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Tourists can be a powerful group of talkers. Naturally, they’re from somewhere else, with their own networks of friends, family, and co-workers to tell about you — and wowing these talkers can mean great word of mouth.
Whether you’re a high-end resort or a local restaurant, here’s how to get started:
1> Give them a reason to talk right now
2> Give them a reason to send a friend
3> Give them a reason to subscribe
1> Give them a reason to talk right now
Don’t let your new fans walk out the door without giving them the chance to tell a friend. Simple ideas include asking for feedback and reviews with the bill, encouraging them to take and share photos (why doesn’t every place offer to take a group photo?), or giving them a postcard that you’ll mail. Don’t wait for them to get home to tell a friend — get them talking while the experience is fresh in their minds.
2> Give them a reason to send a friend
This is your chance to help these new talkers look good to their friends. Give them an insider discount they can share, a “secret” guide to stuff most tourists don’t see, or an off-the-menu item they can tell friends to try. When you help talkers help their friends, you help yourself to a bunch of great conversations.
3> Give them a reason to subscribe
If you can earn a subscription from a passing fan, you can earn long-term word of mouth. Create a simple newsletter and send them something useful every month — recipes, photos, skiing / hiking / snorkeling tips (or whatever you specialize in), and the occasional coupon. Giving them an easy way to subscribe to your content turns a one-time experience into a long-term relationship.
