6 reasons why you should learn WeChat

Are you looking for ways to bring in more visitors? Do you have revenue and admission goals you need to reach? Or are you a DMO ( Destination Management Organization) whose role is to support your partners’ businesses? Then you should consider learning WeChat, and encourage your partners to learn WeChat, the social media app used by over 1 Billion people.

What is WeChat?

WeChat is a free app available for smartphones. It was developed in China as a messaging app in 2011 and has grown to an entire platform. People in China use it daily for communication, e-commerce, entertainment, booking travel and more. This tool can help transform your business. Here are 6 reasons why you should take the time to learn WeChat.

Chinese visitors will be the largest group of international travelers to the U.S. within the next few years.

If you are a major destination, you have probably seen the tour groups. If you are already seeing visitors from China, you know the competition for these visitors is getting stronger. WeChat is the preferred method of communication for tour operators based in the U.S. as well as those in China. If you want to capture some of this growing market, WeChat is where they are on a daily basis.

 

Relationships are key in this huge market. WeChat can help.

I have worked in this market over 8 years and I have seen that Chinese tour managers prefer to do business with those they know, like and trust. You can plan on making office visits and meeting at tradeshows, but that will take at least a year. Connecting on WeChat will allow you to get to know each other quicker, and bring business sooner.

 

Exchanging business cards is old school.

The tried and true business tradition of exchanging business cards is different with Chinese. Here is a short video on how to do that. But more and more, tour operators don’t have business cards. They prefer to exchange contact information via WeChat. It is as simple as scanning a QR code. And I have had many instances where a tour operator has run out of cards, but by using WeChat, we can still share contact details.

 

You can market your attraction or destination for free.

It is free to set up a personal account, and you need to maintain it just like any other social media. If you post regularly with photos of your destination, or photos of something new happening at your attraction, your contacts will see that. You don’t need to pay for an official business account to get started. But like any other social media, regular posting is the key to success. You can change your cover photo of your account as well. I used to take pictures of scenery around the museum where I worked, or add photos of Chinese tour groups getting off buses at our entrance. All these images helped build up an understanding of what we had to offer and why tour companies should include us in their packages. All for free!

Hosting FAM tours for Chinese operators? WeChat is the way to stay in touch

If you are actively pursuing the Chinese visitor market, you will be hosting FAMs ( Familiarization tours). Setting up a WeChat group that includes participants and tourism suppliers will be helpful for a few reasons. First, you can all communicate during the FAM. Secondly, you can all post pictures while they are in your destination and give them the tools to promote you. Lastly, it is easy for your new contacts to stay in touch and reach out through this group. I am a member in a FAM tour from a few years ago and a tour operator just reached out to someone in the group to ask for pricing. The gift that keeps on giving!

 

Learning new technologies is important for your success

Do you remember when you first heard about Facebook? Pinterest? Instagram? All of those programs seemed far fetched and not that important when they launched, but I am willing to bet they are all part of your social media strategy today. WeChat will be just as important. And besides, life long learning is a hallmark of great tourism professionals like you. You know that keeping on top of new trends will help you be a leader. Learning new technology is what will set you apart to current and future employers.

 

How can you learn WeChat?

You can download the free app, poke around and spend time figuring out how to set up a profile and how to post. You can ask your teenager, although they probably aren’t that familiar with it either. Or you can sign up for my online course to become WeChat ready! I developed an easy to follow course just for tourism professionals. Not only will you learn how to set up an account, but you will learn tactics and strategies just for our industry. There is a module on Official accounts, and a module to learn about mobile payments (Chinese like to use WeChat pay for everything!) There is a checklist and a 30-day posting plan, so you can be successful right away. My goal is to give you all the tools you need to start seeing success in this market.

Final Thoughts

My company specializes in helping attractions and destinations to become China ready. Looking for more help? I can work with you to conduct webinars or provide presentations in person to help your partners see the opportunity of pursuing this market. Because I come from the tourism industry with a background as a supplier as well as DMO experience, your partners will find me relatable. I understand their challenges and concerns. I have seen great success in this market and I would love to help your destination as well. Contact me to set up a call, or a free 15-minute strategy session. I would love to hear from you!