Gaining customers

Skygeon

Free Member
Jul 6, 2022
24
0
I have launched my business last week. It's a Tour Operator business focusing on taking customers to safari in Tanzania, climbing mount Kilimanjaro and beach holiday. What the best way to gain customers? I am current advertising on social media.
 

fisicx

Moderator
Sep 12, 2006
46,745
8
15,407
Aldershot
www.aerin.co.uk
I am current advertising on social media.
That only works if people are looking on social media for holidays.

If I wanted to go on safari I'd be looking on Google or using reputable companies like Exodus and Explore. I might look at Trivago or Bookings.com.
 
Upvote 0

Skygeon

Free Member
Jul 6, 2022
24
0
That only works if people are looking on social media for holidays.

If I wanted to go on safari I'd be looking on Google or using reputable companies like Exodus and Explore. I might look at Trivago or Bookings.com.
Ok but those companies charge a fortune. I am running a family company. I am building my reputation slowly. But my prices are competitive and I provide authentic experience
 
Upvote 0

fisicx

Moderator
Sep 12, 2006
46,745
8
15,407
Aldershot
www.aerin.co.uk
Ok but those companies charge a fortune.
Yes they do. But if you want to attract customers you need to been seen in the places they are looking. Your prices may be competitive but if nobody knows you exist you won't get any bookings.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JEREMY HAWKE
Upvote 0
Many years ago I did a 'safari' with Abercrombie & Kent to the Serengeti. The group, (mostly not known to each other), comprised folk with very different ages and backgrounds - all we had in common was the ability to pay for an up-market trip.

One section of our party was a group of anaesthetists travelling together. As an aside, they were an absolute pain in the arse - a bunch of little Englanders who treated the local staff like rubbish.

Moving on, it occurs to me that your target market might be groups of relatively affluent professionals so it could be worth getting some high-quality leaflets printed and sticking them up in places like hospitals, golf clubs, tennis clubs etc inviting people to form their own group and offering group rates.

Just a thought.
 
Upvote 0

Skygeon

Free Member
Jul 6, 2022
24
0
A free source is Linkedin. If it's done in the right way, you can find great customers on there.
Thank you
Many years ago I did a 'safari' with Abercrombie & Kent to the Serengeti. The group, (mostly not known to each other), comprised folk with very different ages and backgrounds - all we had in common was the ability to pay for an up-market trip.

One section of our party was a group of anaesthetists travelling together. As an aside, they were an absolute pain in the arse - a bunch of little Englanders who treated the local staff like rubbish.

Moving on, it occurs to me that your target market might be groups of relatively affluent professionals so it could be worth getting some high-quality leaflets printed and sticking them up in places like hospitals, golf clubs, tennis clubs etc inviting people to form their own group and offering group rates.

Just a thought.
Thank you so much for your input.
I totally understand you didn't have enjoyable experience due to having different group of people.

My aim is providing authentic experience as I am working with the local

I would not want to group different people together.

My aim is having only 1-2-1 experience or if it's a family or friends book together then I will not mix them. When you pay reasonable amount of money you except quality
 
Upvote 0

fisicx

Moderator
Sep 12, 2006
46,745
8
15,407
Aldershot
www.aerin.co.uk
There are many tour companies operating in the UK offering all sorts of safaris and other excursion holidays around the work. All of them spend money on marketing.

You have been given lots of ideas on how to target potential clients but they all need financial investment.

For example, if you are offering golfing trips you need to advertise in the many golfing magazines, websites and so on. You could get posters printed but you then need to pay someone to visit the golf clubs and ask for them to be hung up in the lobby.

I’m assuming you have a really slick and professional website, google business profile, ABTA and ATOL protection, can arrange flights, transport, hotels, cope with allergies and special needs etc. People need to trust you can deliver before parting with their money.
 
Upvote 0
Thank you

Thank you so much for your input.
I totally understand you didn't have enjoyable experience due to having different group of people.

