January 07, 2025

Ep. 1- The Magic Behind the Message: Email Marketing vs Emailing in Travel CRMs

10 minutes

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EPISODE

In this episode, Travel Agent Besties Sam and MK talk about the big differences between emails and email marketing. We break down the differences between a basic email and email marketing along with talking about travel CRMs versus Email CRMs and the differences between the two. We also cover our preferred email CRMs at the end of the episode and briefly share what we like about them!

BULLET POINTS OF KEY TOPICS & CHAPTER MARKERS

The Differences Between Emails and Email Marketing [0:42]

MK briefly shares the differences between emails and email marketing using an example of Old Navy Promotional emails versus an order confirmation email. She explains that two of the big differences between a basic email and a marketing email include audience size and email intent. Email marketing has the intent of sharing information with a large audience, while a simple email has the intent of communicating primarily with one person or a small group of people.

The Difference Between a Travel CRM and an Email CRM[1:38]

Sam shares that from a customer perspective, it generally will look like it’s all coming from the same place- your email address. However, the back end systems you use to create these emails might in fact be quite different and distinct. Travel CRMs may be used to build itineraries and send them or have a client complete credit card authorizations. You may be using your normal inbox to send basic correspondence. The third option is to use an email CRM to send out targeted marketing emails, specific travel promotions or something like a newsletter.

Email CRM versus travel CRM and When you use them [3:00]

Sam shares examples of several email CRMS and several travel CRMS (see our personal favorites below!). She explains that travel CRMs are really used to send info about an existing trip, where an email CRM is going to be used to send out promotional emails, more targeted email campaigns to discuss future trip options or something like a weekly newsletter.

MK mentions the difference between an email that primarily includes words, versus an email that may include things like rich text, pictures, multiple links, or options for the audience to engage with the email. She then shares that some travel CRMs have email functionality and shares that the emailing functionality within Tern is one thing she loves about the program.

Email marketing and its potential to help you engage new leads and potential clients [5:66]

MK shares that she’s becoming increasingly more passionate about email marketing and it’s potential to connect her with potential new leads and clients within the travel space.

Finding an email marketing CRM you click with [6:31]

Sam highlights the fact that before you can begin email marketing, you really have to find a CRM you click with. MK mentions that she uses Flodesk, which is higher end but user friendly, while Sam uses Klaviyo because of its e-commerce capabilities for diversifying income streams for the travel agent. Sam also highlights that klaviyo charges based on emails sent- so it may be a good option for those who are new to the space.

BEFORE YOU GO...

Thanks so much for listening to before you plan the magic! Want to connect with us? Connect with us on instagram at thehappiestthings_co and vote on our post to tell us what part of email marketing you find most challenging and be sure to subscribe to the podcast and join our TA bestie Facebook group so you don’t miss a thing.

Until next week!

Sam & MK

PRODUCTS WE REFERENCE IN THIS EPISODE

*These are affiliate links- meaning when you subscribe using the link, we may get a small commission. Doing so allows us to continue providing you with great content! We appreciate your support

Tern- Get a 14 day free trail and $10.00 off your first month using Tern by using the link below!

http://try.tern.travel/6CSZfR

Klaviyo

Flodesk- Get %50 off your first year of Flodesk by using the link below:

https://flodesk.com/c/MAGICAL

Email us at [email protected]

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By Samantha Gruber

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