If you do it right, creating a profitable travel blog is like standing shoulder to shoulder with Dickens and Shakespeare. At least, it’ll feel that way. But get it wrong and you’ll be less ‘Bard’ and more bored of taking the blinking cursor on a stroll through your thoughts only to receive even more low view counts. So how can you stay on top? Let’s myth bust your travel blog.
Creative Automation
What is creative automation? It’s a lot of things. And if you don’t know what they are, chances are that you aren’t doing any of them. Never fear, we can sort that out here and now (check out creative automation for more information).
Let’s say you have put in the hard work and your blog has something of a growing online presence, with engaging social media channels and a well-run website. Now let’s look at the work you have to put in to keep all of those aspects of your business afloat.
From file sizes and formats from one channel to the next, and even considerations such as text language and scheduled post times, you no doubt have a lot on your hands. Automation cures all of these issues. It’s what the professionals are doing that keeps them ahead with time to spare. Get involved or forever waste your evenings fiddling with the administration of each tailored post.
A Great Title & Opening
You have a choice to make with your travel blog. Create something predictable that says the same things as every other travel blog in your niche, or use the inner voice that inspired you to become a writer in the first place.
A great title and opening don’t come from keywords alone. There is hidden magic in how you word your work. Don’t lazily call a piece “10 Reasons to Visit Scotland”. Call it “Scotland in 3 Ghosts, 2 Hollywood Stars’ Homes, and the World’s Biggest Sapphire”. Or something. You get the point. Do you want the click or not? You’re going to have to put some serious thought into how you can use your voice in a way that answers user queries and connects with your audience.
Failure to get this right is a fast way to ensure your blog gets all the usual views from family and friends but never quite breaks through into the wider scene.
Tone Specific Content
Scour the internet for travel blog advice and you’ll come across endless guidance telling you to write in a conversational tone. After all, travel is a luxury. It should be spoken about in terms of passion and grandeur. We’re not selling hammers and screwdrivers. There’s no need for cold, hard, logical text. We’re selling aspiration and desire. So keep things casual and inviting, right?
Well, yes and no. Always write with your audience in mind. Did you know that some cruises are specifically aimed at more mature passengers? Or have you ever been lured to go somewhere that promised lazy afternoon culture, only to find that more vibrant crowds have adopted the area?
Your audience is tone specific, and that tone may not always be as conversational as the widespread advice would have you believe.
