5 Creative Ways to Promote Your Tampa Bay Business During Tourist Season
Tourist season in Tampa Bay is one of the most exciting and lucrative times for local businesses. As the area fills up with vacationers flocking to the beaches, events, and attractions, you have a unique opportunity to capitalize on this influx of visitors. Ready to stand out from the crowd and increase your foot traffic? Here are five creative ways to promote your Tampa Bay business during tourist season that will not only draw in visitors but also leave them raving about their experience.
1. Create Tampa Bay-Themed Promotions That Tourists Can’t Resist
Tourists are eager to take home a piece of their Tampa Bay adventure, so why not make your business part of that journey? Get creative with promotions and product bundles that tie directly into the local culture. Here are a few ideas:
Gasparilla Specials: Get in on the pirate fever during the Gasparilla season with themed merchandise or exclusive discounts for anyone dressed in costume. Offer Gasparilla-inspired drinks, snacks, or special packaging for merchandise that reflects the festival’s vibrant spirit.
Beach-Savvy Bundles: Create beach-ready product bundles—think sunscreen, beach towels, snacks, and sunglasses—perfect for visitors heading to Clearwater or St. Pete Beach.
Tampa Bay Memorabilia: Develop exclusive Tampa Bay-themed items that tourists can’t get anywhere else—be it local art, handcrafted jewelry, or Tampa-inspired apparel. These special items will have tourists talking and bring in repeat customers.
These promotions don't just provide discounts; they enhance the tourists' experience and give them something they’ll want to remember. Make it easy for them to bring a part of Tampa Bay home.
2. Master Google My Business and TripAdvisor to Get Noticed by Tourists
When tourists search for businesses, they often use Google My Business and TripAdvisor to make decisions. You need to make sure your business stands out on these platforms so you can attract more visitors.
Google My Business
Optimize Your Listing: Ensure your Google My Business profile is fully updated with high-quality photos, accurate business hours, and information about your location. Use local keywords like "family-friendly restaurants near Tampa Riverwalk" or "best souvenir shop in Tampa" to increase your visibility in search results.
Regular Posts: Use the posts feature to share seasonal promotions, special events, or new products. Keep your content fresh to show tourists what makes your business stand out during their visit.
Encourage Reviews: Ask satisfied customers to leave positive reviews. A great Google review can convince hesitant tourists to check out your business instead of the competition.
TripAdvisor
Claim Your Profile: If you haven't done so already, claim your TripAdvisor listing. Tourists flock to this platform for recommendations, so ensure you have an appealing description of your business and high-quality photos that showcase what makes you unique.
Collect Reviews: Encourage visitors to leave reviews on TripAdvisor. A solid 4- or 5-star rating will help attract tourists who are using TripAdvisor to plan their visit to Tampa Bay. Respond to all reviews, positive and negative, to show your engagement and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Offer Special Deals: Provide exclusive discounts or freebies to people who discover your business through TripAdvisor. These small perks can incentivize tourists to visit your business while also building goodwill.
Optimizing both Google My Business and TripAdvisor is one of the best ways to ensure that tourists who are searching for places to eat, shop, or explore in Tampa Bay find you first.
3. Team Up with Local Hotels and Tourism Companies to Expand Your Reach
Partnering with local hotels and tourism companies is one of the most effective ways to get in front of tourists. Consider these strategies:
Exclusive Discounts for Hotel Guests: Collaborate with nearby hotels to offer special rates for their guests. Whether it’s a discount at your restaurant, free parking, or a buy-one-get-one offer, tourists will appreciate the insider deals.
Hotel Flyers & Brochures: Get your marketing materials into local hotel lobbies or vacation rental properties. Include a discount or promotion to make it even more tempting for guests to check out your business.
Cross-Promotions with Tours: Work with local tour operators to create joint promotions. For example, if you own a gift shop, offer a discount to customers who book a local sightseeing tour. It’s a win-win situation for both businesses.
If you can get your business in front of tourists during their stay, you increase the chances that they’ll visit and talk about your business once they’re home.
4. Host Tourist-Friendly Events That Turn Your Business Into a Must-See Destination
Tourists love to experience the local culture, and hosting events is a great way to give them something they can’t find elsewhere. Whether it’s a workshop, tasting, or themed event, you’ll capture the attention of visitors looking for something special.
Workshops & Classes: Offer hands-on experiences like cooking classes, art workshops, or DIY crafting sessions that highlight the unique aspects of Tampa Bay. Whether it’s a sunset painting class overlooking the bay or a local cooking demonstration, tourists will remember these experiences long after they leave.
Exclusive Events: Host special events, like a Tampa Bay-themed night or live performances, to draw tourists in. Think about showcasing local artists or performers who embody the essence of the area. You could also host a Tampa Bay trivia night to give tourists a fun way to learn more about the city while they enjoy your products or services.
You can also list your events on platforms like Airbnb Experiences or Visit Tampa Bay to connect directly with tourists searching for local activities. This is a fantastic way to bring in foot traffic from people actively seeking things to do.
5. Run Targeted Social Media Ads That Catch Tourists’ Attention
Social media is a powerful tool to attract tourists. With geo-targeting capabilities, you can specifically reach tourists in the Tampa Bay area. Here’s how to make your social media ads stand out:
Geo-Targeted Ads: Use Facebook and Instagram ads to target tourists visiting popular areas like Ybor City, Clearwater Beach, or Downtown Tampa. By focusing on these hotspots, you can increase your chances of attracting people who are already in the area and looking for things to do.
Visually Engaging Ads: Showcase your business with eye-catching visuals, such as beautiful photos of your products, events, or even scenic shots of your Tampa Bay location. Make sure your ads reflect the local vibe and unique offerings that will make tourists want to stop by.
Use Relevant Hashtags: Include local hashtags like #VisitTampaBay, #FloridaVacation, #TampaBayEats, or #TampaBayShop to help your posts reach tourists who are actively searching for things to do during their trip.
Tourists are scrolling through social media looking for inspiration, and your ads could be exactly what they need to plan their next stop.
Make Your Business the Talk of Tampa Bay This Tourist Season
The key to attracting tourists to your business is standing out in a crowded market. By implementing these creative strategies—whether it’s offering Tampa Bay-themed promotions, optimizing your Google and TripAdvisor profiles, or collaborating with local hotels and tours—you can capture the attention of tourists and turn them into loyal customers.
Ready to take your marketing strategy to the next level? Let’s work together to create a customized plan that will help your business thrive during tourist season and beyond. Contact me today to schedule your consultation and start attracting more visitors to your Tampa Bay business!