In this episode of the Social Takeoff Podcast, Kelli Hayes Smith dives into the latest social media trends, with a particular focus on Instagram and its updates.

Kelli explores the growing phenomenon of lurkers—those passive users who consume content without actively engaging.

She explains why it's essential for content creators to understand this behavior and adjust their strategies to cater to these viewers. Kelli offers insightful advice on how to make content that stops the scroll, and why storytelling and educational content are critical in connecting with both active and passive audiences.

Additionally, Kelli answers listener questions and provides valuable tips to help you improve your social media engagement.

Listen to the Social Takeoff Podcast:🎙️ Social Takeoff Podcast on Spotify

Visit Wanderlust Campus for more educational resources:🌐 Wanderlust Campus Website

In this episode, Kelli Hayes Smith dives into the common misconceptions about travel agents and the pressing need to shift the industry's narrative.

She challenges the outdated perception that travel agents are unnecessary due to online booking platforms, emphasizing the transformative value they provide to clients.

Kelli shares practical strategies for travel agents to communicate their unique value proposition, focusing on the experience and transformation they create for clients rather than just the logistics of booking trips.

This episode offers actionable insights for building a compelling client experience, changing industry perception, and positioning travel agents as trusted advisors.

In this episode, Kelli Hayes Smith explores the critical awareness phase of the buyer journey, the first and most essential step in attracting new clients.

She breaks down the four buyer phases—awareness, consideration, conversion, and loyalty—and focuses on how travel agents can increase their visibility.

Kelli shares actionable insights on leveraging social media, SEO, networking, and in-person events to build awareness.

She also explains why understanding your ideal client is the cornerstone of effective marketing and emphasizes the importance of investing time or money into awareness strategies that work for your business.

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

In this episode, Kelli Hayes Smith unpacks the critical differences between social media tactics and strategy for travel agents. She shares why chasing viral trends can harm your business and how focusing on your ideal audience leads to sustainable success.

Learn why vanity metrics can mislead your strategy, how to shift your content from destinations to services, and the importance of building authentic content that connects with your audience.

Kelli also dives into the long game of marketing, explaining why time and patience are essential for business growth. Plus, get actionable homework to evaluate your social media approach and start implementing strategies that resonate with your dream clients.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Social Takeoff, Kelli Hayes Smith explores the secrets to boosting social media engagement and why your posts might be getting overlooked.

She shares actionable strategies to make your content stand out, emphasizing the importance of specificity, authenticity, and connecting with your ideal clients—not just your peers.

Kelli also breaks down the dangers of cookie-cutter content, industry jargon, and airing grievances on social platforms. Whether you’re a travel agent or a small business owner, this episode offers practical tips to level up your social media game.

In this episode of The Social Takeoff, Kelli Hayes Smith explores the top social media trends for 2025, helping you navigate the shift toward authentic and relatable content.

She breaks down why AI-generated content is losing its appeal, how live selling is transforming audience engagement, and which Instagram features you need to know. Kelli also emphasizes the importance of using keywords and hashtags strategically to boost your social media reach.

If you're ready to elevate your content creation game, this episode is packed with insights tailored to the ever-evolving digital landscape.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Key Takeaways

Memorable Sound Bites:

🌐 Explore more insights on our website: www.wanderlustcampus.com

Ready to bring some serious main character energy ✨ to your travel business? In this episode, Kelli Hayes Smith dives into how travel agents like you can elevate your content creation and marketing by making your clients the star of the show 🌟.

It’s all about positioning your clients as the main characters in their travel adventures 🌍. Kelli shares practical tips on crafting content that resonates with your clients’ dreams, goals, and the common challenges they face in planning trips ✈️.

Plus, she highlights the importance of weaving in your personal brand and those little connection points that make your clients feel truly seen and understood ❤️.

By putting your clients in the spotlight, you’re not just selling trips—you’re building trust, loyalty, and a community that keeps coming back 🛳️.

00:00 – Introduction: Main Character Energy for Travel Agents 🌟

04:15 – Crafting Client-Centered Content ✨

13:46 – Personal Branding and Connection Points in Travel 🌍

21:33 – Eliciting Emotion and Building Trust with Your Clients 🤝

LINKS

www.instagram.com/kellihayessmith

www.instagram.com/careersonvacation

www.facebook.com/groups/careersonvacation

www.wanderlustceo.com/readynow

In this episode, Kelli Hayes Smith, Director of Marketing and Partner Relationships at Wanderlust Campus, reveals the secrets to crushing your travel marketing goals. Discover how to leverage each platform to boost your travel business, focusing on the four key stages of the traveler’s journey: awareness, consideration, conversion, and loyalty.

Key Topics:

SEO Keywords:
Travel agent marketing, travel agency tips, buyer journey, travel booking phases, social media tips, email marketing, SEO for travel agents, lead generation, client engagement, conversion rates, client referrals, travel brand building

Sound Bites:

Chapters:

🎧 Hit Like, Subscribe, and the Notification Bell to stay updated on the latest strategies to elevate your travel business! Let’s make your marketing as unforgettable as your best vacation!

🎙 Welcome Back to The Social Takeoff Podcast! 🚀
Hey, Travel Pros! Kelli Hayes Smith here, your navigator in the ever-changing world of social media marketing for the travel industry. After a short break, I’m back to help you boost your travel business and revamp your online presence! 🌍✈️

In this episode, we’ll cover:

🎧 Don’t miss the sneak peek: We’re diving into goal setting and buyer journey marketing in upcoming episodes—perfect for travel agents looking to elevate their marketing strategy! 🎯

🛑 Like, Subscribe, and Hit the Bell to stay updated on all things social media for travel agents. Let’s take your travel business to the next level together!

LINKS

www.instagram.com/kellihayessmith

www.wanderlustceo.com

www.instagram.com/careersonvacation

https://www.facebook.com/groups/careersonvacation

So, in this chat, Kelli Hayes Smith dives into why some travel agents aren't raking in those dreamy bookings they're after, all tied up with their marketing strategies. First off, many folks out there don't quite grasp what travel agents actually do, so it's vital to spell out the perks of their services nice and clear. Then there's the dance with objections; gotta face 'em head-on, like dealing with concerns about costs or who's steering the vacation ship. Lastly, it's all about knowing your ideal client inside and out, their quirks and woes, so you can whip up content that speaks right to their wanderlusting souls.

Keywords:

Key Takeaways:

Episode Titles: