Re:Ask HN: Are we idiots for launching a travel newsletter?
by Mz on Monday December 10, 2012 @01:09AM
(#4897785)
I am a former mitary wife with an immigrant mother. Both those populations seem to travel a fair amount, but often very budget-minded. "Travel" of the vacation type tends to be a luxury item. Luxury items often fare poorly during recessions. Let me suggest you think on positioning this to be resilient in the face of that. One thing which does well during recessions is cheap, escapist entertainment. So perhaps try to appeal to not only actual tourist types but also people who want to imagine getting away. Pictures are likely your friend in that regard.
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Re:Ask HN: Are we idiots for launching a travel newsletter?
by JacobAldridge on Monday December 10, 2012 @01:17AM
(#4897797)
Wonderfully well articulated Mz, thanks. We had the realisation that most people only read travel newsletters when they're thinking of travelling - a problem for engagement rates.
Your description about "escapist entertainment" (rather than a pure travel guide) focuses the solution. Picture importance is also a good tip - not my forte, so kerno has been slowly explaining it to me!
Re:Ask HN: Are we idiots for launching a travel newsletter?
by jyu on Monday December 10, 2012 @10:27PM
(#4902889)
This is a great angle. I can imagine a lot of people in cubicle land that would look forward to a daily escape. And then forward it to their friends. Or save the email to read when they actually go to Vienna.
If you're focused mostly on email, then make sure you have archived newsletters online. Good for SEO, another point of engagement, and conversion source.