businesses to list tours and pricing, post updates and photos, run local ads, enable bookings, track visitors, and collect reviews. It ensures visibility in search results and maps, crucial for locations like Cape Town, Hoedspruit, or Plettenberg Bay.
2. Establish a Meta (Facebook/Instagram) Business Profile: By posting updates, announcing specials, sharing photos, running targeted ads, and engaging with customers through Messenger or Instagram DMs, businesses can effectively reach potential clients.
3. Leverage Booking Platforms: For accommodations, platforms like Booking.com, Lekkeslaap, or SA-Venues allow listings, showcase reviews, and handle bookings. For tours or activities, Viator or TripAdvisor are ideal for collecting reviews and building credibility. Sharing booking links across all platforms enhances visibility.
4. Collect Social Proof from Day One: Focusing on gathering reviews and ratings on platforms like TripAdvisor, Booking.com, or Google builds social proof, which is crucial for attracting future customers and will be invaluable when transitioning to a professional website.

The Bottom Line:

WildBeest Media emphasizes that new tourism businesses should initially utilize tools like Google Business Profile, Meta Business Profiles, and trusted booking platforms to establish an online presence quickly and effectively. This approach saves time and money, providing a solid foundation for future growth.

When the time comes to upgrade to a website, WildBeest Media is ready to assist in building a platform that truly converts. Until then, leveraging available tools keeps the process simple and efficient.

About WildBeest Media:

WildBeest Media specializes in creating high-converting websites with strong SEO foundations for the tourism industry. Their expertise helps tourism businesses grow their online presence effectively.