Planning my San Miguel trip taught me exactly how modern travelers research hospitality brands - and spoiler alert: it's not Google. In this episode, I walk you through my actual research process from start to finish: why I started on TikTok, how Instagram became my vetting tool, and what pre-arrival touchpoints made me trust a brand before I even arrived. If you're a restaurant, hotel, Airbnb, or experience-driven brand and you think your website is enough, this episode will change how you show up online.Ready to start mapping out your 2026? DOWNLOAD OUR FREE 2026 PLANNING GUIDEBOOK A 2026 STRATEGY SESSION

If your brand creates incredible in-person experiences but feels flat online, this episode is for you. I'm breaking down how experience-driven brands in hospitality and lifestyle can bridge the gap between their physical and digital presence.

In this episode:

• Why beautiful physical spaces often show up boring online

• The difference between selling a product vs. selling an experience

• How to translate your in-person brand magic into your digital marketing

I'm Emma Phillips, founder of a digital marketing agency specializing in experience-driven brands – restaurants, bars, hotels, Airbnbs, and lifestyle businesses that surprise and delight their customers.

If you're a founder or marketer in hospitality or lifestyle, subscribe for weekly episodes on marketing, brand storytelling, and building businesses that create real experiences.

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