Why you should never post without a call to action as a travel pro!
Picture this: you’ve just posted the perfect travel photo - golden beaches, sparkling seas, and a caption that’s pure poetry. You sit back, waiting for the likes, comments, and inquiries to roll in. But instead? Your post is cast aside, banished to the dusty corners of the algorithm's forgotten attic. (You’re not alone by the way)… but why?
Because it lacked a CTA (a Call To Action).
Without a CTA, your post is like a suitcase with no destination - something that just sits there, going nowhere. The algorithm? It sees this lack of engagement and thinks, “Ah, just another post n0-one’s interested in.” And then, poof! Your post is doomed to a life of scrolling purgatory, seen only by your mum and that one random bot account.
But here’s the kicker: it’s not your photo’s fault. It’s not your caption’s fault. It’s just that your audience didn’t know what to do next. Did you want them to comment? Save? DM you? We have to remember that our audience are not mind readers and they’re just busy people trying to decide what to have for dinner while scrolling Instagram.
The algorithm, brutal as it is, thrives on action: likes, comments, shares, saves, clicks. A CTA is your golden ticket to engagement - the little nudge that takes your post from "meh" to "must-interact."
While visuals and captions grab attention, what comes next determines whether your post flies or flops, so protect your content from social media oblivion. Every post deserves a purpose, and every purpose deserves a CTA.
If you’re not including a CTA in your posts, you’re leaving potential clients and bookings behind. The right CTAs can transform your travel business. They are your social superpower and can literally work magic!
What is a Call to action (CTA)?
A Call-to-Action is a simple prompt that tells your audience what to do next. Think of it as a friendly nudge that guides them toward the next step in their travel booking journey - whether that’s contacting you for a quote, enquiring more about a destination, or signing up for your newsletter.
CTAs can be as subtle as “Save this post for later!” or as direct as “DM me to plan your next getaway!” The key is that they always encourage action.
Why Travel Agents Should Always Use a CTA
1. Turn Interest into Inquiries
Your followers might love your dreamy travel photos and wanderlust-inducing captions, but without a clear action step, they’re unlikely to reach out. A CTA bridges the gap between admiration and action, making it obvious and easy for them to connect with you.
Example:
✨ “Love this resort? Let me help you make it a reality - DM me today!”
2. Boost Engagement (and Beat the Algorithm!)
Social media platforms reward posts with high engagement, meaning more likes, comments, saves and shares can help your content reach more people. CTAs invite followers to interact with your posts, whether by asking a question, voting in a poll, or tagging a travel friend.
Example:
🌍 “Which beach would you rather visit: Maldives 🏖️ or Bora Bora 🏝️? Drop your pick in the comments!”
3. Drive Traffic Where It Matters
Your social posts should be a stepping stone toward your ultimate goal - whether that’s getting bookings, growing your email list, or establishing yourself as an expert in the field. A CTA connects the dots and moves your audience from social media to the next stage of your funnel where you can market to them more effectively.
Example:
📩 “Want exclusive travel tips? Sign up for my newsletter today!”
Tips for Writing a Killer CTA
Not all CTAs are created equal! To make yours irresistible, follow these tips:
Be Clear: Make it obvious what you want your audience to do.
Use Action Words: Start with verbs like “book,” “save,” “explore,” or “DM.”
Create Urgency: Encourage immediate action with phrases like “today,” “limited spots,” or “don’t wait!”
Match the Post: Tailor your CTA to the content. A dreamy vacation post? Ask them to DM you for a quote. Sharing tips? Invite them to download your guide.
Speak to their desires: Whether it’s saving time, experiencing luxury, or finding the perfect getaway, a great CTA aligns with what your audience values most.
5 travel Call-to-actions to try
“Ready to pack your bags? DM me to start planning your dream trip!”
“Save this post if Greece is on your bucket list!”
“Tag your travel buddy and start dreaming about your next adventure!”
“Looking for the perfect honeymoon destination? Let me guide you—contact me today!”
“Curious about exclusive travel deals? Click the link in bio to learn more!”
the bottom line
Every time you post without a CTA, you’re missing out on a chance to connect with potential clients, grow your audience, and ultimately make more bookings. Adding a simple, thoughtful CTA to your social media posts can make a world of difference, turning casual followers into loyal clients who trust you with their travel dreams.
So, next time you go to hit “post,” just check you’ve included the magic words that inspire action. One really easy way to elevate your travel business marketing!
need some inspiration?
You can grab my free list of 5o travel-focused CTAs to use in your next post! Download it here: 50 Social Media Calls To Action
50 Social Media CTA Ideas
For Travel Income Society Members, this template has been added to the Tutorials + Resources collection for you to access at any time. Want access to everything in an easy monthly membership - click here for more info.
