| Tour providers are an important segment of every | | | | provide a steady stream of web traffic to the |
| region's tourism industry. Providers offer services | | | | guide's main website. |
| such as eco-tours, boat cruises, fishing charters, | | | | Niche web directories are excellent online resources |
| sailing, scenic trips, wine tours, city guides, wildlife | | | | for driving traffic to a tour business. Some web |
| expeditions and other trips. | | | | directories offer either free or paid listings, with |
| Attracting clients is a vital part of every tour | | | | varying plans to suit every budget. Directories that |
| business. Among the most popular tools for | | | | show up in search engine results for important key |
| promoting tour-based businesses are websites, online | | | | phrases are more likely to be effective places to |
| advertising, article marketing, social media, press | | | | advertise. |
| releases, and networking. | | | | Networking within the local business community can |
| Posting periodic trip reports, blog posts, news items, | | | | have a big impact on a tour business. Businesses such |
| pictures and videos are an excellent way to attract | | | | as marinas, restaurants, ice cream and coffee shops, |
| clients. Each of these types of information encourage | | | | bakeries, wineries, motels, inns, lodges, bed and |
| audiences to return to a site periodically as well as to | | | | breakfasts, art galleries and others are often willing |
| share links with their friends. | | | | to cooperate in marketing efforts. These include |
| Press releases are among the top promotional tools | | | | practices such as website link exchanges, online ad |
| for tour operators. There are numerous online | | | | banners, shared advertising efforts, guest blogging |
| resources that offer templates and press release | | | | and other efforts. Tour operators can return the |
| writing tutorials. In addition, many web designers and | | | | favor by recommending these businesses to their |
| online marketing consultants offer press release | | | | clients. |
| writing services. | | | | Joining local and national organizations can also bring |
| Press release topics can include a wide array of | | | | new clients. These include local groups such as |
| subjects. Upon starting a guide business, an initial | | | | chambers of commerce, trade associations and |
| press release is usually a good idea. An initial press | | | | others. At a national or international level, there are a |
| release can include both local and online versions. At | | | | variety of industry organizations that offer business |
| this stage, it is important to create a local list of | | | | promotion services. |
| press contacts and a separate database of online | | | | Accessories can be an important way of attracting |
| submission resources. | | | | new visitors. These include products such as t shirts, |
| Other press releases can follow, including important | | | | sweatshirts, stickers, coffee mugs, calendars and |
| events such as additions of staff, acquisitions of | | | | other items. Many tour operators now offer |
| equipment, awards, significant milestones, expansion | | | | accessories online, via their website or thru online |
| of services and other topics. | | | | stores. |
| Publishing articles online can have a big impact on a | | | | While these promotional methods are time consuming |
| tour business. Articles can be posted to an industry | | | | to accomplish, they offer long term benefits. Most |
| site or to specialized ezines. Articles can help establish | | | | successful tour businesses rely on a combination of |
| a guide's credentials, provide another page that may | | | | practices to recruit and retain customers. |
| attract search engine-related traffic and eventually | | | | |