The South Australian Government's easing of COVID-19 restrictions will come as a welcome reprieve to many regional areas and the local businesses that rely on an influx of tourists.
From today (May 11), South Australians can now travel intrastate, which means they'll be able to get out and start experiencing our incredible state again, albeit while still observing social distancing protocols.
And, with the opening of caravan and holiday parks, it now means our country towns can expect visitors to remain in their region for longer.
Mind you, if you're thinking of taking the van for a well-earned run again, just be aware that you will need to be self-sufficient. Amenity blocks won't be open, which means vans without wet areas and campers will have to wait a little longer. That said, why not leave the van at home and stay in a cabin? There'll be plenty on offer.
Outdoor dining at cafés and restaurants is back on the cards again so wherever you end up going, make sure to rug up when you visit.
Which brings me to the point of this musing.
If you're a regional business reliant on the tourism dollar to make a living, what are you doing to let your customers know that you're open and eager to welcome visitors?
Have you done any work behind the scenes to be ready for this day? Is your website updated, have you been active on social media? Have you given any thought to promoting your business and attracting new and existing business?
While some regions, primarily through their regional development entities and local councils, are doing everything in their power to draw visitors to their part of South Australia, individual businesses can't rely solely on this marketing to bring business through their front door.
I understand that money is incredibly tight, but there are a few inexpensive things you could be doing right now to generate exposure for your business.
As a copywriter with a penchant for promoting regional tourism and every business within that scope, I can help three ways: Copywriting, Communications, and Ideas.
Copywriting
Writing primarily for any marketing material and includes the likes of TV, radio, press ads, print collateral like brochures, leaflets and booklets, digital and outdoor advertising and websites.
Communications
Covers more online material like articles and blogs, email updates, case studies, newsletters, staff magazines, social media posts, company, personal, and property profiles, award submissions and more.
Ideas
The fun (but vitally important) stuff like creative concepts for winning new business, pro-active marketing, and naming exercises for new products. I can also help with promotional ideas, consumer or trade engagement, event design and theming, and just about anything else you can imagine.
As our state gradually gets back on its feet, intrastate tourism will be promoted heavily so that we can stimulate our economy by spending locally. Whether that's a week in a cabin in Port Lincoln or buying coffee and cake in a café in Berri, if you're a regional business or tourist operator, you will need to ensure people know you're as keen as mustard for them to spend in your town and, more importantly, in your business.
To do that, you need to be seen. You need to be visible at the shopfront and online. And that's where I can help.
Because the last you want is for tourists to return to your town only to drive straight past your business because they didn't know about you or didn't realise you were open.
I'm only a phone call or an email away. Find out more about what I do and how I can help at www.writemind.com.au
About the author
Steve Williss is the owner and go-to guy at WriteMind — a writing, communications, and ideas business based in Adelaide, South Australia.