Get Fully Booked

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ru...

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...

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 t...

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 familia...

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 ab...

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...

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...

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-te...

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...

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...

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 robot...

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 th...

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 nigh...

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 differ...

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 aspira...

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, a...

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...

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 impressi...

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 im...

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 thir...