6 Ways to Appeal to Chicago Tourists in 2023

Chicago tourism is booming, expected to top $1.8 billion in economic benefit this year. You can do your part to make Chicago even more appealing to visitors in the city. The steps you take can make your products and services more accessible by connecting with local residents, but you can help attract potential customers from other areas. This blog will show you how to create messaging that correlates Chicago’s tourism marketing with your unique spin.

1. Create a Plan for Tourist Marketing

You know your target audience well as a business owner or marketing manager. Your ads align with their interests and create engagement. However, if you want to tap into the tourism market, you’ll need to create separate ads with a broader appeal. For instance, start with people who match your target customer and are likely to travel.

Think about what someone new to your city wants or needs. Highlight how your products or services can enhance their experience or ease the anxiety of not knowing where to find what they need. You can even reimagine your brand image from the perspective of a tourist. Understand that the visitors you connect with on the trip could become long-term customers.

2. Partner with Online Influencers

Another tip for jumping into the tourism market is leveraging the available resources to raise your visibility to the right audience. Partnering with local influencers, travel bloggers, or vloggers is an ideal way to pique visitors’ interest. Invite the influencers to visit your business so they can see the value you can offer to those planning a visit. Take the time to choose someone who has a large and loyal following and matches your target customers.

3. Show Your Business Personality on Social Media

Even if you are an established brand in Chicago, others outside the area may not be aware of you. Social media is your chance to show off your business and Chicago through social media posts. Remember, this is a different strategy than a campaign to highlight what you do. Instead, you are showing potential customers who you are.

One way to do this is through storytelling. Talk about what the city means to you and your business. Show your customers and employees interacting. Make your brand approachable and accessible by inviting others to comment on what Chicago means to them or asking them to share their favorite neighborhoods or activities in the city. 

4. Cater to Different Types of Travelers

There are many different types of traveler personalities. Some are adventurers looking for unique, spur-of-the-moment experiences, while others are planners who carefully research the area, accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. You also want to make your brand known to travel professionals so they can suggest your business to their clients. 

No matter the type of audience you want to attract, it is crucial that you tailor your content to them. The ads to attract a family with young children will vary vastly from those of couples or singles. Experience seekers will be excited to know about the local artisans that create your products, how your food features the best of Chicago reimagined, or what you have that no one else does. Everyone wants to know how you can make their trip more enjoyable or memorable based on their interests.

5. Lean on Mobile Ads

Make sure your mobile game is on point if you want to engage with visitors. Your site must be responsive and easily viewable on any device. People traveling will be more active on their phones, and mobile ads ensure they can easily find you when they start looking for things to do while visiting. Ensure your website makes it easy for them to see what you have to offer and how to contact you. 

6. Share Updates on Local News and Events

Your business is a vital part of the city. There is no better way to show that you are an integral component of the broader Chicago community than by sharing updates on the local news. Inform the local residents and visitors of your upcoming events and other things to do in the area while highlighting your brand. It shows your pride in the city and positions you as trying to help visitors and neighboring businesses. 

Plan To Attract More Visitors in 2023

Chicago tourism will likely be back to pre-pandemic levels in 2023. Does your marketing strategy include how to attract the influx of tourists? Digital and audio marketing professionals have the tools, techniques, and expertise to give companies a broader span to reach customers anywhere. Well-crafted and strategically placed ads highlight why they should look forward to visiting Chicago and why they should make your business part of their trip.