Is your social media performance getting you down? It is easy to start getting obsessed with the vanity metrics (likes and follows) and stressing that your social media is not working. Likes and follows do not automatically equate to actual bookings.

In this episode, I delve into the misconception that achieving virality on social media guarantees an immediate influx of direct bookings, revealing that genuine engagement with our target audience really is the key. I explore the distinction between the quantity of followers and the quality of interactions, emphasising the need to develop relationships that can ultimately lead to bookings.

I share with you the more meaningful marketing social metrics that should be prioritised, such as website traffic and audience engagement, rather than succumbing to the allure of superficial high numbers.

By focusing on creating purposeful ideal guest-lead content and building trust with our audience, we can achieve greater direct booking success!

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Key Takeaways:

• The pursuit of vanity metrics such as likes and followers does not equate to an immediate increase in direct bookings or more revenue.
• A focus on audience quality rather than sheer size is key for achieving sustainable business growth.
• Engagement with ideal guests through meaningful content creates relationships that can lead to actual direct bookings.
• Successful marketing strategies must prioritise actionable metrics, including website traffic and email signups, over mere social media popularity.

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Handy links from this episode:

Social Media Training - find out more about Sarah's marketing club - THE FULLY BOOKED BUSINESS CLUB™

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Connect with Sarah:

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Instagram

LinkedIn

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Are you ready to take more direct bookings?

Take Sarah's FREE quiz here to find out how ready you are with your marketing to ditch the likes of Airbnb! Put your business to the test...

Do you struggle to understand if you should write for Google or your ideal guest for your short term rental or glampsite? It's a tricky balancing act and often feels like a never-ending tug of war! In this solo episode, Sarah explores how to strike the balance just right.

The detrimental effects of writing solely for Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) are huge - often resulting in lifeless and robotic copy. The pitfalls of neglecting essential keywords that facilitate discoverability online can have a negative impact too.

Often leaving you feeling like you are stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea...

By adopting a guest-centric approach whilst integrating vital SEO elements, we can craft compelling copy that resonate with our potential guests and simultaneously enhances your visibility on search engines. The episode dives into Sarah's practical strategies for constructing effective website copy that captivates and converts, emphasising the necessity of clarity and structure in our communication.

Having website traffic alone is not enough. We need to convert web visitors into paying guests as efficiently as possible.

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Key Takeaways:

• The balance between writing for SEO and connecting with your ideal guest is crucial.
• Writing solely for Google results in robotic copy that fails to engage potential guests.
• Effective website copy should incorporate emotional storytelling while also being optimised for keywords.
• Understanding your guest's motivations is essential for creating compelling and relevant content.
• It's key to remember search engines don't buy, people do. Google does not spend money with you!

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Handy Links from this episode:

Sarah's SEO Made Easy Course

Book a free call with Sarah to discuss your website

Free SEO Plugin for Wordpress - Yoast SEO

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Connect with Sarah:

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

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Are you ready to take more direct bookings?

Take Sarah's FREE quiz here to find out how ready you are with your marketing to ditch the likes of Airbnb! Put your business to the test...

In today's episode I'm joined by PR expert Fiona Reece from Travel Tonic.

This one is a bit of a short term rental PR 101 from identifying what media to approach, and how to find your WOW to stand out through storytelling, as you look to get media coverage.

We delve deep into pitching to the media with really honest Do's and Dont's to get noticed with practical tips if you do it yourself rather than using a PR agency..

And that all important question, should you show towels on the bed! Tune in to get Fiona's insider PR tips.

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Key Takeaways:

• The episode looks at the critical importance of identifying the right media outlets that align with your target audience's lifestyle and interests.
• Effective public relations requires hosts to differentiate their offerings from competitors, which requires innovative storytelling techniques.
• Listeners will learn what the media outlets might be interested in around your business.
• The hosts discuss the value of hiring a public relations specialist, highlighting their extensive contacts and expertise in effectively pitching to media.
• Long-term PR efforts can yield significant returns, as previous media coverage continues to attract bookings even years after initial publication.
• The conversation underscores the necessity of high-quality visual content, suggesting that seasonal imagery can enhance media pitches and align with editorial calendars.

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Connect with Fiona - Travel Tonic

Find out more about Travel Tonic

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Connect with Sarah:

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Are you ready to take more direct bookings?

Take Sarah's FREE quiz here to find out how ready you are with your marketing to ditch the likes of Airbnb! Put your business to the test...

Does this sound familiar? You've spent all your money and much blood, sweat and many tears to get your glamping or short term rental business finished and ready to launch. You pop it on Airbnb and tumbleweed. No bookings. Cash is running low. What next?

In this episode, Sarah dives deep into why the "build it and they'll come" approach is the fastest route to empty bank accounts and sleepless nights. Plus, she'll share her tried-and-tested strategies to get those commission-free direct bookings rolling in from day one.

