How to Build a Travel Agency Website: The Complete 2026 Guide for Success

Building a successful travel agency in today's digital landscape requires more than just expertise in destinations and customer service—you need a powerful online presence that converts visitors into bookings. With over 82% of travelers researching trips online before making decisions, your website serves as the digital storefront for your entire business.
To build a travel agency website effectively, you need to focus on seven essential steps: choosing the right platform, designing for user experience, implementing booking systems, optimizing for search engines, ensuring mobile responsiveness, integrating payment solutions, and continuously optimizing performance. This comprehensive approach ensures your travel agency website not only attracts visitors but converts them into paying customers.
The travel industry has undergone dramatic changes, with smart booking systems offering varied payment options and unlimited trip packages becoming almost mandatory for any successful travel agency website. Modern travelers expect seamless digital experiences, instant booking confirmations, and detailed travel information at their fingertips.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through every aspect of building a professional travel agency website that drives bookings and grows your business. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to upgrade your existing site, this step-by-step approach will help you create a website that stands out in the competitive travel market.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Travel Agency Website Fundamentals
- Step 1: Choosing the Right Website Builder Platform
- Step 2: Essential Features and Functionality Planning
- Step 3: Designing for User Experience and Conversion
- Step 4: Implementing Advanced Booking Systems
- Step 5: Search Engine Optimization Strategies
- Step 6: Mobile Optimization and Performance
- Step 7: Testing, Launch, and Ongoing Optimization
- Cost Analysis and Budget Planning
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Future-Proofing Your Travel Agency Website
- Conclusion and Next Steps
Understanding Travel Agency Website Fundamentals
Before diving into the technical aspects of building your travel agency website, it's crucial to understand what makes a travel website successful in today's market. The travel industry operates in a highly visual, experience-driven environment where first impressions can make or break a potential booking.
Modern travelers approach trip planning with specific expectations. They want comprehensive information, competitive pricing, social proof through reviews, and the ability to book instantly. Your travel agency website must address these needs while reflecting your brand's unique value proposition.
The foundation of any successful travel agency website rests on three core pillars: functionality, aesthetics, and performance. Functionality encompasses your booking systems, search capabilities, and user journey flows. Aesthetics involve visual design, photography, and brand presentation. Performance includes site speed, mobile responsiveness, and search engine visibility.
Your travel agency website should start with a compelling homepage that highlights your top destinations or special offers, instantly engaging visitors and giving them a clear idea of what you offer. This approach ensures visitors immediately understand your value proposition and are motivated to explore further.
Understanding your target audience is equally important. Business travelers have different needs than leisure tourists, and adventure seekers require different information than luxury travelers. Your website's structure, content, and functionality should align with your primary customer segments' preferences and booking behaviors.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Website Builder Platform
Selecting the appropriate platform for your travel agency website is perhaps the most critical decision you'll make in the development process. This choice impacts everything from design flexibility to long-term scalability and cost-effectiveness.
Evaluating Platform Options
The travel industry presents unique requirements that not all website builders can handle effectively. You need platforms that support complex booking systems, inventory management, payment processing, and dynamic content updates. Traditional website builders like Wix or Squarespace may work for simple brochure sites but often lack the sophisticated functionality travel agencies require.
WordPress with specialized travel plugins offers excellent flexibility and customization options. Platforms like WP Travel Engine provide comprehensive booking management systems specifically designed for travel businesses. However, WordPress requires more technical knowledge and ongoing maintenance.
Specialized travel website builders like Travedeus have emerged as game-changers in the industry. These platforms understand the unique needs of travel agencies and provide built-in booking systems, inventory management, payment processing, and marketing tools. Unlike generic website builders, Travedeus offers travel-specific features such as dynamic pricing, multi-destination packages, and integrated review systems.
Key Platform Features to Consider
When evaluating website builder options for your travel agency, prioritize platforms that offer robust booking functionality. Having a travel website with a smart booking system and proper payment integration eases the online booking process for travel agencies. This seamless integration reduces booking abandonment and improves customer satisfaction.
Content management capabilities are equally important. Your travel agency website will require frequent updates for new destinations, pricing changes, seasonal promotions, and travel advisories. Choose platforms that make content updates straightforward and don't require technical expertise for routine maintenance.
