Turning a Scroll into a Sale

Written By Alicia Vial

Summer in New Orleans means more tourists, more foot traffic—and more opportunities for local business to stand out online. But how do you turn a scroll into a sale?

Social media is a great tool to capture that audience and turn tourists into paying customers. A few simple adjustments can really boost visibility and engagement. Use geo-tags and local hashtags like #VisitNOLA or #FrenchQuarterEats. These help tourists discover your business when they’re searching on Instagram or TikTok. Think of it like a digital billboard for people who are already in town.

Show off your space, your staff and anything that makes your business feel uniquely New Orleans. Tourists are looking for authentic local experience, so highlight what sets you apart. Even a behind-the-scenes look or a quick staff intro video goes a long way.

Absolutely—reposting photos or videos that tourists tag you in builds credibility. It’s like a digital world-of-mouth recommendation. Encourage guests to tag your business for a chance to be featured on your page.

Quick videos like Instagram Reels or TikToks tend to perform really well. Try to post at least one video or post a day. Pair it with upbeat music or trending audio for even more reach.

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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