How to start a travel company | Part One
Starting a travel company isn’t for the faint of heart. Regardless of how easy it may seem, it’s not. If your intentions are to make easy money by traveling the world then don’t even consider getting into the game.
Listed below are 12 pointers to help you get started with the basics. If the basics don’t help you, move ahead with your brand, then remember you can enroll for our Backpacker Training program at Yolo Manali.
- Brand name
The first thing is to zero down on is a brand name. While deciding a brand name for your travel company, remember the name need not be industry categorised but at the same time, the brand name needs to be easy for people to remember and pronounce. Most people go wrong here, by keeping a brand name which is common and at the same time, it’s hard to pronounce for the common man. Take time, but get it correct.
- Logo
There are various kinds of logos available based on how much you’re ready to pay and what your thought process is. Once you decide on a brand name, getting a logo done is very important. Just remember to keep the logo simple and easy to understand, so people can recognise it both in the digital and print world.
- GST
Registering the business with the government to procure a GST number and a current account is the next thing you need. You will need to register an office to get the above done.
- Website
Starting a travel company post Covid-19 without a fully functional website, is the worst mistake anyone can ever make. Remember a bit of research will land you to the website that suits your travel company needs. You don’t need to build a custom website. You can always opt for a WordPress theme based website.
- Payment gateway
The most authentic way to get bookings, is by having a payment gateway where people can actually book the trip of their choice. Making them pay via a bank transfer. Deposit is an outdated way of going about things.
- Instagram business
By default, everyone will start and believe that by having an Instagram account, things will fall in place and your brand or business will bloom. It will definitely bloom, but it’s the content on the handle that will ultimately decide.
- Facebook business
Many who start now don’t really pay attention to their Facebook page. About 2 out of 10 travel brands actually have an active presence on Facebook daily. Remember by leaving Facebook out of your marketing plan, is the single biggest mistake you can ever make.
- Google my business
List your brand on Google, so people can leave reviews and add imagine of their experience. It’s the best way to get brand recognition and credibility without having to pay a rupee
- YouTube channel
Life post Covid-19 is all about videos and travel is purely about video content. If you don’t know where to start, YouTube is the place to find your answers. Having a YouTube channel with content being posted weekly is a must.
- Email ID
Having an email id is mandatory, but having one with your brand name is what separates the amateur from the pros. It’s always more credible to have an email id with your brand name, example team@tlow.in. This helps the end user know this is more than just a start up.
- WhatsApp business
WhatsApp business is key part of the game, if it is used well. You need to optimize your WhatsApp business to the max. So everything you have in your product inventory is listed. Plenty of YouTube video tutorials on the same.
- Common sense
If you have reached here, then it’s good. But all the above 11 points have no value, if you’re unable to apply common sense to all your decisions. Knowing what to do, when, without having anyone to help you, will lead you to understand, if you have common sense or no.