SEO capabilities built into the platform can significantly impact your website's visibility. Look for builders that offer clean code structure, fast loading times, customizable meta tags, and integrated analytics. These features are essential for competing in the travel industry's competitive online landscape.
Making the Platform Decision
Consider your team's technical capabilities when choosing a platform. If you have limited technical resources, prioritize user-friendly platforms with comprehensive support and training resources. Travedeus excels in this area by providing travel industry-specific templates, intuitive interfaces, and dedicated customer support that understands travel business needs.
Scalability should also influence your decision. As your travel agency grows, your website needs may evolve. Choose platforms that can accommodate growth without requiring complete rebuilds. This includes considering factors like traffic capacity, storage limitations, and feature expansion possibilities.
Budget considerations extend beyond initial setup costs. Factor in ongoing subscription fees, transaction costs, third-party integrations, and potential development expenses. While specialized platforms like Travedeus may have higher upfront costs, they often provide better long-term value through reduced development time and built-in travel-specific functionality.
Step 2: Essential Features and Functionality Planning
Creating a comprehensive feature list before beginning development ensures your travel agency website meets both current needs and future growth requirements. This planning phase prevents costly redesigns and ensures a smooth user experience from launch day.
Core Booking Functionality
The heart of any travel agency website is its booking system. This functionality must handle complex travel scenarios including multi-destination trips, group bookings, date flexibility, and real-time availability updates. Your booking system should integrate with major travel suppliers to provide accurate pricing and availability information.
Dynamic pricing capabilities have become essential in the modern travel market. Travelers expect pricing to reflect current market conditions, seasonal variations, and early booking discounts. Your website should automatically adjust pricing based on predetermined rules and market conditions.
Payment processing integration requires careful consideration of security, user experience, and international requirements. Support for multiple currencies, payment methods, and installment options can significantly improve conversion rates, especially for high-value travel packages.
Content Management and Presentation
Travel agencies rely heavily on compelling content to inspire and inform potential travelers. Your website needs robust content management capabilities that allow easy updates to destination information, travel packages, and promotional materials. This includes support for high-quality image galleries, video content, and detailed itinerary presentations.
Review and testimonial systems build trust and provide social proof that influences booking decisions. Integrate review collection and display systems that showcase authentic customer experiences and respond to feedback professionally.
Blog functionality supports SEO efforts and positions your agency as a travel authority. Regular content publication about destinations, travel tips, and industry insights helps attract organic traffic and nurture potential customers through the decision-making process.
Customer Communication Tools
Effective communication tools bridge the gap between online browsing and booking conversion. Live chat functionality allows real-time customer support during the critical decision-making phase. Automated chatbots can handle common questions outside business hours, ensuring 24/7 customer service availability.
Email marketing integration enables automated follow-up sequences, booking confirmations, and post-travel feedback collection. These communications nurture customer relationships and encourage repeat bookings and referrals.
Customer portal functionality allows travelers to access booking details, modify reservations, and download important documents. This self-service capability reduces customer service workload while improving customer satisfaction.
Analytics and Reporting
Comprehensive analytics help optimize your travel agency website's performance and identify growth opportunities. Track key metrics including traffic sources, popular destinations, booking conversion rates, and customer behavior patterns.
Revenue reporting should integrate with your booking system to provide real-time insights into sales performance, package popularity, and seasonal trends. This data informs pricing strategies, marketing campaigns, and inventory management decisions.
Customer analytics help identify your most valuable segments, preferences, and booking patterns. Use this information to personalize marketing messages, recommend relevant packages, and improve overall customer experience.
Step 3: Designing for User Experience and Conversion
Exceptional user experience design distinguishes successful travel agency websites from competitors and directly impacts booking conversion rates. Every design decision should prioritize user goals while showcasing your travel expertise and inspiring wanderlust.
Visual Design Principles
Travel is inherently visual, making high-quality photography and design essential for your agency website. Beautiful, high-end photography is an absolute must that should give a sneak peek into some of the locations and trips they can create. Invest in professional destination photography or partner with photographers to ensure your visual content stands out.
Color psychology plays a significant role in travel website design. Blues evoke feelings of trust and tranquility, perfect for beach destinations. Greens connect with nature and adventure travel. Warm oranges and reds create excitement and energy suitable for adventure or cultural experiences. Choose color palettes that align with your brand personality and target destinations.
