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.--Connect with Sarah:WebsiteInstagramLinkedIn---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!---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---Connect with Sarah:WebsiteInstagramLinkedIn---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.---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---Connect with Sarah:WebsiteInstagramLinkedIn---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.---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---Connect with Sarah:WebsiteInstagramLinkedIn---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.---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™---Connect with Sarah:WebsiteInstagramLinkedIn---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.---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---Connect with Sarah:WebsiteInstagramLinkedIn---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 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---Connect with Sarah:WebsiteInstagramLinkedIn---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...

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---Connect with Sarah:WebsiteInstagramLinkedIn---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...

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---Connect with Sarah:WebsiteInstagramLinkedIn---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 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. ---Connect with Sarah:WebsiteInstagramLinkedIn---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...