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!

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Takeaways

• Ditching 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.

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Connect with Sarah:

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Are you ready to take more direct bookings?

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

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.

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Takeaways

• Develop 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.

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Connect with Sarah:

Website

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LinkedIn

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Are you ready to take more direct bookings?

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

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.

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Key Takeaways

• More 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.

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Connect with Sarah:

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

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Are you ready to take more direct bookings?

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