Typography affects readability and brand perception. Select fonts that are easy to read across devices while reflecting your agency's personality. Luxury travel agencies might choose elegant serif fonts, while adventure tour operators might prefer bold, modern sans-serif options.
Navigation and Information Architecture
Intuitive navigation is crucial for travel agency websites due to the complexity of travel information and booking processes. Organize content logically with clear categories for destinations, travel types, and special offers. Use descriptive labels that travelers naturally understand.
Search functionality should be prominent and powerful. Travelers often have specific criteria including destination, travel dates, budget ranges, and activity preferences. Implement advanced search filters that help users quickly find relevant options without overwhelming them with choices.
Breadcrumb navigation helps users understand their location within your site structure and easily backtrack to broader categories. This is especially important for travel sites with deep category structures covering multiple destinations and travel types.
Conversion Optimization Elements
Strategic placement of booking call-to-action buttons throughout the user journey increases conversion opportunities. Use action-oriented language like "Book Now," "Check Availability," or "Reserve Your Adventure" rather than generic "Submit" buttons.
Social proof elements including customer reviews, testimonials, and booking notifications build trust and create urgency. Display recent bookings or customer feedback prominently on package pages to reassure hesitant browsers.
Trust signals such as security badges, professional certifications, and industry memberships should be visible throughout the booking process. These elements reduce purchase anxiety, especially for high-value travel packages.
Mobile-First Design Approach
Mobile-friendly travel agency booking systems on websites turn potential travelers into purchasing customers immediately. Design your website with mobile users as the primary consideration, then enhance the experience for desktop users.
Touch-friendly interface elements ensure smooth mobile interactions. Buttons should be large enough for easy tapping, forms should minimize typing requirements, and navigation should work seamlessly with touch gestures.
Progressive disclosure techniques work well on mobile devices by showing essential information first and providing access to additional details when needed. This approach prevents information overload while ensuring comprehensive information remains accessible.
Step 4: Implementing Advanced Booking Systems
The booking system serves as the engine of your travel agency website, converting visitor interest into confirmed reservations and revenue. Modern travelers expect sophisticated booking capabilities that rival major online travel agencies.
Real-Time Integration and Inventory Management
Successful travel agency websites require real-time connectivity with travel suppliers including airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and tour operators. Real-time accommodation search results in under 1 second with high-speed JSON API connectors have become standard expectations among travelers.
API integrations should provide accurate availability and pricing information to prevent booking conflicts and customer disappointment. Implement robust error handling and fallback systems to maintain booking functionality even when individual supplier APIs experience issues.
Inventory management becomes complex when dealing with multiple suppliers and package combinations. Your booking system should track allocations, manage group bookings, and handle cancellations automatically while maintaining accurate availability displays.
Dynamic Pricing and Package Customization
Modern travelers expect pricing transparency and customization options. Implement dynamic pricing systems that adjust rates based on demand, seasonality, advance booking periods, and group sizes. Display pricing clearly with all fees included to build trust and reduce booking abandonment.
Package customization capabilities allow travelers to modify standard offerings to meet specific needs and preferences. This might include upgrade options, additional activities, extended stays, or dietary accommodations. Flexible customization increases package value and customer satisfaction.
Multi-destination and complex itinerary support distinguishes professional travel agencies from simple booking platforms. Your system should handle intricate travel arrangements including multiple stops, various accommodation types, and coordinated transportation options.
Payment Security and Processing
Payment security is paramount for travel bookings due to high transaction values and sensitive customer information. Implement PCI DSS compliant payment processing with encryption and secure data transmission protocols.
Multiple payment options accommodate diverse customer preferences and international markets. Accept major credit cards, PayPal, bank transfers, and emerging payment methods like buy-now-pay-later services. This flexibility can significantly improve conversion rates.
Currency handling for international customers requires automatic conversion with current exchange rates. Display pricing in customers' local currencies while handling backend processing in your preferred currency.
Booking Confirmation and Management
Automated confirmation systems should immediately provide booking details, payment receipts, and relevant travel information. Include clear contact information for modifications or questions, and set appropriate expectations for additional communications.
