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Last Monday was about what to say once someone responds to a post. This week is about a channel that's often easier to get a response from in the first place: Stories.
A post looks finished. A Story feels like something you're sharing in the moment, and that makes replying feel natural instead of like commenting on a polished piece of content. For a travel advisor, that difference matters more than it sounds.
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A few simple formats to start with.
Ask a simple travel question.
Not "beach or mountains," something tied to an actual decision. "For a summer family trip, would you rather have easy beach access or more activities within walking distance?" The answer tells you something real about how that person travels.
Use a poll.
Even less effort than a question, just tap one option. "Two weeks in Italy: fewer places, more time, or more places, faster pace?" Once people vote, you can follow up on the result. "Interesting, most of you picked fewer places. That's usually where I start too." Then ask something else.
"I'd give Bologna more time than most first-time Italy itineraries do." Then: "Would Bologna make your list?" Your opinion gives the Story something to say. The question gives the reader a way in.
Show how you think.
Comparing two hotels for the same type of trip? Explain the difference in a line or two, then ask "Which sounds more like you?" People respond well to seeing your judgment in action, and it gives them a reason to tell you about themselves.
Invite people to tell you what they're planning.
Sometimes just be direct. "If Japan is on your 2027 list, reply and tell me what time of year you're thinking about." Simple, and it tells you whether there's a real trip behind the interest.
You don't need ten frames to make this work. Three is often enough: share an idea, explain why it matters, ask one clear question. If you have more to say, keep going. If the point's made, stop there.
One thing worth watching: not every Story needs to lead somewhere. If every single one asks people to reach out about a trip, the invitation stops meaning anything. Some Stories can just teach or show what you're working on. The mix is what keeps people comfortable enough to respond when it actually matters.
Next Monday: how to tell when a conversation is turning into a real buying signal, and when it's just someone enjoying the topic.
Want 20 more Story prompts to pull from? Reply CONTENT and I'll send them over.
If you'd rather hand the whole thing off, my team runs social media for luxury travel advisors full time. Reply SOCIAL and I'll tell you how it works.
See you next Monday.
Alex
The ice cream shop that makes money when it's cold
28 Wishes sells ice cream in Los Angeles. Below 70°F, sales fall about 20%. The weather is out of their hands. Rent isn't.
So the owners started putting about $20 a day into Kalshi weather markets, taking the cold side. The days that keep customers away now pay something back.
This is hedging. Big companies have done it for decades, buying protection against bad weather, fuel spikes and rising rates. It used to take a broker, a trading desk, and an order size no corner shop could meet.
Kalshi opens it up. Contracts on weather, fuel prices, inflation, tariffs and regulation, starting at a few dollars. Take a position on the outcome that would hurt you. If it hits, the payout softens it. If it doesn't, the contract expires and the good month was the point.
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