You'll discover why starting your marketing BEFORE you open your doors is an absolute must for your business and why you need to get it in front of the RIGHT people at the RIGHT time.

So if you're about to launch your holiday business, market a brand new unit or that shiny new sauna you've added, this episode is for you!

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Key Takeaways:

• Marketing is essential to ensure guests can discover your accommodation; building it simply isn't enough.
• Understanding the booking journey is crucial for effective marketing and attracting guests.
• Relying solely on online travel agents can hinder visibility and lead to financial losses.
• Establishing a pre-launch audience can significantly enhance your marketing effectiveness and booking success at launch.
• Consistent engagement with potential guests helps build trust and increases the likelihood of bookings.
• A comprehensive marketing plan must be implemented well in advance of your opening date to maximise visibility.

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FREE GUIDE: Grab my 7-Step Launch Marketing Blueprint here

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Connect with Sarah:

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Are you ready to take more direct bookings?

Take Sarah's FREE quiz here to find out how ready you are with your marketing to ditch the likes of Airbnb! Put your business to the test...

Jo Lewis from Alexander House Scotland joins Sarah Orchard to discuss the intricacies of expanding a short-term rental business, highlighting the importance of diversification in enhancing revenue streams.

With Jo's successful transition from a luxury large group holiday house to offering glamping and wedding services, Jo shares her journey of creating unique guest experiences that cater to different audiences.

She emphasises the symbiotic relationship between her various offerings, where guests often transition from one type of accommodation to another, driven by word-of-mouth referrals and repeat visits.

Jo also candidly shares her insights on managing weddings, detailing the challenges and rewards of this venture, and the necessity of being genuinely invested in the couples’ experiences.

The episode wraps up with Jo sharing practical marketing tips and the valuable lessons she's learned on her journey in the short-term rental hospitality industry.

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Key Takeaways:

• Expanding your short-term rental hospitality business can be beneficial if you understand your market well.
• Building relationships with guests leads to repeat bookings and positive word-of-mouth marketing.
• Careful planning and attention to detail are crucial for successfully managing wedding events. Make sure you are ready for this type of guest!
• Utilising automation tools can streamline communication with potential wedding clients effectively.
• Diverse offerings in accommodations can attract different customer segments and increase overall bookings.
• Understanding the unique customer journey for weddings is vital to providing excellent service.

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Explore Alexander House Scotland

Website

Follow on Instagram

The 2 dedicated websites for glamping and weddings:

Enchanted Glamping

Thistle Weddings

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Connect with Sarah:

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Are you ready to take more direct bookings?

Take Sarah's FREE quiz here to find out how ready you are with your marketing to ditch the likes of Airbnb! Put your business to the test...

In this frank and open episode, your Get Fully Booked host Sarah Orchard reflects on her own long journey of establishing The Hudnalls Hideout, a luxury treehouse short-term rental, while navigating the challenges that arise from being both a business owner and a host.

Sarah provides valuable insights on the importance of choosing a location that resonates with personal values and lifestyle aspirations. She emphasises that hospitality is not just a 9-5 job but a commitment that requires genuine passion for people and a high level of service, as guests can often have high expectations and demands.

She further explores practical steps towards achieving a sustainable work-life balance, including the significance of outsourcing tasks like cleaning and laundry, to free up time for marketing and personal relaxation, thereby enhancing overall business profitability and personal satisfaction.

Tune in for practical do's and don'ts that can help you achieve the lifestyle you've always dreamed of while successfully managing a short-term rental hospitality business.

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Key Takeaways:

• Establish a clear boundary between work and personal life to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Choose a business location that you love to avoid resentment over time.
• Outsource operational tasks like cleaning and laundry so you can focus on revenue-generating activities like marketing and growing your business.
• Being in hospitality requires a genuine love for people and strong social skills.
• Setting up a successful hospitality business is a full-time commitment, not really a side hustle.
• Regular meetings with your life partner can help maintain clarity and structure in your business and avoid issues with balance.

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Connect with Sarah:

Website

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Are you ready to take more direct bookings?

Take Sarah's FREE quiz here to find out how ready you are with your marketing to ditch the likes of Airbnb! Put your business to the test...

Are you ready to transform your one-time guests into loyal repeat visitors?

In this solo episode of Get Fully Booked with Sarah Orchard dives into effective marketing strategies that will help you achieve just that, all without spending a penny.

Sarah emphasises the importance of creating unforgettable experiences and maintaining connections after guests leave. By utilising personalised touches, attentive service, and thoughtful post-stay follow-ups, hosts can significantly increase the likelihood of return visits. Tune in to discover actionable marketing tips that can turn your guests into your ultimate fan club, boosting your direct bookings and enhancing your bottom line.

