Get Fully Booked

To close out Season 6, Sarah is joined by one of her Fully Booked Business Club members whose results over the last two years have been, in her own words, impressive and whose approach to marketing holds a lesson every short-term rental accommodation owner needs to hear.Joe Marshall is a heating engineer turned glamping and campsite owner. He and his wife Kimberly bought Prospect House Farm in Scarborough, North Yorkshire in March 2022 with a vision of living the good life and quickly discovered that keeping a farm, a growing campsite, glamping cabins, a plant nursery and a livery yard financially viable requires rather more than Big Dreams and good intentions.Joe knew nothing about accommodation marketing when they started. He opened a five-pitch campsite in their first summer, added a glamping cabin that winter and has been building ever since.By July 2026, Prospect House Farm now has 27 campsite pitches, two glamping cabins running at 90-96% occupancy, two more cabins due in September and a guest waiting list.What changed?Joe went looking for knowledge, found Sarah through a Facebook group reply, downloaded a free social media masterclass, joined her signature Direct Bookings Bootcamp, joined the marketing club and then, critically, did the actual work.But the thing that has driven the most dramatic shift is something most hosts overlook entirely: obsessively tracking the right data and making every marketing decision from insight rather than instinct.Joe talks through the live dashboard he built himself: pulling data from Google Analytics, Mailchimp and his booking system into a single view, so he can see at a glance his average nightly rate, year-on-year performance, which marketing channels are actually generating bookings (not just traffic) and where his guests are coming from.He shares the moment he realised Facebook ads were consuming budget without producing results and how redirecting that spend towards a social media manager and a professional website transformed both his brand and his bookings.He also covers the pricing shift that happened once he truly understood his costs and his demand, from discounting to stay competitive on OTAs, to confidently raising his rates because the data showed he could.The headline numbers tell the story: when Joe started, he was 80% OTA-dependent and 20% direct. Today he’s 80% direct bookings, has switched off Booking.com entirely, and has Airbnb on standby for the occasional cancellation gap. For two consecutive months he hasn’t needed to enter a single Airbnb booking into his accounting software.Joe’s top tip for any host who doesn’t yet know their numbers: start small, go on Google Analytics weekly, ask one question each time and use AI to help make sense of what you’re seeing.The data stops feeling like gobbledygook faster than you’d think and once you know your numbers, the stress of running a hospitality business starts to ease significantly.---Key TakeawaysGoing from 80% OTA to 80%+ direct bookings at 90-96% occupancy didn’t happen by accident: it happened because Joe committed to understanding his business data and making every marketing decision from insight rather than guesswork.Know where your bookings actually come from before deciding where to spend your time. Most hosts spend the majority of their marketing effort on social media but data consistently shows Google and other sources can drive far more bookings. Track your sources and allocate your energy accordingly.If you’re spending marketing budget on a channel and you can’t tell whether it’s working, stop. Joe ditched Facebook ads that weren’t converting and redirected that budget into a social media manager and a professional website: both of which made an immediate difference.Average nightly rate across the whole year matters more than peak-season highs. Once a date is sold, it’s sold: understanding your true average rate helps you price with confidence and raise rates when demand justifies it, rather than discounting out of fear.Know your full cost per stay before you price anything. Include cleaning, laundry, consumables, utilities….everything. Hosts who skip this step often discover they’re discounting below their own cost of delivery.If Google Analytics feels like gobbledygook, use AI to help decode it. Screenshot what you’re looking at and ask AI to explain it. Go on weekly, ask one question at a time, and build the habit gradually: it gets easier, and the insights it unlocks are worth it.---Find out more about Prospect House FarmWebsiteFacebookInstagram---Want more support on your marketing insights & direct bookings?Check out THE FULLY BOOKED BUSINESS CLUB here.---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

You asked AI to write an Instagram caption for your accommodation. It came back with something about a “tranquil haven nestled amidst breathtaking natural beauty where luxury meets comfort.” You deleted it immediately. Sound familiar?In this solo episode, Sarah gets practical about one of the most common frustrations she hears from hosts: AI that produces bland, generic content that sounds nothing like their actual business. The problem, she argues, isn’t the tool — it’s the prompts. Most people are using AI like a magic content machine, typing “write me an Instagram caption for my Airbnb” and pressing enter, then wondering why the result could have been written for any property, anywhere.Sarah introduces the principle of ‘garbage in, garbage out’: a computing concept that’s never been more relevant. AI is not unlike a new marketing assistant: hand them a vague brief and walk away, and you’ll get average work. Spend time giving them real context about your guests, your brand, your story and what makes your accommodation different, and the work transforms. AI amplifies the insights you give it. It doesn’t invent them.She walks through three practical approaches that change the game: first, training AI on your business before asking it to produce anything and the concept of building your own ‘AI business bible’ that you can reuse again and again. Second, using AI as a creative thinking partner rather than just a writer: feeding in guest reviews, asking it to analyse emotional themes, or getting it to help you understand what questions your ideal guests are asking before they book. And third, the PROMPT formula: a memorable six-part structure (Purpose, Role, Offer, Market, Personality, Technical details) that gives AI everything it needs to produce content that actually sounds like you.Sarah also shares a full worked example: a detailed prompt for a luxury treehouse in the Forest of Dean, so you can see exactly what a strong prompt looks like in practice and adapt it directly for your own business.If you’ve been getting mediocre results from AI and assumed the tool was the problem, this episode will reframe how you use it entirely. The goal isn’t more content. It’s better content — content that sounds like you, connects with your ideal guests, and helps the right people find and book your accommodation.---Key TakeawaysGarbage in, garbage out. The quality of your AI content depends almost entirely on the quality of the brief you give it — vague prompts produce vague content, every single time.Before asking AI to create anything, train it on your business: your ideal guests, your brand voice, what makes your accommodation different, words you love, words you never want to see, and guest reviews. Build an ‘AI business bible’ you can paste in again and again.Use AI as a thinking partner, not just a writer. Ask it to analyse your reviews for recurring themes, identify the emotional reasons guests book your type of property, or audit your website copy for generic language — before you ask it to write a single word.The PROMPT formula gives every AI request the right ingredients: Purpose (what’s the goal?), Role (who is AI acting as?), Offer (what are you promoting?), Market (who is it for?), Personality (your tone and brand voice), and Technical details (length, format, CTAs).Your guest reviews are a goldmine. They contain the exact words your guests use to describe the experience — feed them into AI and it will immediately start producing content that resonates with the people most likely to book.AI is a first draft tool, not a final draft tool. Never publish without editing — add the human layer, the local knowledge, the details only you know, and always fact-check any specific claims or local recommendations it generates.---Free Resource: AI Marketing CheatsheetWant the prompts and frameworks from this episode in one handy reference? Download Sarah’s free AI Marketing Cheatsheet — everything you need to start getting better content from AI today. Download your free AI Marketing Cheatsheet here.---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

If you’ve ever felt isolated in your business, wondered whether you’re the only one juggling quite this much, or noticed that the people on the big industry stages rarely look like you, this episode is for you.Lisa Roads has spent over 25 years in short-term rentals, starting with buy-to-lets at 19, building a holiday portfolio in Cyprus from the UK, and eventually running a fully managed property management business of 225 luxury coastal villas and apartments across three locations on the island, all operated remotely. She sold that business in 2021 and has since moved into consulting, coaching and speaking and more recently, into building something the industry was sorely missing.Women in Short Term Rentals started in December 2024, born out of Lisa’s frustration at attending major industry events and consistently not seeing women on the stages or at the tables shaping the sector’s direction, despite the fact that 70% of hospitality employees are women, and that data consistently shows 82% of travel decisions are made by women. The community now has over 500 members, a Facebook group, WhatsApp and LinkedIn groups, and has become a delivery partner for the Host Planet Roadshow, taking industry education on the road to make it accessible to women who can’t always get to the big conferences.In this conversation, Lisa and Sarah talk candidly about what women in the industry actually struggle with: imposter syndrome that strikes even after landing a £300,000 contract, the sandwich generation reality of juggling aging parents, children still at home, a relationship and a business, and the under-discussed impact of the menopause on women running businesses they simply can’t pause.Lisa is refreshingly honest: her desk, she says, has seen everything from complete joy to floods of tears over 20-something years and she wants the community to be the place where that honesty is normal and welcome.They also get into Lisa’s biggest business lessons from scaling to 225 units: why she always put systems and processes in place before growing, and why the best hiring decision she ever made was to recruit for aptitude rather than experience: a principle she borrowed from Richard Branson.Whether you have one property or a portfolio, whether you’re just starting out or well into your hosting journey: if you’re a woman in short-term rentals, this community exists for you.---Key Takeaways82% of travel decisions are made by women, which means women running hospitality businesses have a powerful, innate understanding of exactly who they’re marketing to and what those guests are looking for.Imposter syndrome doesn’t discriminate by experience level. Women who project enormous confidence publicly can still spend the week after landing a £300,000 contract questioning whether they made the right call and having somewhere honest to take that matters.The ‘sandwich generation’ is a real and underacknowledged pressure for many women in STR: aging parents at one end, children at home at the other, a relationship and a business in the middle. A supportive community of people who genuinely understand the industry makes navigating that far less isolating.The menopause is a business issue, not just a personal one. Women running short-term rental businesses can’t simply walk away when they’re struggling — and having a space to talk about it without judgement is something the industry has been missing.Recruit for aptitude, train for skill. Lisa’s biggest operational lesson from scaling to 225 units: she never cared what a candidate had done before. If they were passionate about people and service, she would teach them everything else and those people stayed for years.You cannot scale on sand. Systems and processes come first, growth comes second and as a business grows, the leader’s job is to continually reassess what skills and people are needed for the next stage, not just the current one.---Join the Women in Short-Term Rentals CommunityA free, no-sales-pitch community for women in short-term rentals, whether you have one property or a large portfolio. Join via the link below:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1538537940121422/---Find out more about Lisa Roads below: WebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagram---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

Bookings are slower than you’d like, so you look at your website and think: “it’s not converting. I need new photos. I need a new booking system. I need a new website.” But what if that’s the wrong diagnosis entirely?What if the real problem isn’t conversion at all, it’s that almost nobody is actually visiting your website in the first place?In this solo episode, Sarah tackles one of the most common (and costly) mistakes she sees accommodation owners make: trying to fix a conversion problem when they actually have a traffic problem. She opens with the question she asks every client whose bookings have dropped: “how many people visited your website in the last 12 months?” and the answer is almost always silence or "I don't know".Using a brilliantly simple high-street-shop analogy, Sarah explains why beautiful window displays and excellent service mean nothing if only three people walk through the door each day and why most hosts are obsessing over tiny website tweaks while sitting on a traffic problem ten times bigger. She runs the numbers on exactly why doubling your conversion rate often delivers far less impact than simply getting more people to your site in the first place.Sarah then shares five practical ways to grow website traffic, from SEO and helpful content to email list growth, strategic social media use and the partnership opportunities most hosts overlook entirely.And once traffic genuinely isn’t the issue, she walks through the conversion fundamentals that actually move the needle.If you’ve ever felt like you’re guessing at your marketing, this episode gives you the exact three numbers to check before you spend another penny on your website.---Key Takeaways:You cannot convert visitors you don’t have. Before changing anything about your website, find out how many people are actually visiting, what percentage enquire or book, and where that traffic comes from.The industry average website conversion rate is just 1%. If you’re only getting 100 visitors a month, doubling your conversion rate gets you 2 extra bookings — but increasing traffic to 1,000 visitors at the same rate gets you 20.Most visitors don’t book on their first visit. Guests compare, browse, save and return — so a steady stream of new visitors entering your world is the lifeblood of future bookings, not just immediate ones.Sarah shares five reliable ways to grow traffic.Once you have traffic, conversion comes down to a handful of fixable things: making it instantly clear who you are and what you offer, using strong photography and video, removing booking friction, building trust through reviews and FAQs, and giving people a genuine reason to book direct.Vanity metrics like likes and reach don’t pay the bills. Every piece of marketing should be designed to move people towards your website — that's where the real opportunity for bookings lives.---Want my eyes on your traffic and conversion numbers?If you'd like to get under the skin of your website traffic and find out exactly where your bottleneck is, a 1:1 Bookings Boost session is a focused 60-minute Zoom consultation built entirely around your business and your numbers. No fluff, just rapid, actionable advice you can implement straight away. Book your Bookings Boost session here.---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

“SEO is dead.” “Google is finished.” “AI is taking over search.”If you’ve spent any time online recently, you’ve probably seen at least one of those headlines. In this solo episode, Sarah cuts through the noise and gives you a clear, practical answer to what’s actually changing and, more importantly, what it means for your holiday cottage, glamping site, Airbnb or boutique accommodation business.It’s true that the way people search is shifting.More people are asking ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Perplexity full conversational questions instead of typing keywords into Google and Google itself is leaning more heavily on AI-generated answers at the top of results.But Sarah’s take is refreshingly grounded: this isn’t a reason to scrap your SEO strategy. It’s a reason to understand a few important shifts.First up, GEO: Generative Engine Optimisation - the new term everyone’s suddenly using. Sarah explains why she thinks treating it as a brand new discipline is slightly misleading and why hosts who’ve already invested in good onsite SEO are further ahead than they realise. The shift isn’t really about new tactics.It’s a change in the question you’re answering: traditional SEO asks ‘how do I get found?’, while GEO asks ‘how do I become the answer?’Sarah also makes a compelling case for one specific page that most accommodation websites massively underuse: the FAQ page. AI tools love question-and-answer content, and so do guests, which means every question you’re repeatedly asked by email, phone or in reviews is potential website content. From hot tub privacy to dog policies to mobile signal, she explains why hiding ‘obvious’ information is one of the most common mistakes hosts make and why it’s costing them visibility.Finally, Sarah tackles the question everyone actually wants answered: how do you get ChatGPT or Google’s AI results to recommend your business?There’s no magic formula, but there are clear, practical patterns and the good news for independent hosts is that the things AI tools are looking for (local knowledge, personality, genuine expertise) are exactly the things big chains struggle to compete with.---Key Takeaways:SEO and GEO aren’t opposing strategies — if you’ve already built strong onsite SEO, you’re much closer to being AI-ready than you think. The fundamentals of helpful, accurate, well-structured information haven’t changed.The shift in mindset matters more than any specific tactic: stop asking ‘how do I get found?’ and start asking ‘how do I become the answer?’ — which means answering real guest questions instead of stuffing keywords.Roughly 15% of Google searches every day have never been searched before. People are asking full, conversational questions — your content needs to sound like a helpful host, not a keyword checklist.A genuinely useful FAQ page is becoming one of the most valuable pages on your website. Mine your guest emails, phone enquiries and reviews for repeated questions, and don’t be afraid to answer the ‘obvious’ ones.Consistency builds AI trust. Your business name, location and contact details should match exactly across your website, Google Business Profile, social media and directory listings.Independent hosts have a natural advantage here — local knowledge, personality and genuine expertise are exactly what AI systems are learning to favour, and exactly what big chains find hardest to replicate.---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

What actually happens when you want to move on from a business you’ve spent years building? And what does it really look like to take that dream of running a retreat abroad and live it out — with all the complicated, unglamorous bits included?Kerry Roy is someone Sarah describes as glamping royalty and it’s not hard to see why. She was one of the earliest glamping pioneers in the UK, building Camp Couture from scratch on a 250-acre Yorkshire estate in 2012, growing it to 19 units plus pop-up bell tents, launching one of the UK’s most celebrated wedding festival venues, and running an annual campervan festival for thousands of people. All while planning her next chapter: an award-winning agritourism retreat in the mountains of Abruzzo, Italy.In this episode, Kerry walks through the full arc of that journey: from the legal contract she insisted on from day one when the landowner wanted a handshake deal (a decision that protected her completely when it came time to exit), to the Covid timing that made selling Camp Couture both easier and more necessary than she’d anticipated. She’s honest about the financial realities of building on rented land: the high rent that meant weddings, not glamping, were what actually sustained the business, and the important distinction between selling a business and giving up an asset.Then there’s Italy. Kerry is brilliantly candid about what running a hospitality business in a foreign country actually involves and it’s not the Dolce Vita fantasy.From employment law that heavily favours employees (making hiring feel like a trap for employers), to bureaucracy that can’t be automated, quarterly financial reporting, bills still paid by queuing at the post office, and the sobering experience of having to walk away from a £40,000 legal dispute simply because she couldn’t fight a court case in Italian. She’d go back and do enormous amounts of it differently.What’s particularly interesting is where Kerry has landed now: auditing her business forensically and discovering that 10 seven-night retreats would generate more profit than 900 individual short-stay nights, once costs and hours are properly accounted for. It’s a quiet but striking argument for rethinking the model entirely and a reminder that being ‘fully booked’ isn’t the same as being profitable.If you’ve ever dreamed of running a business abroad, are thinking about your own exit strategy, or just want a genuinely unfiltered account from someone who’s been in this industry for 15 years and seen all sides of it: this one is unmissable. And if you’re dreaming of the Italian Dolce Vita and want to take on a ready-made retreat site in Abruzzo, Kerry might just have something for you too.---Key Takeaways:Always have a contract — even when the other party wants a handshake. Kerry’s insistence on a legal agreement from day one meant her exit from Camp Couture was clean, protected and on her terms. The contract should include ownership of structures, exit clauses and right of first refusal from the outset.Think about your exit before you even open. It sounds counterintuitive, but building your exit strategy into the legal structure from the beginning — not as an afterthought years later — is what gives you real options when the time comes.The asset and the business are two different things. Selling the business doesn’t have to mean giving up the asset. Kerry’s model of leasing the business while retaining the property is a genuinely useful framework for hosts thinking about stepping back without losing long-term value.Running a business abroad requires deep cultural research, not just property research. Employment law, bureaucracy, banking, tax reporting and local staff expectations can be radically different — and those differences have real financial consequences that no amount of entrepreneurial mindset can compensate for.Fully booked isn’t the same as profitable. Kerry’s audit revealed that 10 seven-night retreats would outperform 900 individual short-stay nights on profit — once real costs and owner hours are properly factored in. Know your numbers before you optimise for occupancy.Building a business in a foreign country is possible — but go in with eyes wide open, not rose-tinted glasses. If you can’t conduct a legal or financial meeting in the local language, that gap will cost you, sometimes significantly.---Find out more about Kerry Roy and Cerchio Del Desiderio RetreatKerry’s retreat in Abruzzo, Italy is available to lease — if you’re dreaming of taking on a ready-made Italian agritourism business, get in touch with her directly.Website: https://cerchiodeldesiderio.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cerchiodeldesiderio_retreat/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063526805273#---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