Customer account creation during the booking process enables future engagement and repeat bookings. Make account creation optional but incentivize it with benefits like booking history access, exclusive offers, and simplified future reservations.
Modification and cancellation capabilities reduce customer service workload while improving customer satisfaction. Implement clear policies and automated processing for common changes while routing complex requests to human agents.
Step 5: Search Engine Optimization Strategies
Search engine optimization for travel agency websites requires understanding both general SEO principles and travel industry-specific optimization strategies. The travel market's competitive nature makes SEO crucial for organic visibility and customer acquisition.
Keyword Research and Content Strategy
Travel keyword research differs from other industries due to seasonal variations, geographic specificity, and intent diversity. Travelers search for destinations, activities, travel types, and specific services. Consider creating pillar content around high-volume keywords (like "travel to Bali") and link to more specific blog posts from there. This improves SEO structure and increases session time.
Long-tail keywords often provide better conversion opportunities for travel agencies. Phrases like "luxury honeymoon packages Costa Rica" or "family safari tours Kenya" indicate specific intent and face less competition than broad terms like "travel packages."
Seasonal keyword planning helps capture traffic during peak research periods. Many destinations have predictable search patterns tied to weather, holidays, or cultural events. Plan content calendars around these patterns to maximize organic visibility.
Local SEO for Travel Agencies
For travel agencies operating in a certain city, region, or country, local SEO matters. It allows your agency to show up in local search results, on Google Maps, and "search near me" inquiries. This visibility is crucial for capturing travelers looking for local expertise and face-to-face consultations.
Google My Business optimization includes accurate location information, service descriptions, customer reviews, and regular updates about promotions or new offerings. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews and respond professionally to all feedback.
Local content creation can improve both local and destination SEO. Write about local events, transportation options, seasonal considerations, and insider knowledge that demonstrates your expertise in specific markets.
Technical SEO for Travel Websites
Site speed optimization is crucial for travel websites due to image-heavy content and complex booking systems. Compress images, implement lazy loading, and optimize database queries to maintain fast loading times across all pages.
Schema markup for travel content helps search engines understand your offerings and can enable rich snippets in search results. Implement appropriate schema for travel packages, reviews, events, and business information.
Mobile optimization goes beyond responsive design to include mobile-specific user experience considerations. Travel agency-specialized SEO calls for design features that ensure users comfortably find their way through the website using easily identifiable buttons for bookings with fast speeds while maintaining safety protocols.
Content Marketing and Link Building
High-quality travel content attracts organic backlinks and establishes your agency as an industry authority. Create comprehensive destination guides, travel tips, and industry insights that provide value beyond promotional content.
User-generated content (UGC) is a powerful tool for travel SEO services. It builds authenticity and trust—two things Google values when ranking content. Encourage customers to share photos, reviews, and travel stories that can be featured on your website with proper attribution.
Partnership opportunities with tourism boards, hotels, and other travel businesses can generate quality backlinks while expanding your network. Participate in travel industry events, contribute to travel publications, and collaborate on content projects.
Step 6: Mobile Optimization and Performance
Mobile optimization has evolved from a nice-to-have feature to an absolute necessity for travel agency websites. With mobile traffic often exceeding desktop traffic in the travel industry, mobile performance directly impacts booking conversions and search engine rankings.
Responsive Design Implementation
True responsive design adapts content and functionality to various screen sizes while maintaining usability and aesthetic appeal. Travel websites must handle complex information displays, image galleries, and booking forms across devices.
Touch interface optimization ensures smooth mobile interactions. Navigation menus should work with touch gestures, buttons should be appropriately sized for finger taps, and form inputs should display mobile-friendly keyboards when appropriate.
Progressive web app (PWA) technology can enhance mobile experiences by providing app-like functionality including offline content access, push notifications, and home screen installation options. These features improve user engagement and return visit rates.
Performance Optimization
Page speed significantly impacts both user experience and search engine rankings. Travel websites face unique challenges due to image-heavy content, complex booking systems, and third-party integrations.
Image optimization requires balancing visual quality with file size. Implement responsive images that serve appropriate sizes based on device capabilities, and use modern formats like WebP when supported by browsers.
Caching strategies should account for dynamic content like pricing and availability while ensuring static content loads quickly. Implement appropriate cache headers and consider content delivery networks (CDNs) for global performance optimization.
