Before their introduction, travel businesses could only run retargeting ads on Facebook using the Dynamic Ads format.
Yet the format of traditional dynamic ads is not optimal, as the travel industry is so diverse: from travel agencies to hotels, cruises and airlines - all selling different products and experiences that cannot fit into ordinary ad templates.
What's more, the prices of the travel industry change so much in comparison to other industries - influenced by seasons, availability, time of booking etc.
That's why a customized ad format that is made specifically for these business to specify exactly what they need is the solution to this issue.
How are travel ads similar to traditional dynamic ads?
If you are familiar with the
dynamic ads concept and layout for Facebook (
and Instagram), you might be wondering how they ads for travel industry marketers are similar.
To learn a bit more about conventional Dynamic Ads - you can check out our guide below:
The only difference is that you are not advertising a physical product but a service; the automatic retargeting and scalability of travel ads are just the same.
Available across all devices
This may seem like it should be a given when it comes to modern social media advertising.
For travel ads it's especially important though, as shoppers might begin by looking at offers on their phone, then switch to a tablet and end up on a desktop. Travel Ads reach targeted shoppers across all devices, and since they are reached via Facebook and Instagram feeds (plus the Audience Network), it doesn't matter which device they are browsing on.
1. Dynamically change certain categories
As I mentioned above, what makes the travel industry somewhat unique is the variability of factors like pricing or availability - which can fluctuate from one minute to the next.
For this reason, Travel ads for Facebook use
an extra data feed that updates more often than traditional product ads.
The reason for using dynamic feed? The Facebook algorithm will be able to select the most relevant and updated prices that matches audience intent.
2. The ability to group into product sets
What this means is that you can run several offers using just one ad.
For example, one Product Set might include a specific group of accommodation options all with similar pricing or location.
Travel marketers simply have to group these similar offers together into product sets, and Facebook will promote multiple offers together in the same ad.
The reason for using product sets? You are increasing the number of options available for your target audience, and helping yourself to bid more effectively on ads which are relevant to buyers.
You can use search engines like TripAdvisor and Trivago to get hold of key information from your target audience - like group size, destination, activity, etc.
This changes the content of your ads and sends the user to a personalized landing page on your site.
Best practice tips - Getting the best results from your Travel Ads
1. Use focused targeting
As already stated, the audience you build can be extremely granular. Use this to build ads suits to your audience's exact needs and interests.
The image below shows just how granular you can go with your audience creation.
When it comes to building audiences that work effectively for your Facebook advertising campaigns, there are a number of options available to digital markers.
2. Use up-selling and cross-selling features to increase revenue
As with Dynamic Ads for Facebook, travel ads give you upselling features to sell more to audience members who are already engaged with your services.
E.g. For flight campaigns, display travel ads that offer upgrades to business class for those who have already purchased standard- class tickets for the same flight.
E.g. For hotel marketers, you can offer guests who have already booked a weekend stay an upgrade to a larger room with a better view.
Cross-selling on the other hand, can be used to add to their purchasing for their travel period. This could involve a family of 4 who have booked flight tickets to Crete being targeted with car hire or hotels in that destination.
3. Use the management features to retain control over travel ad campaigns
Don't waste budget on audience members who can be ruled out. You can tailor your travel ads so they are only displayed in the build up to specific periods, and can rule out users who have already been converted for retargeting.
Keeping an eye on where you can avoid unwanted ad spend will help increase your ROI - and stop you being irritating or irrelevant for your viewers too!