Your About page. It’s probably the one you set up early on, haven’t touched since and don’t spend much time thinking about. But what if it’s quietly one of the most important conversion tools on your entire website?In this solo episode, Sarah makes the case for why your About page deserves a serious rethink — and it starts with a fascinating piece of consumer psychology. Research by neuroscientist Paul Zak found that stories trigger oxytocin in the brain (the trust hormone), making people significantly more likely to take action. In hospitality, where guests are booking experiences and imagining celebrations, reconnections and escapes before they’ve even hit ‘confirm’, that science has very direct implications for how you write about yourself.Sarah walks through why trust signals matter more than ever in an internet full of scams and AI-generated content — and why the corporate-sounding About pages most hosts default to (“Established in 2019. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service.”) are doing them real harm. Guests landing on your website are subconsciously asking whether they can trust you. Your About page either answers that question or it doesn’t.Then there’s the bigger idea: people buy people. Especially in independent accommodation, where guests are entering a space someone actually created and cared about. Sarah talks about why the hosts who build loyal audiences and strong repeat booking rates are usually the ones willing to be visible — not in an influencer way, but in a warm, reassuring “we’re real humans who genuinely care about your stay” kind of way. If someone books through Airbnb, they borrow Airbnb’s trust. If they book directly, you are the trust factor.And the most important question of all: why are you a host? Not “because it seemed like a good investment.” The real reason. The story behind the leap, the renovation, the vision for what you wanted guests to feel. Because in a market where there are now a lot of nice cabins with hot tubs, your story is often the thing that tips someone from “this looks nice” to “this feels right.”Sarah wraps up with five practical About page quick wins you can act on this week — from the photos you’re probably not using, to the emotional language that converts far better than informational copy.---Key Takeaways:Your About page is a conversion tool, not a box-ticking exercise — it’s where guests decide whether they trust you enough to book direct, making it one of the highest-value pages on your website.Storytelling is scientifically proven to build trust. Research shows stories trigger the brain’s trust hormone (oxytocin), which is why sharing your genuine story converts better than any corporate-sounding bio ever will.If someone books through Airbnb, they borrow Airbnb’s trust. If they book direct, you are the trust factor — and your About page has to carry that weight.Overly polished often feels less trustworthy now. Authenticity, real faces and genuine human detail reassure guests far more effectively than professional-sounding language and stock imagery.Your WHY — the real reason you became a host — is one of your most powerful marketing assets. Guests remember stories, and in a crowded market, your story is often what differentiates you from every other beautiful property with a hot tub.Think emotional, not informational. Don’t just tell people what the property is — help them understand what it feels like to be there, and why you built it for them.---Does your website need fresh eyes?If this episode has made you look at your website differently and you know it needs some work, my Website Audit service gives you expert eyes on your site and clear, actionable feedback on what’s holding your bookings back. Find out more here.---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

What does it actually feel like to give up a 35-year London career, say yes to a seven-acre farm you’ve never run before, inherit fifteen animals you’ve never looked after, and move to a county you’ve never lived in, all in under four months? Nicky Cooper is about to tell you.Nicky is one of Sarah’s 2026 Bootcampers and the new owner of Tredarrup Farm Holiday Cottages: a stunning North Cornwall farmstead near Port Isaac with four converted holiday cottages, fifteen animals (sheep, goats, running ducks and more), and views over the Allen Valley that she describes as genuinely hard to put into words. She moved in just a few months ago, having first spotted the property in September last year and fallen completely in love with it on the very first visit.In this conversation, Nicky shares the story behind the leap: from her corporate sales and management background, the slow-building restlessness that made her start googling “places in Cornwall with holiday potential” on a bad day at work, and how an accidental Savills recommendation led her to a property that was over budget, completely off-brief and absolutely perfect.They talk about the very practical side of buying an established holiday business: why taking on a going concern rather than building from scratch was so important, how to find these properties (more straightforward than you might think), why having a solicitor who understands both commercial and agricultural conveyancing matters and the huge advantage of inheriting existing goodwill, guest databases and marketing assets.Nicky is also brilliantly honest about the learning curve: the never-ending to-do list, the tech stack that suddenly has no IT department behind it, the challenges of going from colleagues to business partners with the person you live with and the importance of scheduling time off-site before the business completely takes over.She talks about how coaching has helped her stay grounded, why community (like the bootcamp) has been invaluable when things get lonely and why a sense of humour has proved just as essential as any business skill.If you’re a host who’s ever wondered what it’s really like to make the leap, or if you’re thinking about it and want a genuinely honest account from someone in the thick of it, this one is for you.---Key TakeawaysBuying an established holiday business gives you a running start — existing bookings, goodwill, guest data and marketing assets mean you’re not building from a blank page, which is a huge advantage if you’re brand new to hosting.You don’t have to use specialist agents to find holiday businesses for sale — Rightmove covers most live-on-site opportunities, since they’re often listed as residential properties with the business as ancillary income.Make sure you love where you live, not just the business opportunity. Running a hospitality business is full-on, and if the property doesn’t work for your life outside of hosting, it will eventually catch up with you.The tech and systems involved in running a short-term rental are consistently underestimated — especially by people coming from corporate roles where there was always a team doing it. Build in time to learn, and don’t be too proud to ask for shortcuts.Scheduling regular time off-site isn’t a luxury — it’s how you reset, stay creative, and remember why you made the leap in the first place. Nicky and her partner built this in from early on.Community matters more than people expect when they start out. The solo nature of running a property business can be isolating, and finding your people — whether a bootcamp, membership or local network — makes the whole journey more sustainable.---Find out more about Tredarrup Farm Holiday CottagesVisit the website: https://tredarrup.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tredarrupholidaycottagesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tredarrupholidaycottages---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

If the words “marketing metrics” make you want to switch off immediately, I get it. Numbers and spreadsheets weren’t what drew most of us into hospitality. But this episode might just change how you feel about them — because the hosts who track the right things are the ones who stop making decisions based on panic and start making them based on evidence.In this solo episode, I’m walking you through the marketing metrics that I think every short-term rental host should have an eye on. Not vanity metrics. Not “look how many followers I’ve got” metrics. The ones that tell you whether your marketing is ACTUALLY working.We start with your website and why your conversion rate can reveal far more about your marketing effectiveness than your occupancy rate ever will. I explain why lots of traffic with low bookings isn’t always a traffic problem, and what it might actually be telling you instead.Then we move into email marketing, an area I will always champion because unlike social media, your email list is an asset you actually own. I cover the numbers you should be watching, why a high open rate with no clicks is a red flag, and the single biggest mistake hosts make with their email marketing.Finally, we get into booking behaviour — booking windows, average length of stay, repeat guest percentage and direct booking ratio. These are the numbers that help you spot trends before they become problems and shape your marketing campaigns with intention rather than pure guesswork.One quiet week in February does not mean your business is failing. But patterns matter. This episode shows you exactly what to look out for.---Key Takeaways:Your website conversion rate is more revealing than your occupancy rate — it tells you whether your marketing is convincing the right people to book, not just visit.Lots of traffic with few bookings isn’t always a traffic problem. It could be a messaging, pricing, usability or trust issue — and you won’t know until you look at the numbers.Your email list is one of the most valuable marketing assets in your business. Social media reach can disappear overnight; your email database is yours.Don’t just email when you’re desperate for bookings — guests can feel that energy. Build a consistent relationship and the bookings follow, often weeks or months later.Booking window trends tell you a huge amount about consumer confidence. Shorter booking windows don’t mean demand has gone; they often mean people are delaying commitment.Marketing becomes far less stressful when you stop relying on gut feeling. Track consistently, spot patterns early, and market with intention instead of desperation.---Is your marketing actually working? Find out with a Marketing MOT with SarahThis intensive 2.5-hour Zoom session is a full audit of your current marketing capability and KPI performance. We discuss your goals, and I advise on immediate improvements to get you there quicker. You receive a video recording of the call and an Action Plan with next steps to keep you on track.Find out more and book your Marketing MOT here---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

When the market feels uncertain, it’s very easy to assume your business is failing.The quieter inbox.The later bookings.The random gaps in the diary that suddenly appear where they never used to.And meanwhile, social media is full of hosts apparently having their “best year ever” while you’re wondering whether everyone else is somehow in a totally different economy!So today, I’m talking about what’s actually happening in the UK short stay market right now and why many hospitality business owners, like you, are feeling unsettled.Because the truth is, the market hasn’t collapsed. But guest behaviour has changed dramatically.I’m also sharing in this episode why I think some of the pressure hosts are feeling comes from comparing today’s market to the unusually exceptional post-pandemic travel boom and why that may be creating unrealistic expectations around typical occupancy and bookings.This episode is about perspective, adaptability and learning how to market your holiday cottage or glampsite confidently during uncertain times instead of making emotional decisions based on one quiet week.Because different doesn’t mean doomed. But it does require a smarter strategy.---Key Takeaways:The UK short stay market in 2026 is broadly flat overall, but booking behaviours have changed significantlyGuests are booking later, staying shorter and becoming more spontaneous with travel decisionsShorter stays are growing rapidly, meaning flexibility and gap-night strategies matter more than ever - I share my tips with you.OTAs and Airbnb are gaining market share in late bookings while direct bookings become harder to secure last minuteMany hosts may still be benchmarking success against the unusually high demand seen during the post-pandemic travel boomConsistent visibility, email marketing and repeat guest strategies are increasingly important in a more competitive marketSuccessful hospitality businesses in uncertain times are often the most adaptable, not necessarily the biggest or fanciest---Looking for more support?If you're looking for a supportive community and the latest marketing advice for our turbulent times - I have something for you. Take a look at my marketing club membership here.---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

If you've ever wondered whether growing a portfolio of properties makes marketing harder, Clare from Suffolk Coastal Escapes is about to give you a very reassuring answer.This week I'm chatting with Clare, a long-standing member of my membership, The FULLY BOOOKED BUSINESS CLUB, who manages 11 holiday cottages on the Suffolk coast - an area she describes as a hidden gem that most people have never even heard of. She started with one apartment back in 2017, grew her own portfolio during Covid, and has only recently begun taking on other owners' properties. And she's done it properly... getting her own marketing house in order first before expanding.The results speak for themselves. When Clare first joined my membership, she was around 90% OTA dependent. She's now at 75% direct bookings with a 40% repeat guest rate. Those are numbers worth paying attention to.We talk about what's actually driven that shift, and it's not one big thing; it's a combination of really nailing her ideal guest (couples with dogs), obsessing over her website and SEO, and building a blog section she genuinely loves writing. She's just tipped over 100 blog posts, and every single one feeds her social media content and monthly email campaigns too.There's also a brilliant tip about how she uses a hyper-local guest guide to convert OTA bookers into lifelong direct guests, and how her blog, now called Explore the Suffolk Coast, does the same job before people have even booked.Clare also shares what it's actually like managing other people's properties alongside your own, the challenges she didn't anticipate, and why being a fellow host and a true local expert is her biggest competitive advantage over 'the big boy' agencies.A brilliant episode to close out season five. See you in a few weeks for season six.---Key Takeaways:Growing your portfolio doesn't have to mean more marketing workGetting clear on your ideal guest first is the foundation on which everything else is built on.A hyper-local guest guide is one of the most underrated marketing assets a host can have - Clare sees at least 75% of OTA bookers hand over their email address in exchange for hers.Blogging consistently - Clare has just passed 100 posts - pays dividends across multiple channels at once, fuelling social media content, monthly email campaigns and SEO results from a single piece of work.OTAs are a discovery tool, not a crutch - Clare uses them to get found, then works hard to capture guest details and convert one-time OTA bookers into returning direct guests.Going from 90% OTA reliant to 75% direct bookings doesn't happen overnight, but it does happen - consistent effort on your marketing and guest relationships is what moves the needle over time.---Find out more about Suffolk Coastal EscapesVisit the websiteLike them on FacebookFollow them 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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

Here's a question for you. When did you last actually stay in your own short-term rental?If the answer is "never" or it's been a very long time, this episode is going to make you uncomfortable. In the best possible way.I'm talking today about why staying in your own property is one of the most important things you can do as a host, and why relying on your best friends or family to test it first is a terrible idea. (They love you too much to tell you the truth. You need someone who will actually say the mattress is awful after you spent a small fortune on it!).Because here's what the research tells us, guest satisfaction in hospitality is disproportionately affected by tiny inconveniences, not by big standout features. The low pressure shower. The WiFi code that took ten minutes to find. The annoying bin in the wrong place. The curtains that don't quite block out the 5am sunrise. Those are the things that end up in reviews.I'm also sharing why staying in other people's properties - competitors, boutique hotels, glamping businesses - is genuinely the smartest market research you'll ever do. And yes, it is tax-deductible too.This isn't just about fixing snagging issues. It's about understanding what your space actually feels like from the guest's point of view because until you've lived it, you're guessing. And you can't market a feeling you've never experienced yourself.---Key Takeaways:Trial guests are non-negotiable before you open your doors, but choose carefullyGuest satisfaction is disproportionately impacted by small inconveniences, not big featuresStaying in your own property properly reveals the micro irritations you simply cannot spot during a changeover, from a humming fridge to a bin in the wrong placeStaying in other people's properties two or three times a year, not just competitors but boutique hotels and other glamping businesses, consistently throws up ideas to elevate your own guest experienceOnce you've genuinely experienced your own space as a guest, your marketing becomes easier and more confident---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

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.---Key Takeaways:Going from 70% OTA-reliant to 65% direct bookings doesn't happen overnightHaving 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 advertisingBuilding 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 websiteLike on FacebookFollow 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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

I've seen it so many times, and it genuinely breaks my heart.Someone pours £80,000, £100,000, or even more into a beautiful cottage renovation, cabin, shepherd's hut, or glamping site. Blood, sweat, tears—the lot. Then they open their doors to nothing. Tumbleweed. Silence. And that desperate, sinking feeling that something has gone very wrong.It's not because their property isn't gorgeous. It's because nobody knew it existed.This episode is one of my all-time favourite topics because getting your launch right can make an enormous difference to your first year in business, and getting it wrong can cost you thousands.I'm walking you through the biggest mistakes I see hosts make when they launch - starting with the classic "I've built it, and they will come" trap - and why a zero marketing budget is a false economy, no matter how much you've spent on the hot tub!More importantly, I'm giving you five practical ways to launch (or relaunch) properly. From building a waitlist and creating founding guest offers, to countdown campaigns, launch day tactics, and how to use local PR and influencers to get people talking.And if you want to take action straight away, I've got a free guide for you: Your 7-Step Marketing Launch Blueprint, with templates, checklists, and email ideas to help you do this properly. The link is in the show notes.---Key Takeaways:Your launch should begin long before your doors open. From the moment you break ground or get planning permission, start building an audience and document your journey.Visibility has to be created; it doesn't just happen because you've listed on Airbnb.Marketing is not an afterthought or a leftover budget item - it's what turns your investment into actual income.Professional photography is non-negotiable - it's your shop window, and your first impression, and poor photography makes the rest of your marketing an uphill battle.Building an email list before you launch is one of the most powerful things you can do - when the Hudnalls Hideout went live, 500 email subscribers helped generate 50 bookings in the first 19 days.If you've already launched quietly and it didn't go to plan, you're absolutely allowed to relaunch - create a campaign, build some momentum, and go again with intention.---Extra resources:Download my FREE Launch Marketing Blueprint---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

Five years. Can you believe it?Get Fully Booked is officially five years old, and I'm not letting this one slip by quietly. Because if I've learned anything from working with hundreds of hosts, it's that we are absolutely terrible at celebrating our own wins. We hit a milestone, give ourselves a quick nod, and then crack on as if nothing happened. And I'm calling us out today!This episode is a little bit different. Yes, I'm celebrating, but it's also evidence. Five years in business is no small thing when you consider that almost half of all businesses don't make it this far.But beyond the celebrations, I want to give you something genuinely useful to take away. Business milestones are a seriously underused marketing tool. Whether you're approaching your first year, just had your 100th direct booking, or you've just landed your 50th five-star review, there is real marketing gold in that moment if you know how to use it.I'm walking you through why celebrating publicly actually builds trust with future guests, how to use milestones to deepen connection and drive engagement, and the practical ways you can turn your next business anniversary or achievement into a proper marketing moment - not just a one-and-done Canva graphic.And yes, I'm sharing a little of my own journey too - the highlights, the hard bits, and why after 30 years in marketing, I'm still absolutely not done.Here's to the next five. 🥂---Key Takeaways:Business milestones aren't just something to feel good about - they're a powerful trust signal that shows guests and potential clients you're the real deal and here for the long haul.Almost half of all UK and US businesses don't survive to year five, so if you've hit a significant milestone, that is something worth shouting about.Celebrating publicly isn't showing off - it's evidence of your experience, consistency and commitment, and in a market saturated with AI-generated listings and faceless businesses, that really matters.Don't let a milestone pass with a single post and a quiet nod - plan it, build content around it, and use it to create genuine engagement with your audience.Milestones are a brilliant excuse to look forward as well as back - share what's coming next in your business to keep your audience hooked and following your journey.Whatever your next milestone is - your first direct booking, 100 Google reviews, a fully booked month - grab it with both hands and make it count for your marketing.---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

This week, I'm chatting with Ben Makin, who runs a lighthouse keeper's cottage near Wick in Scotland – possibly the most remote location of any of my marketing club members.Ben's got a really interesting guest mix, with around 38% of her bookings coming from overseas visitors. She's worked out exactly who her ideal guests are and has even given them names. There's Christine, her UK off-season guest who comes with her husband and a couple of dogs, and Christophe, the European family road-tripper who books nice and early.What's brilliant about Ben's approach is how data-driven her marketing is, but not in a boring way. She uses a simple paper questionnaire that's working incredibly hard for her business, giving her insights into what guests searched for, what they valued, and what they loved about their stay. This information has completely transformed her marketing messaging.We get into the nitty-gritty of hosting international guests versus UK visitors – their booking patterns, how long they stay, and what they need from their experience. Ben shares some really practical ideas like using Google Translate for guest communications, having translated activity sheets, and even writing welcome messages on a chalkboard in guests' native languages.On the marketing front, Ben's got a pragmatic approach to OTAs. She doesn't hate them because she's worked out how to use them strategically, particularly for attracting US guests who really love Airbnb and Booking.com. If you're thinking about how to appeal to overseas visitors or are more off the beaten track than most, this episode is packed with practical insights from someone who's actually doing it successfully.---Key Takeaways:Know your ideal guest avatars in detail – Ben has two distinct profiles with names and booking characteristics.International guests often book earlier and at higher prices, filling your calendar before UK guests start booking.Around 70% of US guests use OTAs versus only 20% of UK guests – understand these different booking preferences.Add OTA commission fees on top of your rates so you still get your full amount.Use the strictest cancellation policy on OTAs to prevent excessive cancellations.Mine your data from website analytics, social media insights, and guest feedback to inform your marketing activity.---Find out more about the Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage Noss Head:Visit the websiteLike on FacebookFollow 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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

