Travel operators are missing out on free cash for marketing, says Sam Patton, founder of The Social Spider, Australia’s first digital marketing agency dedicated to the travel sector.
Some savvy travel companies are successful in accessing “magical” marketing funds from government and private sources but many were unaware of available cash or unwilling to spend the time to chase it, she said.
“Free, much-needed marketing money can be a game-changer for a company wanting to target new markets and expand,” Patton said.
“The governments of Australia are very keen for small businesses to succeed and from federal down to local council level, there are grants and schemes in place to help you start up, grow or even franchise your business.”
Her new social media and digital marketing agency for the travel industry, The Social Spider, has published a detailed blog on how travel companies can access and spend free marketing money. The article, “Travel Marketing Money – How to Get It and How to Spend It”, is available on The Social Spider.
Patton said travel companies first needed to plan and cost a marketing initiative and then table that with government agencies offering grants or cruise lines, tour operators, or wholesales offering 50-50 co-op funds.
“Taking some time to investigate these opportunities can net you some well-needed cash to splash on marketing yourself and your product to the Australian travel community,” Patton added.
“The great thing about a grant is that it isn’t a loan. You just need to spend the dollars on what you proposed. And with cooperative marketing campaigns with a travel supplier, these companies are often looking for active marketing partners and remember, you have something to offer them – access your database!”
Patton said The Social Spider could also help travel businesses source and spend marketing grants, especially if they lacked the necessary time and skills involved.