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Key Takeaways:

• Retaining existing guests is significantly cheaper than acquiring new ones, costing up to 10 times less.
• Creating memorable experiences for guests through personal touches can lead to repeat bookings.
• Follow-up with guests after their stay to ask for feedback and encourage future visits with icnentives.
• Offering exclusive perks like free upgrades or early check-ins can enhance guest loyalty.
• Regular email marketing serves as a gentle reminder for past guests to return.
• Utilise social media effectively to engage with guests and share their positive experiences.

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Connect with Sarah:

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LinkedIn

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Are you ready to take more direct bookings?

Take Sarah's FREE quiz here to find out how ready you are with your marketing to ditch the likes of Airbnb! Put your business to the test...

In this week's episode, your host Sarah Orchard is joined by a guest, Nina Jervis-Green from Host Unusual, a unique directory that showcases extraordinary holiday accommodations around the globe. We chat about the key differences between online advertising/directory sites and online travel agents like Airbnb. There are distinct differences between a paid listing site Vs the commission-based online agents - we explore the pros and cons.

Nina shares insights about how Host Unusual not only promotes unique stays but also tells the compelling stories behind each property, creating a deeper connection with your potential guests.

This engaging conversation highlights the importance of originality in marketing and how property owners can leverage their unique stories or history to stand out in a crowded market.

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Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the major differences between directory sites and online agents like Airbnb is crucial for property owners.
• Host Unusual emphasises storytelling in listings to connect with potential guests and enhance their experience.
• Many guests prefer unique accommodations, moving away from traditional hotel stays to memorable experiences.
• Property owners should leverage marketing strategies to maximise their visibility on listing sites.
• Direct bookings can significantly increase profit margins compared to commission-based online agents.
• Engaging with your audience through social media and unique offerings can set your property apart.

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Find out more about Host Unusual

Website

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Connect with Sarah:

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Are you ready to take more direct bookings?

Take Sarah's FREE quiz here to find out how ready you are with your marketing to ditch the likes of Airbnb! Put your business to the test...

Ready to transform your website into a powerful marketing machine? In this episode of Get Fully Booked, Sarah Orchard dives deep into the essential strategies you need to grow your direct bookings and reduce reliance on online agents. She emphasises that your website should not merely be an online brochure but a dynamic tool that converts visitors into guests. From creating a strong first impression with engaging visuals to building trust through testimonials and clear calls to action, Sarah shares actionable tips that can significantly enhance your short-term rental website's effectiveness. Whether it's optimising for mobile or crafting compelling narratives about the guest experience, this episode is packed with insights to help elevate your online presence and maximise your profits.

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Key Takeaways:

• Your website should be designed to convert visitors into direct bookings effectively.
• Building trust with potential guests is essential for encouraging direct bookings.
• Strong calls to action throughout your website can significantly improve booking rates.
• Creating an emotional experience story on your website can attract more guests.
• Mobile friendliness is crucial, as over 60% of guests browse for accommodation options on their phones.
• Gathering email subscribers from website visitors can help maintain ongoing guest engagement.

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Connect with Sarah:

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Are you ready to take more direct bookings?

Take Sarah's FREE quiz here to find out how ready you are with your marketing to ditch the likes of Airbnb! Put your business to the test...

Join Sarah Orchard as she dives into a frank and open conversation with Emma Warren, a self professed glamping industry pioneer and owner behind Dimpsy Glamping. Dimpsey Glamping is celebrating nearly a decade and Emma shares her journey from a memorable birthday getaway to creating luxurious glamping experiences, that prioritise guest comfort and unique offerings. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding customer expectations, especially in a post-COVID hospitality world where guests demand more from their stays.

Emma emphasises the value of word-of-mouth marketing and building a strong brand identity, while also addressing the challenges of expanding a glamping site and maintaining occupancy levels. Tune in to discover key insights into growth marketing strategies and the evolving landscape of guest experiences in the glamping industry.

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Key Takeaways:

• Emma Warren emphasises the importance of understanding your target customer when starting a glamping business.
• Building a strong brand that reflects your values can significantly enhance guest experiences.
• Direct bookings provide more profit compared to relying solely on online booking agents like Airbnb.
• Maintaining a good relationship with previous guests can lead to repeat bookings over time.
• The glamping industry has evolved, and guest expectations are now more aligned with luxury accommodation offerings.
• Patience and adaptability are essential in managing fluctuations in booking patterns post-COVID.

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Take a closer look at Dimpsey Glamping:

Visit the website

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Emma's celebrity guest - Baroness Bamford

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Connect with Sarah:

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Are you ready to take more direct bookings?

Take Sarah's FREE quiz here to find out how ready you are with your marketing to ditch the likes of Airbnb! Put your business to the test...