How New Tools Are Making Engagement Easier for DMOs

In today’s fast-paced digital world, engaging travelers and visitors in meaningful ways is essential for Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs). Not long ago, crafting these experiences through apps was complex, often requiring significant technical expertise and developer input. However, the landscape of app development has shifted dramatically. Today, with the rise of code-less platforms, DMOs can now create interactive and personalized visitor experiences without needing a full development team, empowering them to connect with their audiences faster and more effectively.

In this blog, we will dive into how these new app capabilities have transformed the digital marketing space for DMOs. We’ll explore an example of a DMO that struggled to get the results they wanted a few years ago, showing how today’s code-less options can streamline the process, save time, and offer more flexibility.

The Struggles of App Development for DMOs: A Case Study

In our recent survey we engaged with one DMO that had embarked on an ambitious project to enhance the tourist experience within their city. Their goal was to create an interactive app that allowed visitors to explore various landmarks and unlock videos about the location's history, culture, and significance as they wandered through different parts of the city. It was intended to be a cutting-edge experience, using geolocation features to trigger content based on a visitor's proximity to a specific attraction.

On paper, it was the perfect concept. The app would guide visitors through self-paced walking tours, offering rich media content that could tell a more engaging story than a traditional brochure or even a human tour guide. However, bringing this concept to life turned out to be far more complicated than anticipated.

The Challenges They Faced

1. Over-reliance on Developers: The biggest hurdle for the DMO was the heavy reliance on developers. Every aspect of the app needed custom coding, from linking the GPS coordinates to each video to managing content updates. This reliance meant that any small changes or bug fixes would require developer intervention, often leading to delays and higher costs.

2. Slow Updates: The DMO needed the ability to quickly update content, whether to add new videos or remove outdated ones. However, the traditional app development process was slow. Making changes required revisiting the code, redeploying the app, and waiting for approval from app stores before users could access the updates. This slow turnaround time hindered the DMO's ability to stay relevant and up-to-date.

3. High Costs: Custom app development comes with high costs, from hiring developers to managing the technical infrastructure. The initial development costs were much higher than anticipated, and the need for ongoing maintenance pushed the project over budget. Additionally, any new features the DMO wanted to add, such as quizzes or additional media, required more development time and money.

4. Lack of Flexibility: As the app was built from scratch, making changes or adding new content was cumbersome. The DMO was stuck with a rigid platform that didn’t allow them to easily adapt to visitor feedback or trends. If they wanted to tweak the experience or add a new location, they had to rely on developers, which slowed down innovation.

Ultimately, it never fully lived up to the DMO’s vision and they abonded the project. The inability to quickly update content, combined with the high costs and technical hurdles, made it difficult for the DMO to keep the app fresh and engaging for visitors.

Enter the Code-Less Revolution: How Things Have Changed

Fast forward to today, and the world of app development looks entirely different. The rise of code-less platforms, like www.findengagereward.com has transformed the way DMOs approach app creation and engagement. Code-less platforms allow organizations to build fully functional apps without needing to write a single line of code. This shift has not only made app development more accessible but also far more flexible and cost-effective.

Let’s revisit our DMO example and imagine how they might approach the same project with today’s tools.

What Are Code-Less Platforms?

Code-less platforms are development environments that allow users to build and modify apps using visual, drag-and-drop tools instead of code. These platforms are built with templates, modules, and integrations that make it easy to customize an app’s appearance and functionality to suit the user’s needs. However, due to their power they can still create a unique experience and be configured to handle unique needs.

For DMOs, this means that what was once a costly, time-consuming endeavor now becomes a simple, intuitive process. With the right platform, you can manage your app's content, adjust features, and keep up with trends—all without hiring a developer.

The Benefits of Code-Less Platforms

1. Instant Updates: One of the biggest advantages of code-less platforms is the ability to make real-time updates. For a DMO, this means that if a new location is added to their city tour, or a video needs updating, they can do it immediately—no waiting on a developer, no app store approvals. This real-time functionality ensures that visitors always have the most relevant and up-to-date information.

2. Lower Costs: Since code-less platforms eliminate the need for a dedicated developer or technical team, the cost of building and maintaining an app is significantly reduced. Most platforms come with monthly subscription fees, which are typically far lower than the ongoing costs of a custom-developed app. DMOs can now allocate their budgets to other areas, such as content creation or marketing, rather than technical infrastructure.

3. Flexibility and Customization: Code-less platforms are designed with flexibility in mind. DMOs can easily add new features like quizzes, polls, or user-generated content without having to redesign the entire app. They can also experiment with different layouts, media types, and engagement tools to see what resonates best with their audience.

4. Enhanced User Experience: With the ability to easily update and refine their apps, DMOs can ensure a more seamless and engaging experience for visitors. This could involve adding interactive maps, real-time event updates, or even integrating augmented reality features to create more immersive experiences.

5. No Need for App Store Approval: Many code-less platforms offer web-based apps that bypass traditional app stores altogether. This means DMOs can launch and update their apps without waiting for approval from Apple or Google, reducing bottlenecks and giving them more control over their timelines.

   
   

A New Approach: How Our DMO Could Succeed Today

Imagine if our struggling DMO had access to a code-less platform when they first embarked on their project. Instead of spending months working with developers to create a custom app, they could have built their interactive tour in a fraction of the time. Even integrated real-time feedback from visitors. Furthermore, the DMO could have adapted to changes on the fly. Perhaps a new landmark was added to the city, or visitor feedback indicated that they wanted more interactive content. With a code-less platform, these changes could have been implemented in minutes, ensuring that the app always reflected the most relevant and up-to-date information.

The costs, too, would have been significantly lower. Rather than paying developers for every tweak and update, the DMO could have managed everything in-house. This would have freed up resources to invest in other marketing efforts, such as social media campaigns or influencer partnerships, driving even more visitors to the destination.

Real-World Examples of Code-Less App Success

Today, DMOs around the world are using code-less platforms to create compelling and engaging visitor experiences. For instance, cities like Austin and Nashville have used code-less apps to offer real-time event updates, interactive maps, and self-guided tours that bring the city’s culture and history to life. These apps are constantly updated to reflect new content and locations, ensuring that they stay relevant and engaging for both locals and tourists.

Another example is Visit Ocean City, which uses a code-less app to provide visitors with information on local attractions, restaurants, and events. By using a flexible platform, the organization can easily update the app to include seasonal content, special events, and promotional offers, keeping visitors engaged and informed throughout their stay.

Conclusion: The Future of DMO Engagement

The shift to code-less app development is a game-changer for DMOs. What was once a complicated and expensive process is now accessible, affordable, and flexible. With code-less platforms, DMOs can create dynamic, engaging apps that offer personalized experiences for visitors, all without needing a developer.

As app capabilities continue to evolve, the possibilities for DMOs are endless. Whether it’s adding new interactive features, integrating augmented reality, or allowing for real-time updates, code-less platforms put the power of app creation directly into the hands of marketers. The future of visitor engagement is here, and it’s easier—and more exciting—than ever.