There have been thousands of articles and blog posts written that support and explain the use of social media to market your tour operation. Yet, we still see outdoor based businesses that are slow to leverage these very powerful opportunities.   Below are 5 statistical reasons why tour operators need to engage in effective social media marketing.

1. There are almost 2.1 billion active social media accounts worldwide.

There are roughly 3.3 Billion Internet users in the world. As of 2015, over 70% of the US population had a social networking profile.  As of the  4th quarter of 2014, US users spend an average of 3hrs/day on social media.  With participation levels this high your tour and activity business NEEDS TO participate.

2. 46% of all users will use their social media of choice to make an online purchase.

This is a number that has been (and continues to be) on the rise. 80% of visitors to your tour operation visit your website prior to calling, emailing, and visiting.  Odds are that nearly 1 in 4 will visit and search for your business via their trusted social media platform.  The question to ask your self is....what will they find?

3. The average account holder has about 200 friends.

Many of our Flybook customers when asked identify customer referrals as their #1 new business generator.   Effective social media campaigns include opportunities to tap into the social media network of their clients.  It is clear that one post from a customer to their social media account highlighting their experience with your company can be extremely valuable.

4. As of 2015, 580-Million Facebook users accessed the social network exclusively via mobile

Your entire digital platform needs to be mobile responsive.  Check out this previous post: /mobilegeddon-mobile-website

5. 91% of millennials (15 - 34 year olds) use Facebook.

Adjusting to the demographics of your customers and potential customers is critical to ensure the prosperity of your business.   You have to fight the old adage "... we did it this way last year."  It is important to be present where your customers are at, and more importantly where your customers are engaged.  Check out: /when-changes-send-you-running-for-cover

^{Sources: http://www.infinitdatum.com/social-media-statistics/} 

At The Flybook we take a consultative approach when working with our customers.  Topics like social media, and the integration of those programs into your reservation management system and customer communication tools are essential.   Let us get you started!