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Struggling with Digital Marketing for your Tourism Business?

Are You a New Tourism Operator? Don’t Build a Website Just Yet

Starting your tourism business in South Africa?

Whether you’re based in Cape Town, Hoedspruit, or Plettenberg Bay, here’s the hard truth: a website isn’t what you need right now. While it’s tempting to dive into building an online presence, there are faster, cheaper, and more effective tools to get your business out there immediately. Skip the website for now and focus on these smarter alternatives that will grow with your business.

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The Do-It-Right Guide

1. Claim Your Google Business Profile (GBP)

This is probably your best online tool, that will give you all the necessary things to run an online presence

  • List Your Tours and Pricing: You can showcase your products directly in the “Products” section of your profile.
  • Post Updates, Photos, and FAQs: Regularly upload images of your offerings and answer common questions. It's a free way to look professional.
  • Run Google Ads: Once your GBP is set up, you can run local ads to target tourists searching for activities in your area right from your GBP.
  • Enable Bookings: Use GBP’s built-in booking feature to allow direct customer inquiries.
  • Track Visitors: You have a link to your profile you can share, and track visitor to start building some analytics
  • Get Reviews: You'll have a link you can share to collect reviews. All very very usefull once you get to building your website further down the line


This also gets you listed in search results and maps for Cape Town, Hoedspruit, Plettenberg, or wherever you operate in South Africa


2. Get a Meta (Facebook/Instagram) Business Profile

  • Post Updates: Announce specials, post about your tours, and share photos to engage potential customers.
  • Run Ads: Meta allows you to run highly targeted ads for specific regions like Hoedspruit or international tourists planning South African trips.
  • Use for Communication: Answer customer questions directly through Messenger or Instagram DMs.


3. Use Booking Platforms as To Be Found Across the Web

  • Accommodation? Go to Booking.com, Lekkeslaap, or SA-Venues: These platforms allow you to list your properties or offerings, showcase reviews, and handle bookings. Instead of spending on a website, direct traffic here.
  • Tours or Activities? Try Viator or TripAdvisor: Perfect for collecting reviews, showcasing ratings, and building credibility. Many tourists trust these platforms more than independent websites when booking activities.
  • Drive Traffic to Your Profiles: Share your booking links everywhere - social media, Google Business, even business cards.


4. Collect Social Proof from Day One

Focus on reviews and ratings on platforms like TripAdvisor, Booking.com, or Google. Social proof will be crucial for attracting future customers and will serve you well when you’re ready for a professional website.

The Bottom Line

When you’re just starting your tourism business, don’t waste time or money on a website. Instead, leverage tools like Google Business Profile, Meta Business Profiles, and trusted booking platforms to get online quickly and effectively. These platforms not only save you money but also help you establish a solid foundation for when you’re ready to scale.


When the time comes to upgrade to a website, WildBeest Media can help you build something that truly converts. Until then, use the tools available to you—and keep things simple.

Frequently Asked Questions for New Tourism Operators Without a Website

  • Do I really need a website to start my tourism business?

    Not right away. Platforms like Google Business Profile, Meta, and booking platforms like Booking.com or Viator can get you online quickly and effectively without the upfront cost of a website.

  • How do I use Google Business Profile for my tourism business?

    You can list your tours, pricing, and services, upload photos, post updates, answer FAQs, and even enable a booking option—all for free. It also makes you visible in local search results and Google Maps.

  • Why should I use booking platforms instead of a website?

    Booking platforms like Booking.com, Viator, or Lekkeslaap already have high traffic, built-in credibility, and tools to handle reservations. Direct your customers there until you’re ready for a full website.

  • Can I run ads without a website?

    Yes! Both Google Business Profile and Meta (Facebook/Instagram) allow you to run targeted ads that link to your booking platform pages or business profiles.

  • When should I invest in a website?

    Once you’ve built a steady flow of bookings and collected solid reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor or Google, a website becomes a great tool to centralize your brand and increase conversions.

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