Mobile-Specific Features
Location-based functionality can enhance mobile user experiences. Detect user location to suggest nearby attractions, provide relevant local information, and customize content based on geographic context.
Mobile payment integration should support device-specific payment methods including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and mobile wallet services. These options often provide faster, more secure checkout experiences than traditional credit card entry.
Offline functionality helps users access important information like booking confirmations, itineraries, and contact details even without internet connectivity. This is particularly valuable for international travelers who may have limited data access.
Step 7: Testing, Launch, and Ongoing Optimization
Thorough testing before launch prevents costly mistakes and ensures optimal user experience from day one. The travel industry's high-stakes booking environment makes comprehensive testing essential.
Pre-Launch Testing Strategy
Functionality testing should cover all booking scenarios including single and multi-destination trips, various payment methods, and edge cases like same-day bookings or maximum group sizes. Test booking confirmation emails, payment processing, and error handling.
Cross-browser and device testing ensures consistent experiences across different platforms. Test on popular desktop browsers, mobile devices, and tablets to identify and resolve compatibility issues before launch.
Load testing simulates high-traffic scenarios to ensure your website can handle peak booking periods without performance degradation. Travel websites often experience traffic spikes during sales events or seasonal booking rushes.
Launch Strategy and Monitoring
Soft launch strategies allow testing with real users before full public launch. Start with a limited audience like existing customers or email subscribers to identify any remaining issues and gather feedback.
Analytics implementation should be comprehensive from launch day. Track user behavior, conversion rates, popular pages, and technical performance metrics. This data guides immediate optimizations and long-term strategy decisions.
Security monitoring protects both your business and customers from threats. Implement continuous security scanning, regular software updates, and monitoring for suspicious activity or unauthorized access attempts.
Continuous Optimization Approach
A/B testing different elements like call-to-action buttons, package presentations, and booking flow steps helps optimize conversion rates over time. Test one element at a time to isolate the impact of specific changes.
User feedback collection through surveys, reviews, and customer service interactions provides insights into pain points and improvement opportunities. Regularly analyze this feedback to prioritize optimization efforts.
Performance monitoring should be ongoing to maintain fast loading times and optimal user experience. Regular audits help identify new optimization opportunities as your website grows and evolves.
Cost Analysis and Budget Planning
Understanding the full cost of building and maintaining a travel agency website helps make informed decisions and avoid budget surprises. Costs vary significantly based on platform choice, feature requirements, and ongoing maintenance needs.
Initial Development Costs
Platform selection significantly impacts initial costs. DIY website builders might start at $20-50 monthly but often require additional plugins and services that increase total costs. Professional development can range from $5,000 for basic sites to $50,000+ for complex, custom systems.
Design costs vary based on whether you use templates, customize existing designs, or create completely custom designs. Professional travel website design typically ranges from $2,000 to $15,000 depending on complexity and requirements.
Content creation including professional photography, copywriting, and initial destination information can range from $1,000 to $10,000. High-quality content is essential for travel websites, making this investment crucial for success.
Ongoing Operational Expenses
Hosting costs depend on traffic volume, storage requirements, and performance needs. Shared hosting might suffice for new agencies at $10-30 monthly, while established agencies may require dedicated servers costing $200-500 monthly.
Third-party integrations for booking systems, payment processing, and supplier APIs often include transaction fees or monthly subscriptions. Budget 3-5% of booking revenue for transaction fees plus fixed monthly costs for various integrations.
Marketing expenses including SEO, content creation, and advertising should be planned as percentages of revenue. Successful travel agencies typically invest 10-15% of revenue in marketing activities.
Return on Investment Considerations
Revenue potential depends on your target market, package pricing, and conversion rates. Professional travel agency websites typically achieve 2-5% conversion rates, with average booking values ranging from $500 to $5,000 per transaction.
Cost recovery timeframes vary based on initial investment and monthly revenue. Well-designed travel websites often recover development costs within 12-24 months through increased bookings and operational efficiency.
Long-term value includes reduced customer service costs through self-service options, improved customer retention through better user experience, and scalability benefits as your business grows.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learning from common pitfalls can save significant time, money, and frustration during your travel agency website development process.