In this episode, I tackle something I hear constantly – "I don't want to spam people." I'm tackling this mindset head-on because it's holding so many short-term rental and glamping site owners back from using one of the most powerful marketing tools available to them. Yes, even more powerful than social media!I'll walk you through what actually counts as spam, how GDPR actually works for your business rather than against it, and why a small engaged list will always outperform a massive uninterested one. We'll also cover the three questions you should ask before hitting send on any email campaign.If you've been avoiding email marketing because you're terrified about being annoying your past guests or getting GDPR wrong, this episode will help you see it differently.Email marketing isn't spam when it's done right – it's just good old hospitality.---Key Takeaways:Sending emails to subscribers who opted in is NOT spam – it's permission-based marketingEmail marketing returns £36-42 for every £1 spent, compared to £2.80 from social mediaA small engaged email list will always outperform a large uninterested oneAlways include a working unsubscribe link and make it easy for people to opt outBefore sending any email, ask: Is it timely? Is it relevant? Is it permission-based?Don't fear people unsubscribing – you don't want to pay to email people who aren't interested in hearing from anymore!---Further resources:Start email marketing with ease using Mail Chimp - access step-by-step training in my marketing club membership---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

Let's talk about something that trips up so many hosts – marketing promotions. You know the sort: giveaways, discounts, special offers. They can be brilliant for filling gaps and growing your audience, but get them wrong, and you'll land yourself in what I call "marketing jail."No, there won't be sirens or handcuffs, but you might end up with angry guests, awkward refund requests, or even your social accounts shut down. And if you're really unlucky, you could find yourself in proper legal hot water.In this episode, I'm walking you through the three big promotional pitfalls I see short-term rental and glamping owners fall into all the time.We'll cover the UK rules around giveaways and prize draws (yes, there are actual regulations!), what Meta allows on Instagram and Facebook (spoiler: they have very different rules despite being the same company), and how to handle those dreaded messages from existing guests who want your new offer applied to their existing booking.I'll share why promotions are one of the most complained-about marketing activities in the UK, and how to protect yourself with proper terms and conditions. Because honestly, you don't want to accidentally turn your free prize draw into a lottery, or be forced to give away a peak summer weekend because you weren't specific enough about your prize.If you're thinking about running any kind of promotion, this episode will help you do it properly without the headaches.---Key Takeaways:Prize draws must be free to enter – never require a purchase or booking to participateAlways have clear terms and conditions that specify who can enter, what the prize is, when it's valid, and any exclusionsInstagram and Facebook have different rules for promotions, even though they're owned by MetaBe strategic about why you're running a promotion – don't just do it for vanity metrics like follower counts---More resources:Check out my Promotions & Offers training - available in THE FULLY BOOKED BUSINESS CLUB™.---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

This week I'm chatting with Katie Colella, a meta ads specialist who knows her stuff when it comes to Facebook and Instagram ads. And yes, they can work for short-term rentals and glamping sites – when done properly!We're cutting through the myths around paid ads. Katie explains why so many hosts think ads don't work (spoiler: they've probably just hit the boost button and hoped for the best), and what you actually need to do to make them effective.In this episode, we talk about why the boost button isn't your friend and the difference between traffic ads and lead ads. Katie shares how to target your ideal guests without wasting money, and why building your email list matters more than vanity metrics. We also discuss when ads are worth the investment and, just as importantly, when they're not.Katie's been running ads for years and actually owned a B&B herself, so she gets the challenges we face. No fancy jargon here – just practical advice on whether ads could work for your short-term rental business.If you've been curious about Facebook ads but worried about throwing money down the drain, this episode will help you decide if they're right for you.---Key Takeaways:Don't dabble with ads – either do them properly with a strategy or don't botherThe boost button is not a marketing strategy (seriously, stop using it!)Lead ads can help you grow your email list, which you actually own (unlike your social following)Target your ideal guests based on interests and demographics – the precision is powerfulTest properly before dismissing ads – £50 spent randomly won't tell you anything usefulVideo view ads can keep you top of mind on a tiny budget (even £1 a day helps)---Find out more about Katie:Visit her WebsiteConnect 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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

Welcome to Season 5 of the podcast. Today, I'm diving into why building your own website might be silently holding your business back!With over 30 years of marketing experience and 80+ website audits under my belt, I have seen three recurring pitfalls of DIY websites that can drain your time, energy and profits.The importance of your biggest marketing asset to your short-term rental business cannot be overlooked. The guest web user experience is an art and I will show you that a pretty website isn't enough if it doesn't convert visitors into paying guests.From the need for clear navigation to the necessity of mobile optimisation, I share why a professionally built website is your most powerful marketing tool.This episode will show you how to get your website firing on all cylinders. Do check out my FREE Website Audit Checklist in the shownotes below...---Key Takeaways:DIY websites can be damaging your brand and holding your business back and harming your profits.In just six seconds, your website needs to convince guests to book or you have lost them!Sarah shares the 3 most common pitfalls she sees with websites for short-term rental or glamping businesses today.A professional website is a major marketing asset, not just a pretty brochure - it's essential.Don't skimp on your website; it's your key to attracting guests, driving direct bookings, and boosting the profit in your pocket!---More resources:Get my FREE Ultimate Website Audit Checklist hereMore website marketing training here or why not ask Sarah for a personalised Website Audit of your site---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

Think TikTok's just for teenagers doing dance challenges? Think again. In this episode, I'm chatting with Paige McNeil, a social media whizz who specialises in helping accommodation businesses crack TikTok marketing.We're talking about why you can't afford to write off this platform – especially when guests in their 30s and 40s are actively using it to find their next getaway. Paige shares the truth about what actually works on TikTok (spoiler: forget the polished perfection), why authentic content beats professional shots every time, and how to turn those viral views into actual bookings through your email list and website.I'll admit, I was sceptical about TikTok. But with over 1,000 new email subscribers in six weeks and actual bookings coming through? I'm a convert. If you've been sitting on the fence about TikTok, this episode might just change your mind.---Key Takeaways:TikTok's audience has matured – 25-50 year olds with disposable income are actively searching for accommodation on the platformAuthentic, UGC-style content significantly outperforms polished professional photography for engagement and conversionsTikTok works as top-of-funnel marketing – focus on driving traffic to your website and email list rather than expecting immediate bookingsSEO matters on TikTok – use conversational search phrases in captions and specific hashtags to appear in search resultsCreate a seamless booking path by connecting Instagram (with link in bio)---Find out more about Paige:See Paige's websitePaige McNeil LinkedIn---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

Got another DM asking for a free stay? Me too, my inbox is groaning with them right now! Someone with 500,000 followers wants to stay at your property - sounds flattering, but will it actually get you any bookings? Probably not. And that's because most hosts don't understand the massive difference between an influencer and a content creator. They're not the same thing, and getting this wrong can be a costly mistake.In this episode, I break down exactly how to spot the difference and avoid getting burned. Influencers promote your stay to their audience - that's it. One feature, maybe some stories, then nothing. Content creators give you professional photos and videos YOU can use in YOUR marketing for months or years. We're talking 100-200 images and 50-100 video clips. When someone approaches you, check their audience demographics, look at engagement (not follower count), and get everything in writing. If you're serious about making influencer collaborations work for your business, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you make smart decisions that actually drive bookings.---Key Takeaways:Influencers and content creators are completely different - one promotes to their audience, the other gives you marketing assets you can use forever.Reach doesn't equal results - someone with 500,000 followers but low engagement is less valuable than 3,000 engaged followers who match your ideal guests.Always ask for audience demographics before agreeing to anything - where are their followers based, what age, what interests?Get your agreement in writing upfront - how many posts, what content, what rights do you have to use it afterwards?Think long-term relationships, not one-offs - when you find a creator who gets your brand, keep working with them.Brief them properly with a shoot list so you get the specific assets you need for your marketing.---More resources:How To Find The Right Influencer - THE FULLY BOOKED BUSINESS CLUB™---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

