Welcome to Season 5 of the podcast. Today, I'm diving into why building your own website might be silently holding your business back!

With over 30 years of marketing experience and 80+ website audits under my belt, I have seen three recurring pitfalls of DIY websites that can drain your time, energy and profits.

The importance of your biggest marketing asset to your short-term rental business cannot be overlooked. The guest web user experience is an art and I will show you that a pretty website isn't enough if it doesn't convert visitors into paying guests.

From the need for clear navigation to the necessity of mobile optimisation, I share why a professionally built website is your most powerful marketing tool.

This episode will show you how to get your website firing on all cylinders. Do check out my FREE Website Audit Checklist in the shownotes below...

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Key Takeaways

1. DIY websites can be damaging your brand and holding your business back and harming your profits.
2. In just six seconds, your website needs to convince guests to book or you have lost them!
3. Sarah shares the 3 most common pitfalls she sees with websites for short-term rental or glamping businesses today.
4. A professional website is a major marketing asset, not just a pretty brochure - it's essential.
5. Don't skimp on your website; it's your key to attracting guests, driving direct bookings, and boosting the profit in your pocket!

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More resources

Get my FREE Ultimate Website Audit Checklist here

More website marketing training here or why not ask Sarah for a personalised Website Audit of your site

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What would you do with an extra £20k+ in your holiday business?

I've saved £100k in commission in 5 years by taking 100% direct bookings and now I show Airbnb hosts, holiday cottage and glampsite owners how to do the same.

It is easier than you think to move to 70%+ direct bookings.

If you currently rely on Airbnb or another online agent (OTA), take Sarah's FREE quiz here - it's time to give them the boot!

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Connect with Sarah:

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

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Think TikTok's just for teenagers doing dance challenges? Think again. In this episode, I'm chatting with Paige McNeil, a social media whizz who specialises in helping accommodation businesses crack TikTok marketing.

We're talking about why you can't afford to write off this platform – especially when guests in their 30s and 40s are actively using it to find their next getaway. Paige shares the truth about what actually works on TikTok (spoiler: forget the polished perfection), why authentic content beats professional shots every time, and how to turn those viral views into actual bookings through your email list and website.

I'll admit, I was sceptical about TikTok. But with over 1,000 new email subscribers in six weeks and actual bookings coming through? I'm a convert. If you've been sitting on the fence about TikTok, this episode might just change your mind.

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Key Takeaways

• TikTok's audience has matured – 25-50 year olds with disposable income are actively searching for accommodation on the platform
• Authentic, UGC-style content significantly outperforms polished professional photography for engagement and conversions
• TikTok works as top-of-funnel marketing – focus on driving traffic to your website and email list rather than expecting immediate bookings
• SEO matters on TikTok – use conversational search phrases in captions and specific hashtags to appear in search results
• Create a seamless booking path by connecting Instagram (with link in bio)

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Find out more about Paige McNeil

See Paige's website

Paige McNeil LinkedIn

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What would you do with an extra £20k+ in your holiday business?

I've saved £100k in commission in 5 years by taking 100% direct bookings and now I show Airbnb hosts, holiday cottage and glampsite owners how to do the same.

It is easier than you think to move to 70%+ direct bookings.

If you currently rely on Airbnb or another online agent (OTA), take Sarah's FREE quiz here - it's time to give them the boot!

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Connect with Sarah:

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

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Got another DM asking for a free stay? Me too, my inbox is groaning with them right now! Someone with 500,000 followers wants to stay at your property - sounds flattering, but will it actually get you any bookings? Probably not. And that's because most hosts don't understand the massive difference between an influencer and a content creator. They're not the same thing, and getting this wrong can be a costly mistake.

In this episode, I break down exactly how to spot the difference and avoid getting burned. Influencers promote your stay to their audience - that's it. One feature, maybe some stories, then nothing. Content creators give you professional photos and videos YOU can use in YOUR marketing for months or years. We're talking 100-200 images and 50-100 video clips. When someone approaches you, check their audience demographics, look at engagement (not follower count), and get everything in writing. If you're serious about making influencer collaborations work for your business, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you make smart decisions that actually drive bookings.

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Key Takeaways

• Influencers and content creators are completely different - one promotes to their audience, the other gives you marketing assets you can use forever.
• Reach doesn't equal results - someone with 500,000 followers but low engagement is less valuable than 3,000 engaged followers who match your ideal guests.
• Always ask for audience demographics before agreeing to anything - where are their followers based, what age, what interests?
• Get your agreement in writing upfront - how many posts, what content, what rights do you have to use it afterwards?
• Think long-term relationships, not one-offs - when you find a creator who gets your brand, keep working with them.
• Brief them properly with a shoot list so you get the specific assets you need for your marketing.

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How To Find The Right Influencer - The Fully Booked Business Club™

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What would you do with an extra £20k+ in your holiday business?

I've saved £100k in commission in 5 years by taking 100% direct bookings and now I show Airbnb hosts, holiday cottage and glampsite owners how to do the same.

It is easier than you think to move to 70%+ direct bookings.

If you currently rely on Airbnb or another online agent (OTA), take Sarah's FREE quiz here - it's time to give them the boot!

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Connect with Sarah:

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

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