QUEENS, NY FOOD TOUR

Local Finds: Queens Food Tours



Too much blank space above header.  Raise header and put larger tabs underneath header.  Do same with why take tours (use bullets first)

Also shorten header.

Why are you promoting Pepsi Cola on Header.

Consider a short video introduction in that space.

Put bullets above explanation what tour is about – many people don’t like to read too much. 

Should use Paypal.  Customers prefer credit privacy.  Picking a time and date could be easier if you list only available times and dates instead of a calendar.

Trip advisor has excellent reviews yet your web site shows few and weak reviews..

Increase size of Tabs Home, etc.

Total Billing did not show amount of cost on stage 2 when I entered 1 adult.

Number 1 Listing Service Toursbylocal.com

No matching location for 'queens new york'.
List yourself on this site. 

Join Affiliate Touring Companies 

 What is Periscope?

Periscope is an app for your smartphone that lets you share a live video directly from your smartphone and allows others to watch, chat and interact with your broadcast live. Think of it like your own live, interactive TV station for your Tourism brand. A live video is called a “Broadcast” or “Scope”.
Simon Lenoir (Rezdy) | Attribution 

 Fortunately for the small tour and activity operators today, the Internet provides a quick and easy way to get the word out about your business, and many of these online marketing strategies are relatively inexpensive. Social mediaaccounts, for example, do not cost anything to set up and if you maintain them yourself, you won’t see any overhead costs other than time.

The following avenues will help you promote your tour business and attract new customers from across the globe:

 

1. Social Media

Social media is one of the best ways for any small business to develop its presence in the online community, and the results of a successful campaign are tangible. Social media allows people to connect with your business in new and exciting ways, as well as quickly spread the word about your location to friends and family.

When starting a social media campaign, it’s important to choose a few different account types and develop those accounts completely before joining additional networks.

Most small travel businesses will begin their social media campaign with a Facebook account and a Twitter account. Along the way they might add other relevant accounts, such as Instagram, Blogger or Flickr.

Facebook

Facebook allows you as a tour operator to post status updates about recent happenings with your business and the area you are located in. These status updates will range from quick-hit news items, links to relevant stories and simply fun thoughts, but they also might provide customers with details on an upcoming promotion or contest.

Facebook is a great way to add photographs of recent tours, as potential customers will want to see exactly what they are going to experience when they book a tour or activity with you. For instance, if you offer whale watching tours, consider posting a few photos each week of the whales that you see. It will get people interested and excited in what you have to offer.

Contests are also a great way to get people involved on Facebook, as most contest rules require participants to share information about the company with their friends. It spreads word of mouth and generates buzz about your company, and a lucky winner will get a prize such as a free tour or a discount.

Twitter

Twitter allows you to post quick information for your followers, and often includes newsworthy information, promotional information and contact information. You only have 140 characters to get your point across, so it’s important to be witty and creative. A quick Twit pic can go along way as well, enticing people who are following you to check out your website for more information.

Since social media is being used more and more, tour operators need to knowhow to use social media for their business, so that it has a positive impact onrevenue.

 

2.TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor should be a priority for tours and activities because it has become a top resource for people who are planning vacations, as it is known for being reliable and trustworthy. This site provides a comprehensive summary of many of the attractions in any particular city or area that people are visiting. In addition to the summary, users can get on and post reviews of their personal experiences. There is an opportunity to add photographs as well.

That is why this is an important site to develop a presence on, as it is trusted by travelers and businesspeople alike. Ask people who have enjoyed your tour to get on Trip Advisor and help you develop your page. The more reviews you have, and specifically the more positive reviews you have, the better ranking you will earn.

Keep looking for ways to improve your TripAdvisor listing. You will be thrilled the day you log on to Trip Advisor and see your business as one of the top-rated things to do in your city.

 

3. Voucher Sites

Voucher sites have become a great way to generate buzz about your business. Popular voucher sites include the likes of Groupon and Living Social, and they allow you to create a daily deal that works for your business.

For instance, you might offer an extremely discounted tour during one of your slow months to help boost your sales.

This is a great way for customers to discover your business, and when they enjoy their experience, they will be more likely to recommend you and help you spread the word online as well.

Where should you start?

People who are planning trips and making reservations are getting most of their information off of the Internet before they go. The Internet has changed the way that people travel, in the sense that travelers are able to see and experience a place online before they ever make a reservation.

Perhaps you offer double-decker bus tours in an action-packed city, or maybe you provide surfing lessons off of the coast. Either way, you will want to develop your reputation not only in your own community but across the global travel community as well.

As a starting point:

Launch a social media campaign to get people talking, and provide them with the best deals around so they can’t pass your tours up.

Take advantage of the senses, and provide your customers with a 360-degree experience when they visit your website including photos, videos and reviews. Do this on your own website and on TripAdvisor.

Partner with voucher sites to build awareness of your tour or activity.

Your business might be smaller than that of a corporate conglomerate, but that doesn’t mean you can’t beat your competitors with online marketing. Use your niche and local expertise to showcase to the world your amazing services and the experiences that you offer, and before you know it, you will have a full plate of reservations every day!

For more tips on how to market your tour or activity business online, download our free ebook:

 

Experiences - Tell Story - Wear  a uniform on tours with phone info on back.
Could Use AutoPlay as Introduction - How to Video

Competition Websites - Get Listed and Recommended
Popular Listing Site to Use
Manta Free Advertising
Step by Step Guide - Different Types to Specialize In
Connect with Bed and Breakfast Sites  In Queens and adjacent boroughs. Offer a commission for referrals.
Write a Business Plan - See Samples 
Use Blog to Promote Tour Guide Business
Tips Dealing With Foreigners Video  Hire a student who speaks other languages to give tour. customers language -wear uniform
Get Listed on GuideBookAmerica Video
Get Listed on Trip Advisor Have Customers Make Comments About You
Google Adwords for Video - Open for an PPC ad on personal level.
Google Adwords for Search Small Business Approach - Low Budget
Go to Adwords Tutorial on This Blog
Use Google Translate Services and Target Visitors from other Countries
How to Use Translation Service
Learn Any Foreign Language Quickly
eMail Marketing
Sample of an email Promotion 
Get Listed on WikiTravel
Join Forums Discussing Travel - For Tours and Tourists
Get Listed on World Web
Facebook - Complete Tutorial
Facebook Marketing Business Guide
Twitter - Complete Tutorial and Other Social Media Sites
How to use Twitter for Your Business - Join travel discussion groups
Getting Traffic to Website
Make Videos  Sample Video - Quality video for your website or blog
Placing Ads for Your Business - Many places to place ads
Consider Groupon Video
Groupon Power Point - Study this before trying - Very important - Click View Present
Try New Google Maps - Video Your Tour - Mobile APP

Contact Local Tourist Agencies and Offer Commission

How to Cope with Festivals and Events
Foursquare - New App - Find people in your area - offer deal - only pay when used.