OK, let's talk about the elephant in the room - the market has changed, and winging your marketing just doesn't cut it anymore.You've probably noticed that guests are booking later than ever, there's more competition than you can shake a stick at, and your usual marketing tactics aren't working like they used to. Well, you're not imagining things.In this episode, I'm sharing the hard truth about what's shifted in the short-term rental market, backed by real data. But don't panic, I'm also walking you through exactly what you need to do differently to stay fully booked in 2026 and beyond.You'll discover why that "I'll post something when I remember" approach is leaving you invisible when it matters most, and why you need an always-on marketing system instead of scrambling to fill gaps in your calendar at the last minute. I'm talking about email marketing that builds relationships year-round, SEO-friendly blog posts that drive steady traffic, and consistent social content.The truth is, the hosts who launched during the post-Covid staycation boom didn't need polished brands or marketing plans—bookings just flew in. But those days are over. The hosts who'll thrive now are the ones treating their business like a proper business, with a marketing strategy, an action plan, and tracking what's actually working.Because here's the thing, you don't need to do MORE marketing. You just need to do the RIGHT marketing consistently. And that's the exciting part!---Key TakeawaysBooking windows have shrunk by nearly 30% since 2019. Guests are now booking 1 to 3 weeks out instead of 2 months in advance.More competition means pickier guests. There's been massive growth in accommodation supply, so guests are taking their time, comparing options, and waiting for deals before they book.If you're only posting when you panic about calendar gaps, you've already missed the boat because your ideal guests have booked with someone else.The hosts who'll thrive now are the ones treating their business like a proper business with a marketing plan and a brand that stands out.You don't need MORE marketing, you need the RIGHT marketing. It's about having a strategy, being consistent, tracking what works, and ditching what doesn't.---More resources:THE FULLY BOOKED BUSINESS CLUB™---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

This week, I'm chatting with Sean Ronan from One Acre Wood in Herefordshire, and honestly, his story is brilliant. He and his wife, Annie, went from running a cosy cottage in Norfolk to creating something truly special: two stunning treehouses nestled in 18 acres of woodland that attract both families and romantic couples.Now, launching during a pandemic wasn't exactly ideal timing (we did it as well, so I know that's the understatement of the century!), but Sean and Annie absolutely smashed it. They've built a thriving business through clever marketing partnerships with local businesses, even landing a spot on George Clark's Amazing Spaces. Not too shabby!What I love about their approach is how thoughtful everything is. We're talking copper baths instead of the standard hot tubs, locally sourced materials, and a design that genuinely works for both excited kids and adults wanting a peaceful escape. They've created something that feels authentically connected to the local area, not just another glamping site plonked in a field.Sean's really honest about the challenges of marketing to two completely different audiences—families versus couples—and how they've navigated that tricky balance. He's also refreshingly down-to-earth about hosting, making guests feel welcome without being intrusive. It's that sweet spot we all aim for.The big takeaway? They've deliberately kept it small with just two treehouses. This isn't about cramming in as many units as possible—it's about creating a serene, private experience where guests can actually enjoy nature without feeling like they're in a holiday park.So, if you're thinking about launching something unique in the holiday let world, or you're struggling to differentiate yourself from the competition, this episode is packed with brilliant insights and practical advice that'll get you thinking differently about your business.---Key Takeaways:Strategic marketing and clever partnerships are essential for building direct bookingsWorking with the right channel partners helps you reach different audiencesUsing local materials and craftsmanship creates an authentic experience that sets you apart from cookie-cutter glamping sitesDesigning spaces that genuinely work for both children and adults opens up your potential guest market significantlyPersonal touches and thoughtful hosting transform first-time guests into loyal repeat visitorsListening to guest feedback and maintaining sky-high standards generates the kind of reviews that fill your calendar---Find out more about One Acre Wood:One Acre WoodFollow One Acre Wood on InstagramThe Fully Booked Business Club™---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

If you're serious about ditching those commission-hungry booking platforms and keeping more profit in your own pocket, an email list is hands-down your most valuable asset.I know, social media feels easier. Instagram's pretty, TikTok's trendy, and Facebook... well, it exists. But here's the problem: you don't own any of those audiences. One algorithm change and poof - all that hard work vanishes into thin air. But your email list? That's yours. Forever.So, in this episode, I'm sharing five practical, proven strategies to grow your email list faster than you ever thought possible. And no, you don't need to be a tech wizard or a marketing genius to make this work, I promise!We're talking about proper incentives that actually get people signing up (hint: nobody cares about your "monthly newsletter"), making it ridiculously easy for guests to join your list, and using your social media the right way - as a funnel, not the endgame.I'm also sharing some real examples from my own business because, let's face it, theory is lovely, but you need to know what actually works in practice. This isn't about complicated funnels or fancy software; it's about simple, consistent actions that fill your booking calendar with direct guests who pay you properly.So, if you're tired of handing over your hard-earned income to Airbnb and Booking.com, this episode is your starting point. Grab a cuppa and let's sort your email marketing once and for all!---Key Takeaways:Email marketing is the single most effective tool for boosting direct bookings and profit marginsDitch "newsletter" language - tell people exactly what value they'll get from joining your listMake signup forms easy to find and fill in across your website and booking journeyStrategic incentives (discounts, exclusive offers, free upsells) significantly accelerate list growthUse social media as a traffic driver to your email list, not as your main marketing strategyConsistent email campaigns steadily fill your calendar with profitable direct bookings---More resources:Email Marketing Training---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

In this episode, I'm chatting to Charlotte Hughes, the imaginative brain behind Yorkshire's Scarlet Hen, a unique rental for hen parties and wellness retreats. Charlotte opens up about her unexpected journey into the world of short-term rentals, which began out of necessity when her family home wasn't selling.She's transformed her massive mansion into a party pad that's not only stylish but also caters to the needs of her guests, creating an unforgettable experience. The episode dives deep into the challenges of managing a property that's also your home, the logistics of moving out every weekend, and how to maintain a welcoming atmosphere for guests.Charlotte shares her marketing wisdom and how she's managed to ditch reliance on online booking agents, instead focusing on building her brand and direct bookings. This chat is filled with real life practical tips for anyone looking to navigate the world of short-term rentals while keeping their sanity intact.---Key Takeaways:Ditch the online agents and focus on building your own brand for direct bookingsNecessity really can spark innovation - Charlotte's weekend rental prove it works!Creating memorable experiences for specific groups (like hen parties) leads to incredible reviews and repeat businessOrganisation and routine are absolutely crucial when you're living this double lifeDirect bookings put significantly more profit in your pocket - find creative ways to encourage themBuilding genuine connections with guests makes them more respectful and likely to return---About this week's guest:The Scarlet Hen, Norfolk HouseFollow Scarlet Hen 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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

Today, I'd like to talk about blogging for a minute. Because I see so many businesses, including short-term rental holiday businesses, that think it's dead and buried!Look, I get it. You're busy doing changeovers, replying to guest enquiries, and trying to figure out Instagram reels (don't even get me started on that!). But here's the truth - blogging is still one of the absolute best ways to get Google to actually notice your holiday cottage or glamping site.Think of each blog post as a brand new doorway for your ideal guests to find you. While you're sleeping, doing the school run, or mucking out the horses (yes, that's me!) - your blog posts are working away in the background, pulling in website visitors who are actively searching for precisely what you offer.I'm breaking down exactly how to create content that your guests actually care about, and talking proper SEO that works, choosing topics that convert visitors into bookings, and why you don't need to be churning out posts every single day to see results.The best bit? This is evergreen content that keeps on giving. Write it once, and it'll be driving traffic to your website for months - even years - to come.That's what I call marketing smarter, not harder!---Key Takeaways:Blogging remains one of the most powerful tools for boosting your Google visibilityFresh, quality content is essential for driving direct bookings to your businessSEO is passive marketing that works around the clock (even while you sleep!) See episode 33 for more on this!Write about topics your ideal guests genuinely care about, not random fluffOne brilliant blog post per month beats ten mediocre ones every timeEvergreen content continues working for you long after you hit publish---More resources & training:Blogging for Online Visibility & Google Rankings - join my membership, THE FULLY BOOKED BUSINESS CLUB™, to access affordable training on blogging---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

This week, I'm diving into SEO and marketing while you sleep - because who doesn't want their business working hard while they're catching some well-deserved shut-eye?I'm chatting about the reality of getting your holiday business found online without losing your sanity in the process. No fancy jargon or complicated tricks here - just straight-talking advice that actually works for real people running real businesses.Now, I know SEO can feel like trying to crack some mysterious code that Google keeps changing (because, let's face it, they do!). But here's the thing - it doesn't have to be overwhelming or turn you into a tech wizard overnight.So if you've been wondering how to get Google to notice your gorgeous short-term rental or glamping property without staying up all night tweaking keywords, grab a cuppa and let's get into it!---Key Takeaways:SEO isn't rocket science - it's just about helping the right guests find you when they're searchingYour website can be working for you 24/7, even when you're fast asleep (now that's what I call a good employee!)Small, consistent efforts beat massive overhauls every single timeGoogle loves fresh content, but it doesn't have to be perfect - progress over perfection, alwaysDon't get caught up in all the technical stuff - focus on what your guests actually want to know---Further SEO Training:SEO Case Studies: Join my Membership to access the courseSEO Tools:Yoast SEO - Free WordPress Plugin---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

