How to Build an Email List During Alaska's Tourist Season
Turn Seasonal Traffic Into Long-Term Customer Relationships with First-Party Data
At Orange Slice Marketing, we know Alaska's tourist season is more than just a few busy months—it's a golden opportunity to build relationships that can last well beyond the summer. While businesses across the state gear up for increased foot traffic and booming sales, few fully capitalize on the long-term value of collecting first-party data, especially email addresses.
Here's how Alaskan businesses—from charming mom-and-pop shops in Seward to large tour operators in Anchorage—can turn that seasonal buzz into sustained customer engagement through strategic email list building.
Why Email Still Matters (Especially in Alaska)
Email marketing remains one of the most cost-effective tools for nurturing customer relationships, with an average ROI of $36 for every $1 spent. In a state like Alaska, where customers may only interact with your business for a short time—whether they're tourists or transient residents—email lets you stay connected long after they've gone home.
Even better? Email addresses are a form of first-party data—data you collect directly from your customers with consent. That makes it more accurate, valuable, and compliant with privacy regulations.
What Counts as First-Party Data?
Before we dive into tactics, let's clarify what counts as first-party data that you can start collecting now:
Email addresses
Phone numbers (for SMS follow-ups)
Names and zip codes
Purchase history
Website behavior (with cookies or login)
Loyalty program activity
Customer survey responses
The more you collect (ethically and transparently), the more personal and effective your future marketing becomes.
6 Ways to Build an Email List from Tourist Season Traffic
1. Use In-Store Sign-Up Opportunities
Whether selling handmade goods in Homer or offering glacier tours in Whittier, your physical presence is a perfect list-building asset. Have a clear, visible tablet or paper sign-up form with a compelling reason to subscribe.
Pro Tip: Offer something like:
"Sign up for our email list and get 10% off your purchase!"
"Join our list and enter to win an Alaska gift basket!"
Ensure your team is trained to mention it during checkout or after a great experience.
2. Incentivize Digital Engagement On-Site
Create a QR code at your checkout counter or register that leads directly to a mobile-friendly sign-up form. QR codes are easy to scan and are perfect for catching interest in the moment.
Example CTA: "Want a free Alaska travel guide? Scan to subscribe!"
3. Leverage Social Media Contests
If you're active on Instagram or Facebook (and you should be), use contests to encourage email sign-ups. For instance:
"Win a custom souvenir from our shop—subscribe to our email list to enter!"
"Vote for your favorite summer event and join our newsletter for updates and deals!"
Integrate a form that captures names, email addresses, and zip codes (optional).
4. Optimize Your Website for List Building
Don't forget digital visitors! Many tourists research tours, accommodations, and attractions online before and during their trips. Add a prominent sign-up banner or pop-up on your site that offers value in exchange for an email.
Offer things like:
A local's guide to Anchorage
An exclusive discount code
Early access to bookings
Make it feel helpful and personalized.
5. Collect Data Through Bookings & Waivers
If your business requires online booking (like fishing charters, tours, or equipment rentals), you're likely already gathering names and emails. Ensure you're asking for consent to receive marketing emails—then use this data to follow up with:
Post-visit thank-yous
Future discounts
Refer-a-friend campaigns
This is low-hanging fruit with high long-term value.
6. Get Creative with Loyalty or Referral Programs
Even if tourists do not return next year, their family or friends might. Use email sign-ups to offer refer-a-friend discounts or incentives.
Example:
"Refer a friend to our Denali tour, and you will get 15% off. Join our list to get your referral code."
Pro Tip: Segment Your List
Once you start building a robust email list, don't treat everyone the same. Segment your list based on the following:
Locals vs. tourists
Past purchasers
Location or zip code
Source (in-store, website, QR code, etc.)
This allows you to create personalized follow-ups. For example, tourists might get content like "Best of Alaska" photo contests or a reminder to book again next season, while locals might get updates on seasonal discounts or events.
Keep It Compliant
Sometimes, Alaska may feel like the Wild West, but email laws still apply. Make sure you're:
Clearly stating what people are signing up for
Offering an opt-out or unsubscribe option
Respecting data privacy and collecting with consent
Even better—mention how often you'll email them (e.g., "Monthly updates + seasonal deals!") to build trust upfront.
Final Thoughts: Small Actions, Big Payoff
Alaska's short tourist season is packed with opportunity. By turning that foot traffic and online buzz into first-party data—especially email addresses—you're creating a pipeline of long-term relationships that can pay off all year round.
At Orange Slice Marketing, we help Alaskan businesses create smart, localized marketing strategies that don't just capture attention but keep it. Whether you're a gift shop in Sitka or a large tourism company in Anchorage, we can help you build an email list that grows your revenue and builds loyalty far beyond summer.
Need help designing your sign-up forms, building your lead magnets, or writing emails that convert?
Let's talk. Orange Slice Marketing is here to help you harness the power of the season and use it to fuel year-round success.