Technical Mistakes
Underestimating mobile optimization is a critical error that impacts both user experience and search rankings. Over 60% of travel research happens on mobile devices, making mobile-first design essential for success.
Neglecting site speed optimization affects both user experience and search engine rankings. Travel websites with slow loading times experience significantly higher bounce rates and lower conversion rates.
Inadequate security measures expose both your business and customers to risks. Ensure SSL certificates, secure payment processing, and regular security updates are prioritized from launch day.
User Experience Errors
Information overload overwhelms visitors and reduces conversion rates. Present information hierarchically with clear navigation paths and progressive disclosure of detailed information.
Complex booking processes lead to abandonment and lost revenue. Minimize required fields, provide clear progress indicators, and allow guest checkout options to reduce friction.
Poor image quality or slow-loading galleries create negative first impressions. Invest in professional photography and optimize images for fast loading without sacrificing visual appeal.
SEO and Marketing Oversights
Ignoring local SEO opportunities limits visibility for location-specific searches. Many travelers search for local travel agents, making local optimization crucial for customer acquisition.
Inconsistent content updates signal search engines that your site isn't actively maintained. Establish content calendars and update destination information regularly to maintain search rankings.
Failing to track and analyze performance metrics prevents optimization and growth. Implement comprehensive analytics from launch and review performance data regularly.
Future-Proofing Your Travel Agency Website
Building a website that adapts to changing technology and industry trends protects your investment and maintains competitive advantage over time.
Emerging Technology Integration
Artificial intelligence and chatbot technology are becoming standard expectations for customer service. Plan for AI integration that can handle common inquiries, provide personalized recommendations, and assist with booking processes.
Virtual and augmented reality technologies offer immersive destination previews that can significantly influence booking decisions. Consider how VR/AR integration might enhance your customer experience as these technologies become more accessible.
Voice search optimization is growing in importance as smart speakers and voice assistants become more prevalent. Optimize content for conversational queries and local search patterns.
Scalability Planning
Choose platforms and architectures that can handle business growth without requiring complete rebuilds. Consider factors like traffic capacity, transaction volume, and feature expansion possibilities.
Database design should accommodate increasing content volumes, customer records, and booking history. Plan for efficient data management and backup systems from the beginning.
Integration capabilities become more important as your business grows and requires connections with additional suppliers, marketing tools, and business management systems.
Industry Trend Adaptation
Sustainability awareness is increasingly important to travelers. Plan for content and features that highlight eco-friendly travel options and your agency's commitment to responsible tourism.
Personalization expectations continue rising as travelers expect customized recommendations and experiences. Build systems that can collect and utilize customer preferences for personalized marketing and service delivery.
Flexible booking policies and transparent pricing have become standard expectations. Ensure your systems can adapt to changing industry practices and customer expectations.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Building a successful travel agency website requires careful planning, strategic implementation, and ongoing optimization. The investment in professional development and marketing pays dividends through increased bookings, improved customer experience, and competitive advantage.
Your travel agency website serves as more than just an online brochure—it's your primary sales tool, customer service platform, and brand ambassador. By following the comprehensive steps outlined in this guide, you'll create a website that not only meets current industry standards but positions your agency for future growth and success.
The travel industry continues evolving rapidly, with new technologies, changing customer expectations, and emerging destinations creating both challenges and opportunities. Your website must be flexible enough to adapt while maintaining the core functionality that drives bookings and customer satisfaction.
Travedeus stands out as the ideal partner for travel agencies serious about online success. With built-in travel-specific features, intuitive management tools, and dedicated support, Travedeus eliminates the technical complexity of travel website development while providing professional results that drive bookings.
Remember that launching your website is just the beginning. Continuous optimization based on user feedback, performance analytics, and industry trends will ensure your travel agency website remains competitive and profitable for years to come.
Take action today by evaluating your current online presence, identifying improvement opportunities, and choosing the right platform and partners to build the travel agency website your business deserves. Your future customers are searching for their next adventure—make sure they find you first.
Whether you're launching a new travel agency or upgrading an existing website, the strategies and insights in this guide provide the foundation for online success. The travel industry rewards agencies that prioritize customer experience, embrace technology, and maintain professional online presences.
Start planning your travel agency website project today, and take the first step toward building a stronger, more profitable travel business that thrives in the digital age.