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How we built Acorn Glade Glamping with Wendy Wilkinson
I have to be honest, this episode genuinely made me smile from start to finish.
This week I'm joined by Wendy from Acorn Glade Glamping, one of my longest-standing Fully Booked Business Club members and a fellow host who has quietly built something really rather special just outside York in the UK. And when I say special, I mean four completely unique glamping units, a mirrored dome with a bespoke circular bed (Wendy reveals which celebrity has the same one), and a mullet-sporting alpaca called Hobnob who has become something of a social media superstar.
But beyond the brilliant quirks, this is a genuinely insightful conversation about what it actually takes to grow a glamping business with no previous experience, especially when you're starting with very limited marketing knowledge and figuring it out as you go.
Wendy talks honestly about where she started (70% OTA reliant) and where she is now (65% direct bookings and growing), how she approaches social media as entertainment rather than advertising, and why she's started sending WhatsApp messages to guests the day before arrival with brilliant results.
We also get into the clever techniques she uses to encourage repeat bookings, how having four completely different accommodation types gives guests a reason to keep coming back, and why building a personal connection with your guests - rather than hiding behind your brand name - is one of the most powerful things you can do for your direct booking strategy.
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Key Takeaways:
- Going from 70% OTA-reliant to 65% direct bookings doesn't happen overnight
- Having different accommodation types at different price points gives guests a compelling reason to come back for more!
- OTAs aren't the enemy - used tactically as a discovery tool, they can work in your favour. Learn how from Wendy.
- Email open rates dropping? Wendy's WhatsApp pre-arrival message experiment is well worth stealing!
- Social media works best when you treat it as entertainment, not advertising
- Building a personal connection with guests builds the kind of trust that makes them book direct next time rather than return to the OTA.
---
Find out more about Acorn Glade Glamping York:
Visit the website
Like on Facebook
Follow on Instagram
---
Do you have a marketing roadmap for your business?
No more winging it and feeling like you are in constant marketing chaos! Create your easy-to-follow marketing roadmap for the year ahead. My Direct Bookings Bootcamp is now available ON DEMAND! Let’s make this the best year yet for direct bookings! Head to my website for more info.
---
What would you do with an extra £20k+ in your holiday business?
I've saved £100k in commission in 5 years by taking 100% direct bookings and now I show Airbnb hosts, holiday cottage and glampsite owners how to do the same.
It is easier than you think to move to 70%+ direct bookings.
If you currently rely on Airbnb or another online agent (OTA), take Sarah's FREE quiz here - it's time to give them the boot!
---
Connect with Sarah:
Website
---
View all episodes
By Sarah OrchardI have to be honest, this episode genuinely made me smile from start to finish.
This week I'm joined by Wendy from Acorn Glade Glamping, one of my longest-standing Fully Booked Business Club members and a fellow host who has quietly built something really rather special just outside York in the UK. And when I say special, I mean four completely unique glamping units, a mirrored dome with a bespoke circular bed (Wendy reveals which celebrity has the same one), and a mullet-sporting alpaca called Hobnob who has become something of a social media superstar.
But beyond the brilliant quirks, this is a genuinely insightful conversation about what it actually takes to grow a glamping business with no previous experience, especially when you're starting with very limited marketing knowledge and figuring it out as you go.
Wendy talks honestly about where she started (70% OTA reliant) and where she is now (65% direct bookings and growing), how she approaches social media as entertainment rather than advertising, and why she's started sending WhatsApp messages to guests the day before arrival with brilliant results.
We also get into the clever techniques she uses to encourage repeat bookings, how having four completely different accommodation types gives guests a reason to keep coming back, and why building a personal connection with your guests - rather than hiding behind your brand name - is one of the most powerful things you can do for your direct booking strategy.
---
Key Takeaways:
- Going from 70% OTA-reliant to 65% direct bookings doesn't happen overnight
- Having different accommodation types at different price points gives guests a compelling reason to come back for more!
- OTAs aren't the enemy - used tactically as a discovery tool, they can work in your favour. Learn how from Wendy.
- Email open rates dropping? Wendy's WhatsApp pre-arrival message experiment is well worth stealing!
- Social media works best when you treat it as entertainment, not advertising
- Building a personal connection with guests builds the kind of trust that makes them book direct next time rather than return to the OTA.
---
Find out more about Acorn Glade Glamping York:
Visit the website
Like on Facebook
Follow on Instagram
---
Do you have a marketing roadmap for your business?
No more winging it and feeling like you are in constant marketing chaos! Create your easy-to-follow marketing roadmap for the year ahead. My Direct Bookings Bootcamp is now available ON DEMAND! Let’s make this the best year yet for direct bookings! Head to my website for more info.
---
What would you do with an extra £20k+ in your holiday business?
I've saved £100k in commission in 5 years by taking 100% direct bookings and now I show Airbnb hosts, holiday cottage and glampsite owners how to do the same.
It is easier than you think to move to 70%+ direct bookings.
If you currently rely on Airbnb or another online agent (OTA), take Sarah's FREE quiz here - it's time to give them the boot!
---
Connect with Sarah:
Website
---