My aim is providing authentic experience as I am working with the local

I would not want to group different people together.

My aim is having only 1-2-1 experience or if it's a family or friends book together then I will not mix them. When you pay reasonable amount of money you except quality
I didn't say that I didn't have an enjoyable experience. It was great. We made sure the anaesthetists travelled in a different van each day so we only saw them in the evening.

Groups can work well if the group already know each other. Mix different people in the confines of a van and you might or might not be lucky. However, I don't see how you can offer a 1-2-1 experience unless the trip is fabulously expensive.
 
Upvote 0

fisicx

Moderator
Sep 12, 2006
46,745
8
15,407
Aldershot
www.aerin.co.uk
Also…

Many people like travelling in groups. 1-2-1 has very limited appeal. I use companies like Exodus because they offer group tours, it means I get to meet other people.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Dinky
Upvote 0

Chris Ashdown

Free Member
  • Dec 7, 2003
    13,384
    3,002
    Norfolk
    Would Grammar schools be allowed by their insurance companies and governor's to use a small independent company for this type of operation, as they have a much higher requirement for safety and good management of risks than individuals who are more flexible

    One benefit the large companies have is purchasing power at airlines, hotels, restaurants and so on. you will be competing against that
     
    Upvote 0

    Skygeon

    Free Member
    Jul 6, 2022
    24
    0
    Would Grammar schools be allowed by their insurance companies and governor's to use a small independent company for this type of operation, as they have a much higher requirement for safety and good management of risks than individuals who are more flexible

    One benefit the large companies have is purchasing power at airlines, hotels, restaurants and so on. you will be competing against that
    I am small Tour Operator. But I have same level of insurance and protection.

    I just need to prove myself to them.
     
    Upvote 0

    fisicx

    Moderator
    Sep 12, 2006
    46,745
    8
    15,407
    Aldershot
    www.aerin.co.uk
    Would Grammar schools be allowed by their insurance companies and governor's to use a small independent company for this type of operation, as they have a much higher requirement for safety and good management of risks than individuals who are more flexible
    Grammar schools (and other educational institutions) tend to do large group tours combined with some sort of voluntary work. They use well established companies but will employ local guides where appropriate.
     
    Upvote 0
    Target market is private and grammar schools.
    If this is your target market then why are you post on social media?

    Also competing on price in a non price competitive market makes no sense.

    I am small Tour Operator. But I have same level of insurance and protection.
    No you don't. You might have bought an insurance policy that offers XX million or whatever but that is not the same insurance and protection as using a big brand.

    What happens if you're hit by a bus tomorrow?
     
    Upvote 0

    fisicx

    Moderator
    Sep 12, 2006
    46,745
    8
    15,407
    Aldershot
    www.aerin.co.uk
    Upgrade your membership and get a website review. There are so many things wrong with the site. Which means even if you do get leads nobody is going to book a trip.

    And as a full member you can add a signature link to your profile.
     
    Upvote 0

    fisicx

    Moderator
    Sep 12, 2006
    46,745
    8
    15,407
    Aldershot
    www.aerin.co.uk
    Have you seen my website? I have already had few website reviews. Cheers
    Yes I have and the site is not at all good. It’s actually broken in places. If I’m going to cough up £1500 I expect some thing far more professional and convincing
     
    Upvote 0

    fisicx

    Moderator
    Sep 12, 2006
    46,745
    8
    15,407
    Aldershot
    www.aerin.co.uk
    Thank you. You are a web developer. Give me an example for deficiency on my website?
    Website reviews are only permitted for full members. Upgrade your membership and you will get loads of help with the site.
     
    Upvote 0

    fisicx

    Moderator
    Sep 12, 2006
    46,745
    8
    15,407
    Aldershot
    www.aerin.co.uk
    That will get you a signature link. If you want a review you need business membership. Which is a business expense and tax deductible
     
    Upvote 0

    Latest Articles

    Join UK Business Forums for free business advice