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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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...

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

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...

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...

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!

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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!

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Handy Links from this episode:

Tractors and Cream Website

Tractors and Cream YouTube Channel

Follow Tractors & Cream on Instagram

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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...

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.

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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.

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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

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Connect with Sarah:

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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...

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.

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Key Takeaways

• Put 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.

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Handy Links from this episode:

Ali's Website

Follow Ali on Instagram here

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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...

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.

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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.

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Handy links from this episode:

Social Media Training - find out more about Sarah's marketing club - THE FULLY BOOKED BUSINESS CLUB™

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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...

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.

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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!

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Handy Links from this episode:

Sarah's SEO Made Easy Course

Book a free call with Sarah to discuss your website

Free SEO Plugin for Wordpress - Yoast SEO

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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...