Looking back on my journey of creating a travel website, I can’t help but chuckle at some of the rookie mistakes I made. Hindsight, as they say, is 20/20. If I had the chance to do it all over again, armed with the knowledge and experience I have now, here’s what I’d do differently:
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Custom website
First, I’d invest in a solid foundation. When I started, I tried to cut corners by using generic website templates and piecing together various plugins. It worked… sort of. But as my site grew, so did the headaches. Slow loading times, clunky user experience, and a constant need for updates and fixes became the norm.
This time around, I’d reach out to a software company like Zoftify to build a custom travel website. Yes, it won’t be cheap, but that’s an investment that could easily pay off. A tailor-made platform would not only provide a smoother user experience but also allow for easier scaling and integration of new features as the site grows. Plus, the time and stress saved from not having to constantly troubleshoot would be worth its weight in gold.
Affiliate marketing
Secondly, I’d integrate Booking.com and Viator APIs from the get-go to earn from affiliates. In my first attempt, I was so focused on creating content that I overlooked the potential of affiliate marketing. By the time I realized its value, I had to retrofit my site to accommodate these features, which was far from ideal.
If I had started with these integrations in the first place, everything would be much easier. For example, it can provide a steady stream of income right from the launch, helping to offset initial costs. It would also give me valuable data on user behavior and preferences, so I can tailor my content and offerings. Plus, it would add more value for my visitors, because they would seamlessly book accommodations and activities directly through my site.
Comprehensive database
Third, I’d create a comprehensive database of all the places I recommend – hotels, restaurants, attractions, and more – and offer access via subscription. Initially, I scattered my recommendations throughout blog posts — it was difficult for users to find specific information quickly. This is the common approach, but isn’t the most user-friendly or profitable.
A structured database would significantly improve the UX. Visitors could easily search for and filter recommendations based on their specific needs and preferences. For instance, a user could quickly find all the family-friendly restaurants I recommend in Barcelona, or all the boutique hotels in Tokyo with a view of Mount Fuji.
Also, this database would open up a new revenue stream through premium subscriptions for me. Serious travelers would likely be willing to pay for access to curated, easily accessible information. There can be different tiers of subscriptions, including features like offline access or personalized travel planning tools at higher levels.
Community building
Fourth, I’d focus on building a community rather than just an audience. In my first attempt, I was too focused on traffic numbers and not enough on engagement. This time, I’d implement features like user profiles, allowing travelers to share their own experiences and connect with like-minded individuals. I’d create forums for discussing travel tips, destination advice, and trip planning. I might even incorporate a gamification element, rewarding active community members with badges or special perks.
Creating a sense of community can bring a lot more to the table. It would increase user loyalty, encouraging repeat visits and word-of-mouth recommendations. It would also create a valuable resource of authentic travel experiences and tips, complementing my own content. Additionally, an engaged community could provide feedback for improving the site.
Mobile optimization
Fifth, I’d prioritize mobile optimization from day one. When I first started, mobile responsiveness was an afterthought. Big mistake. With more than two-thirds of travel research happening on mobile devices, a mobile-first approach is exactly what you need to do.
This time around, I’d adopt it right from the start. Every feature, from browsing destinations to booking accommodations, would be designed to work seamlessly on smartphones and tablets. This would include fast loading times, easy-to-use navigation, and mobile-friendly layouts for all content.
I’d also consider developing a progressive web app or a native mobile app to complement the website. This could offer features like offline access to travel guides, push notifications for travel deals, and location-based recommendations.
Final thoughts
Of course, in the travel industry, what works today might not work tomorrow. But that’s part of the excitement, isn’t it? The main thing is to build a flexible foundation that can adapt to changes and seize new opportunities as they arise. So here’s to second chances and the wisdom that comes from experience.
