How I’ve Used Word-Of-Mouth Marketing To Grow My Travel Agency Franchise

Louise Trowbridge started her Not Just Travel agency with husband Lee after being introduced by an existing franchisee in 2017. 

And it’s that spirit of recommendation that’s helped make her business a success, even though she began part-time and had no prior experience. Previously working in HR and IT respectively, both Louise and Lee were fed up with their careers. 

“Both of us were fed up with the corporate life and the nine to five. I was making people redundant and holding disciplinaries,” explains Louise. “Maybe I didn’t realise it at the time, but I had all these little things from my background that were pushing me towards a career in travel. Now I get to talk about holidays and look at hotels all day!”

Just six weeks after being introduced to the concept, Louise did her initial one week induction training. Her first bookings came soon after, from friends and family. And they still book to this day, five years later, with one friend recently booking an £18,000 multi-centre trip to Japan for next year.

“In the early days it tends to be people that you already know. We've both booked for a lot of ex work colleagues - and it was definitely family and friends in the beginning.”

But that’s just the start. The biggest growth Louise has seen has come through being referred and recommended to others. That isn’t something to take lightly, as it means people are happy to be associated with you and your service.

“We get a lot of referrals, which is amazing,” says Louise. “I think it's the highest compliment that the customer can pay you. That they're happy to put their name to your service when they recommend you to their friends and family.”

Social media amplifies word-of-mouth to people you’ve never met

Social media has also amplified the word-of-mouth effect, with a local Facebook group being the source of a recent massive £85,000 booking for a multi-generational family trip to Thailand, Singapore and then the Maldives.

“I joined some of the local groups on Facebook,” Louise says. “The biggest one that I'm in has about 80,000 women in the area. Everyone asks for advice and tips. And, as time went on, when people were asking for independent travel agent recommendations, my existing customers were mentioning my name. I guess I had a bit of a reputation in the group!”

A good reputation and consistency are key to spreading the word about your business.

Running a great travel business isn’t about getting customers once - it’s about keeping them and having them recommend you to others. That only happens when you love your work, and your customers too.

That’s clearly true for Louise and Lee, and it shows in the reviews and testimonials they get. Rated 5/5 on Trustpilot, one recent reviewer demonstrates how their service is valued.

“I had the responsibility of making a group booking. 18 people, 5 families with a broad age of children. Louise did a great job and has found us… the perfect all-inclusive hotel in a great location. Very happy with the prompt and professional service provided and wouldn’t hesitate in recommending.”

Far from being fed up with careers that weren’t going to be right for them long-term, Louise and Lee now get immense satisfaction from helping people make great memories.

“There were lots of people that didn't travel and now they are travelling again. They haven't been away for two or three years and they're really nervous about it. They really appreciate the support. You feel like you've helped someone to get away and have a good time.” 

Helping people with tailor made itineraries, where they don’t quite know what they want is also hugely enjoyable.

“I feel like that's where we get to add the most value. If you get to know the customer and actually understand what they're looking for, you get to bring that to life for them. Equally it might be that you listen to what they're asking for, and you tell them that it's not actually what they want. It sounds so cheesy, but to go on that journey with them, people are so grateful when they've had a lovely holiday. That’s a lovely feeling.”

To find out more about starting your own Travel Franchise just click below

How To Switch Careers, Work In Travel And Get Your Business For Free

“It’s the best decision I’ve ever made,” says mum Becky Westaway who got her travel franchise for free!

Geography Teacher Maps Out A New Career And Launches Her Own Travel Business With The Travel Franchise

After almost 29 years as a teacher Julie-Anne Craig is now her own boss after retraining to become a home-based travel consultant with The Travel Franchise.

The Travel Franchise Proves To Be The Perfect Solution For Those Looking For A Better Work-Life Balance

Becoming a Not Just Travel consultant allowed Jacki Cooper to walk away from her highly pressurising corporate job and change her life for the better.

Made Redundant At 59… Now A Homeworking Travel Consultant At 62!

How buying a travel franchise enabled Marietta to be her own boss, enjoy dream holidays and build her dream home in Cyprus.

Barking Mad Or Up The Right Tree?

Dog creche entrepreneurs, Nathan and Candy, invest in The Travel Franchise and sell £70k-worth of holidays in first month.

Shortlisted For Another Prestigious Industry Award… The Consultant Who Loves Her Job And Planning Honeymoons Abroad

A finalist for TTG’s New Luxury Designer of the Year 2023 award, Rachel Tredwell has gained a reputation for creating dream holidays, particularly for those tying the knot.

From RAF Helicopter Training With Prince William To Planning Holidays On-The-Go…. Why I Love My New Job As A Travel Consultant

Being able to travel and have the flexibility to work at the same time is one of the biggest reasons why former RAF crewman, Chris, loves his new job as a travel consultant.

The Travel Franchise Sister Act

How two sisters who decided to invest in a travel franchise together have become closer and more successful than they ever dreamed possible.

How One Mum’s Hobby Grew Into A Dream Full-Time Travel Job With Big Perks

Mum of two, Amy Howerd, decided to join The Travel Franchise in November 2019.

Palvi Harvery Celebrates Her 5th Anniversary and £3 Million in Sales

Five years on Palvi Harvery loves her new career as a homeworking travel consultant and is celebrating reaching a milestone of £3 million in holiday sales.

We’ve Not Spent A Penny On Advertising To Grow Our Successful Travel Franchise

Not Just Travel franchisees Natasha & James Oliphant work on their business part-time, haven’t spent a penny on ads and are still successful.

Why Running A Franchise Part-Time Doesn’t Mean Having Less Ambition

Not Just Travel franchisee Jenifer Compton shares how her travel business has given her more freedom and flexibility.

Not Just Travel Franchisee Sarah Watts Shares Her Tips On Becoming A Successful Travel Business Owner

Since starting her business in 2017, Sarah has gone from a career as a police officer to a highly trusted travel consultant.

I’m A Personal Travel Agent. This Is Why More And More People Are Using My Service.

Not Just Travel franchisee Andy Richardson shares his top 4 reasons travel agents are back in fashion… and why business is booming.

Networking Has Made Lloydie Gardiner's Travel Franchise Almost �£1m In Sales.

Not Just Travel franchise owner Lloydie Gardiner shares his 3 top tips if you’re thinking about using networking to grow your business.

How Mastering Facebook Transformed Sue Aitken's Travel Franchise

Digital marketing training, provided by Not Just Travel head office, showed Sue Aitken how to leverage Facebook Lead Ads.

Ross’s 76k Multi-Generational Booking

After his music production business slowed following the pandemic, Ross started his instant travel business with The Travel Franchise

Emma, aged 37, joined The Travel Franchise with the Elite package.

Emma plans to work alongside her daughter to make her travel business more of a family affair.

Ben’s Money Back Challenge Success Story

Ben aimed to work part-time but managed to get his money-back in our challenge and is on the way to over 100k a year in commission