This week, I'm chatting with Ed Maughan and Sarah Pursey, two brilliant hosts who've cracked the code on marketing to groups. And trust me, this isn't just about squeezing more beds into your property - it's about understanding what makes group guests tick.Because group bookings are a completely different beast from your standard couple's getaway. We're talking hen dos, family reunions, milestone birthdays, corporate retreats and more. Each one needs a different approach, and frankly, most hosts are missing a trick here.Ed's been banging the drum about direct bookings (music to my ears!), and he'll tell you exactly why ditching those booking agents is crucial when you're dealing with larger groups. Meanwhile, Sarah's juggling multiple properties and has some seriously smart marketing strategies that actually work.We're covering everything from ensuring guests return again and again to creating visuals that actually show groups how your space works for them. No fluff, no nonsense - just practical advice that'll help you fill those bigger properties and get more profit in your pocket.---Key Takeaways:Mastering marketing is key to ditching online agents and boosting direct bookings.Growing direct bookings takes simple marketing steps that put more profit in your pocket!Group accommodations are unique and require different marketing strategies than smaller properties, for real.Capturing email addresses from your guests can lead to repeat bookings, so think smart!High-quality visuals and clear info about your property setup are essential for group bookings, trust me.Understanding guest behaviour for group bookings is crucial, especially for special occasions like reunions.---Find out more about this week's guests:Group AccommodationScenic Stays Herefordshire:www.trevasecottages.co.uk www.oldbarnhousehereford.co.uk www.bettwscourtretreats.co.uk---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

Right, let's talk about the elephant in the room - AI and marketing. Everyone's either singing its praises or running scared from it, but where's the middle ground?AI can absolutely be your marketing mate, but only if you don't hand over the room keys completely. I've seen too many businesses churn out content that sounds like it came straight from a robot factory. And trust me, guests can spot that bland, cookie-cutter stuff a mile off!So, what's the reality check on AI?It's brilliant for speeding up your content creation (thank goodness, because who has time to stare at blank screens all day?), but it needs YOUR personality stamped all over it. Think of AI as your enthusiastic intern who's great at research and first drafts, but still needs you to add the brand magic.I'm sharing why your unique story - the reason you got into hosting, that quirky feature of your property, your genuine passion for creating amazing guest experiences - is what actually converts browsers into bookers. No AI can replicate that!Plus, a heads-up about fact-checking. AI sometimes gets a bit... creative with the truth. Always double-check before you hit publish, especially when it comes to local information or specific details about your area.The bottom line? Use AI as your brainstorming buddy and research assistant, but never let it take over your brand voice. Your guests aren't booking a generic experience - they're choosing YOU and your property because of what makes you different.Ready to get AI working for you without losing what makes your marketing uniquely yours? Let's dive in!---Key Takeaways:AI can be your best bud for marketing, just don't let it take the wheel completelyContent created by AI needs your personal touch, or it risks sounding like a robotUsing AI can speed up your content creation, but keep your brand voice in checkAlways double-check the facts AI gives you; it can sometimes make stuff upYour unique story is what makes guests book, so don't lose that in AI-generated contentAI is a tool for brainstorming and research, but you're still the boss of your marketing---Further resources & training:How to prompt AI training---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

This week, I'm chatting with the fabulous Charlotte Taylor, who runs some absolutely gorgeous self-catering properties - and let me tell you, her story is going to resonate with so many of you!We're getting into the real nitty-gritty of what it's like when you're staring at an empty calendar, feeling that horrible pit in your stomach, and thinking "Right, back to Airbnb it is then!" Sound familiar?Charlotte's been there, done that, and bought the (very expensive commission-paying) t-shirt! She'll tell you exactly how she went from being booked solid to facing a booking drought that had her questioning everything. The panic, the sleepless nights, the temptation to just hand everything back over to the big booking platforms - we've all been there, haven't we?But here's where it gets really juicy - Charlotte discovered that running back to Airbnb wasn't the magic fix she thought it would be. Instead, she rolled up her sleeves and got serious about her direct booking strategy, and the results will make you want to grab a notepad!She's sharing all her secrets about improving her website's SEO without getting bogged down in techy nonsense, how she transformed her email marketing from "meh" to "must-book-now" with offers that actually work, and why her social media game has been an absolute revelation. Wait until you hear about her TikTok success - turns out being real and a bit rough around the edges beats those perfectly polished posts every single time!Charlotte's journey proves that while booking platforms might seem like the easy option, having your own solid marketing plan puts YOU back in the driver's seat. More control, more profit in YOUR pocket, and no more anxiety about algorithm changes or commission hikes!If you're tired of handing over chunks of your hard-earned cash to the big boys and want some proper, practical advice from someone who's walked the walk, this episode is absolute gold!--TakeawaysDitching Airbnb can seem scary, but it opens up new marketing opportunities you never knew existed.Using a pop-up to collect emails can help you build a database to market to directly.Social media isn't just about collecting likes and pretty hearts on your posts. It's about turning those scrollers into subscribers and future guests.The biggest lesson? Stop posting just to feel good about your engagement stats and start thinking about how every single post can help you capture those precious email addresses.--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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

This week, I'm getting fired up about why playing it safe is actually the riskiest thing you can do for your holiday business. Because when your property looks like every other rental out there, you're basically invisible to potential guests scrolling through endless options. For example, if I see one more listing with grey cushions and "live, laugh, love" signs, I might scream!So, I'm talking about ditching the boring and embracing what makes YOUR place special. Whether that's bold colours, quirky themes, or those little touches that make people go "wow!" - it's time to stop hiding your personality behind neutral everything.I'm sharing my no-nonsense approach to creating those "how did they know?" moments for your guests. From welcome messages that don't sound like they came from a robot, to local recommendations that actually matter - it's the little things that get the five-star reviews.We're also having a proper chat about your brand voice. If you're describing your place as "home away from home" or "perfect for creating memories," we need to talk! Let's find words reflecting who you are and what you offer.The big takeaway? Being different isn't risky - being forgettable is! When you nail your unique style and voice, you'll attract guests who genuinely love what you offer, not just anyone looking for the cheapest bed.--TakeawaysDevelop your signature style and own it! Stop copying what everyone else is doing and create something that screams, "This is us!" Your property should have a personality that guests remember long after they've left.It's the little things that make guests rave about you. Those thoughtful touches - whether it's their favourite biscuits waiting or a handwritten note about the best local pub - turn a nice stay into an unforgettable experience that gets shared on social media.Your design should tell your story from the moment they see your photos. Everything from your colour scheme to your quirky cushions should work together to show potential guests exactly what kind of experience they're going to have.Ditch the boring marketing speak! If your listing sounds like every other "cosy retreat" or "perfect getaway," you're already lost in the crowd. Use language that reflects your actual personality and speaks directly to your ideal guests.--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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

Let's have a proper chat about something I see all the time - and it's driving me absolutely bonkers!I'm talking about the "throw everything at the wall and see what sticks" approach to marketing. You know the one - posting more on social media, sending more emails, running more ads, thinking that MORE automatically equals BETTER results. Well, I'm here to tell you it doesn't work like that.I'm getting straight to the point about why ramping up your marketing efforts without a proper strategy is like trying to fill a bucket with a massive hole in the bottom, and I'm diving into why quality absolutely trumps quantity every single time. It's not about how many posts you share or emails you send - it's about whether what you're putting out there actually connects with your ideal guests.It's time to ditch the scattergun approach and get strategic about your marketing. When you nail this, everything else becomes so much easier - and more profitable.--Key TakeawaysMore isn't always better. Stop thinking that posting 10 times a day or sending daily emails will magically fix your booking problems. It's about getting the RIGHT message to the RIGHT people, not bombarding everyone with everything.Get to know your ideal guest like your best mate. If you're trying to appeal to "anyone who wants a holiday," you're doing it wrong. Dig deep into who they really are, what they worry about, and what gets them excited about booking.Winging it won't work forever. I know planning feels boring, but businesses without a proper marketing strategy are just throwing money down the drain. Get organised, make a plan, and stick to it.Be where your people actually are. There's no point shouting into the void on platforms your ideal guests don't even use. Find out where they hang out online and focus your efforts there.Talk benefits, not features. Nobody cares that you have Egyptian cotton towels - they care about feeling pampered and relaxed. Speak to what they actually want to experience, not just the features (amenities) you've got!Ditch the chaos for clarity. Replace that frantic "post something, anything!" energy with clear, purposeful marketing that moves the needle. Your sanity (and your bank balance) will thank you for it.--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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

This week, I'm chatting with the brilliant Vicki Jones from 'Tractors and Cream' - and trust me, you'll love her story!Vicki's taking me through their whole journey - from that lightbulb moment when they decided to give glamping a go, right through to the challenges they faced getting everything up and running. But the real goldmine in this episode? How Vicki's using AI to make her marketing life so much easier. We're talking about streamlining social media, sorting out email marketing, and creating content without spending hours staring at a blank screen (we've all been there!).Vicki's proving that you don't need to be a tech wizard to use AI effectively. She's sharing practical, real-world examples of how these tools are saving her time and helping her connect with more potential guests—no complicated jargon - just honest insights about what actually works. If you've been curious about AI but didn't know where to start, or you're drowning in content creation, this episode is absolutely packed with ideas you can pinch for your own business!---Key Takeaways:AI isn't scary - it's brilliant! Seriously, this technology can be a complete game-changer for sorting out your content creation and marketing tasks. No more staring at blank screens wondering what to post!Real talk from a real host. Vicki's sharing the honest truth about what it's actually like using AI in her glamping business - the good, the tricky bits, and everything in between. This isn't theory; it's what works in practice.Get your AI prompts spot on. Don't just ask AI to "write something about my business" and expect magic. The better you get at telling it precisely what you want, the better results you'll get back.Work smarter, not harder! Why create everything from scratch when AI can help you repurpose what you already have? Turn one piece of content into five different posts - that's what I call efficiency!---Handy Links from this episode:Tractors and Cream WebsiteTractors and Cream YouTube ChannelFollow Tractors & Cream 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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

