Host: Kelli Hayes Smith
Podcast: Social Takeoff
Episode Length: ~24 minutes
Keywords: travel marketing, social media, engagement, views, algorithms, ideal client, conversions, SEO, content creation, trust building

🎧 Episode Summary:

In this empowering episode, Kelli Hayes Smith dives headfirst into one of the biggest mistakes travel professionals make in their marketing: chasing views over results. With an honest and refreshing perspective, Kelli breaks down the truth behind social media metrics, explains how algorithms really work, and guides travel advisors toward what actually moves the needle—connection, conversions, and consistency.

Whether you're a new travel advisor or a seasoned pro trying to scale, this episode will reframe how you look at your content. Get ready to move beyond vanity metrics and into marketing that builds trust, reaches your ideal client, and drives real business growth.

🔑 What You’ll Learn:

• Why views and likes don’t equal income

• How to work with the algorithm (instead of fighting it)

• The crucial difference between going viral and getting clients

• Why consistent content for your ideal client beats trending audio every time

• How engagement fuels visibility and trust fuels conversions

• Why SEO still matters in 2025—and how to use it to be found online

• Kelli’s favorite strategies for content that connects and converts




📌 Episode Chapters:

00:00 – Debunking Travel Marketing Myths
03:03 – The Dangers of Chasing Views
05:52 – Understanding Social Media Algorithms
09:07 – The Importance of Engagement Over Views
11:57 – Creating Content for Your Ideal Client
14:51 – Building Trust and Conversions
18:01 – The Role of SEO in Travel Marketing
21:09 – Strategies for Effective Marketing
24:02 – Final Thoughts and Call to Action

🔥 Sound Bites:

"It's all about the views? I'm calling BS."
"Engagement breeds more views."
"Your audience is listening—talk to them."
"Be really, really good at what you do."
"It's not about being seen by everyone—it’s about being seen by the right ones."

🎯 Perfect For:

• Travel agents who are tired of the content hamster wheel

• Advisors trying to build a brand, not just a feed

• Anyone looking to turn followers into paying clients

• Travel pros who want to create smarter, more strategic marketing plans

📣 Call to Action:

If you’re ready to stop chasing views and start building trust that leads to conversions, this episode is your spark. Need help building a content plan that connects? Check out our free resources at WanderlustCampus.com and join our community of marketing-savvy travel pros.