In this episode, I'm diving into why your emails might be getting the cold shoulder and how to fix it.Firstly, your subject line is make-or-break time. I'm not being dramatic here - it literally determines whether your email gets opened or deleted faster than you can say "direct booking." Those generic, snooze-fest subject lines? They're doing you absolutely no favours.I'll share my tried-and-tested tricks for writing subject lines that actually get people curious enough to click. We're talking about tapping into emotions, creating a bit of urgency (the good kind, not the pushy sales-y type, yuck!), and making your potential guests feel like you're speaking directly to them.Plus, I'll give you the lowdown on personalisation - and trust me, it's not just about adding their first name. When you get this right, your open rates will thank you for it.Better email marketing = more direct bookings = more profit in your pocket. And who doesn't want that?If you've been wondering why your emails aren't converting into bookings, this episode is packed with no-nonsense advice to turn things around.---Key Takeaways:Your subject line is everything. Seriously, it's the difference between your email being opened or ignored. Get this bit wrong, and all your brilliant content inside goes to waste.Quality beats quantity every time. Don't just churn out emails for the sake of it - make sure what you're sending actually adds value for your readers. Nobody wants their inbox clogged with pointless fluff.Find your email sweet spot. Too many emails and you'll annoy people (hello, unsubscribe button!). Too few and they'll forget you exist. It's all about hitting that perfect balance.Get personal - it works. Adding someone's name to your subject line isn't rocket science, but it makes a real difference to open rates. People like feeling special, not like they're just another number on your mailing list.Create that "I need to know more" feeling. Whether it's sparking curiosity or adding a gentle nudge of urgency, give people a reason to actually want to open your email. Make them think "Ooh, what's this about then?"Consistency is your best friend. When people know to expect your emails and they arrive when promised, you're building anticipation. That's marketing gold right there.---Need to up your email marketing game?Why not check out Sarah's monthly marketing club where you can access her 4-part Mailchimp step-by-step email marketing training. Find out more here---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

This week, I chat with the brilliant Ali Tait - a powerhouse business strategist who totally gets what we're going through as hospitality owners.If you've ever felt like you're running around like a headless chicken answering guest queries instead of driving your business forward (um, guilty as charged🙋‍♀️), then this episode is YOUR wake-up call.Ali and I dive into that tricky juggling act we all know too well - trying to be a fantastic host while also being the CEO your business desperately needs you to be. And let's be honest, when you throw family commitments into the mix, it can feel completely overwhelming.But here's the thing... it doesn't HAVE to be this way...We unpack how to step back from the day-to-day firefighting (even when it feels impossible!), create a proper business strategy that doesn't just live in your head, get smart about delegation (no, you DON'T need to wash all those towels yourself), and structure your time so you have some left for yourself and your family.Ready to put on your CEO hat and take back control of your business AND your life? This episode is packed with practical, no-nonsense advice that you can implement right away.---Key TakeawaysPut on that CEO hat - stop just reacting to whatever guest drama pops up next and start carving out time to think bigger about where you're actually heading with your business.Regular catch-ups with your partner or team are absolute game-changers! They clear up who's doing what, stop those "I thought YOU were handling that" moments, and make sure things actually get done.Boundaries are not just nice-to-haves, they're must-haves! If you don't draw the line between your business and personal life, you'll end up resenting the very business you worked so hard to build (trust me, I've been there!).Small tweaks can make HUGE differences. Even just blocking out 30 minutes a week to think strategically about your business can transform how efficiently you run things - and put more profit in your pocket.Ready to take back control? Listen to the full episode for all the juicy details on how to fall back in love with your hospitality business again.---Handy Links from this episode:Ali's WebsiteFollow Ali on Instagram here---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

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.---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. ---Handy links from this episode:Social Media Training - find out more about Sarah's marketing club - THE FULLY BOOKED BUSINESS CLUB™---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

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.---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!---Handy Links from this episode:Sarah's SEO Made Easy CourseBook a free call with Sarah to discuss your websiteFree SEO Plugin for Wordpress - Yoast SEO---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

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.---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. ---Connect with Fiona - Travel TonicFind out more about Travel TonicFollow 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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

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!---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. ---FREE GUIDE: Grab my 7-Step Launch Marketing Blueprint here---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

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.---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. ---Explore Alexander House ScotlandWebsiteFollow on InstagramThe 2 dedicated websites for glamping and weddings:Enchanted GlampingThistle Weddings---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

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.---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. ---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

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.---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. ---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

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.---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. ---Find out more about Host UnusualWebsiteFollow us 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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

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.---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. ---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

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.---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. ---Take a closer look at Dimpsey Glamping:Visit the websiteInstagramEmma's celebrity guest - Baroness Bamford---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

Are you ready to take control of your vacation rental business and grow your direct bookings? This episode of Get Fully Booked with Sarah Orchard delves into the 3 key benefits of prioritising direct bookings over relying on online travel agents like Airbnb. Sarah stresses the importance of maintaining control over your brand, pricing, and guest relationships, which often gets lost when using third-party booking platforms. She outlines three key advantages: regaining control of your marketing, maximising your brand visibility, and ultimately increasing your profitability. With insightful tips and sharing personal experiences, Sarah encourages listeners to embrace direct bookings as a way to enhance their business success and keep more profit in their pockets.---Key Takeaways: Taking direct bookings gives you control over your business, pricing, and guest relationships. Using online travel agents, like Airbnb, can hinder your brand visibility and marketing efforts. Maximising direct bookings can save you a significant amount of commission fees over time. With 100% direct bookings, Sarah has saved over £65,000 (USD $85,000) in just 3 years! Direct bookings allow you to build lasting relationships with your guests, enhancing loyalty and repeat stays. Learning basic marketing skills can empower property owners to effectively drive direct bookings. It's essential to assess the long-term impact of using online booking agents on your business's profitability. ---Are you ready to escape the control of the OTAs?Take my Direct Booking Roadmap Quiz---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

Are you struggling to connect with your ideal guests and boost your direct bookings? This podcast episode dives deep into the essential elements of effective marketing messaging for short-term rental and glamping business owners. Your host, Sarah Orchard, looks at the importance of narrowing your focus to speak directly to your ideal guest, addressing their pain points, needs, and desires. She also highlights the common mistake of making marketing all about your business rather than the guest and the experience they seek By understanding your audience and crafting targeted messaging, you can significantly improve your marketing outcomes and attract more direct bookings. Tune in to discover actionable strategies that can transform your approach to marketing and enhance your direct bookings.---Key Takeaways: Focus on your ideal guest to create marketing messages that resonate deeply. Understand and address customer pain points to improve your marketing success. Avoid speaking to everyone; narrow your target audience for better results and less wasted time and money. Communicate from the guest's perspective to highlight their needs and desires. Define your brand voice clearly to craft compelling and consistent marketing messages that get better results!---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

Welcome to another episode of the Get Fully Booked podcast, where Sarah Orchard speaks with fellow host, Kyra Fingleton from Glamping under the Stars Ireland. In this light-hearted episode, they dive into the unique challenge of catering to two very different ideal guest types—families and hen parties—at Kyra's glamping site in Ireland. Kyra shares her personal insights on how to effectively market to these distinct and extremely different audiences while maintaining a harmonious atmosphere at the site. With a focus on creating a communal experience that appeals to both families and hen parties, Kyra emphasizes the importance of keeping these groups separate to ensure a positive guest experience. Additionally, they discuss the significance of effective marketing strategies, including social media engagement and SEO, in attracting direct bookings and minimising reliance on online agents.---Key Takeaways: Kyra Fingleton successfully caters to two distinct guest types, families and hen parties, at Glamping under the Stars Ireland. Maintaining a clear separation between different guest groups is crucial for a harmonious guest experience. Utilising social media platforms effectively helps target specific audiences for better levels of direct bookings. Direct bookings are preferred, with Kyra currently achieving nearly 100% through her own website. SEO and targeted content strategies are essential in attracting both families and hen parties. Word of mouth remains a powerful marketing tool, driving repeat business and referrals. ---Find out more about Glamping Under the Stars IrelandVisit websiteInstagramFacebook---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---

Are you struggling to grow your direct bookings and feeling completely lost in the marketing maze? Sarah Orchard emphasises the importance of having a clear marketing strategy as the essential link between your business goals and your marketing activities. Without a defined strategy, many business owners find themselves engaging in random marketing efforts that fail to yield the desired direct booking results. In this episode, Sarah breaks down the difference between a marketing strategy and a marketing action plan, providing insights on how to align your marketing efforts with your overall business objectives. She also shares valuable statistics highlighting the common lack of planning among small to medium-sized businesses, urging listeners to take proactive steps towards creating a more structured approach to their marketing. Tune in to discover practical tips and a simplified framework that can help you effectively attract and convert your ideal guests.---Key Takeaways: Having a clear marketing strategy is essential for achieving your business goals effectively. A goal without a plan is just a wish, emphasising the need for a marketing plan. Understanding your ideal guests is vital to successfully attract and convert them. Aligning all 3 elements of your business plan, marketing strategy and marketing action plan is crucial for effective action. Marketing should create a bridge between what you offer and those who need it. Creating a marketing action plan involves knowing what marketing will work best to reach your ideal guests. ---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.---Are 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:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn---