Episode Summary:

In this episode, Kelli Hayes Smith unpacks the critical differences between social media tactics and strategy for travel agents. She shares why chasing viral trends can harm your business and how focusing on your ideal audience leads to sustainable success.

Learn why vanity metrics can mislead your strategy, how to shift your content from destinations to services, and the importance of building authentic content that connects with your audience.

Kelli also dives into the long game of marketing, explaining why time and patience are essential for business growth. Plus, get actionable homework to evaluate your social media approach and start implementing strategies that resonate with your dream clients.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The difference between tactics and strategy for travel agents
• Why chasing viral trends can hurt long-term growth
• How to focus on your target audience, not just views
• The hidden dangers of vanity metrics
• Why selling services, not just destinations, is key
• The power of authenticity in content creation
• How to avoid cookie-cutter content and stand out
• Tips for evaluating your social media follows for better inspiration

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• 💡 Explore the Passport to Learning Membership: https://wanderlust-ceo.com/product/passport-to-learning-membership
• 🌟 Learn more about Wanderlust Campus: https://wanderlust-ceo.com/
• 📲 Follow Kelli on Instagram: www.instagram.com/kellihayessmith
• ✨ Create your FREE Wanderlust Campus account: https://wanderlust-ceo.com/

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Social Takeoff, Kelli Hayes Smith explores the secrets to boosting social media engagement and why your posts might be getting overlooked.

She shares actionable strategies to make your content stand out, emphasizing the importance of specificity, authenticity, and connecting with your ideal clients—not just your peers.

Kelli also breaks down the dangers of cookie-cutter content, industry jargon, and airing grievances on social platforms. Whether you’re a travel agent or a small business owner, this episode offers practical tips to level up your social media game.

• How to stay consistent through engagement fluctuations.
• Why narrowing your focus and being specific resonates more with audiences.
• The power of authentic, imperfect content in building trust.
• How to connect with your ideal client by speaking their language.
• Avoiding common pitfalls like cookie-cutter posts and shop talk.
• Why your social media should reflect your expertise and provide value.

• Engagement dips happen—don’t let them discourage you.
• Broad, generic content can cause you to be overlooked.
• Specificity and authenticity are key to social media success.
• Speak in relatable terms, avoiding industry-specific jargon.
• Focus on serving your audience with valuable, relevant content.

• "Engagement isn’t personal—it’s just data to tweak your strategy."
• "Your ideal client doesn’t want perfection; they want connection."
• "Cookie-cutter content is the fastest way to blend in, not stand out."
• "Speak your client’s language; not your industry’s."

• 🌐 Explore more resources and tools: www.wanderlustcampus.com
• 📸 Follow Kelli for daily tips and insights: www.instagram.com/kellihayessmith
• ✨ Join our free Wanderlust Campus account for resources: https://wanderlust-ceo.com/
• 🚀 Level up with our Passport to Learning Membership: https://wanderlust-ceo.com/product/passport-to-learning-membership

Hey there, fellow travel enthusiasts! Did you hear the buzz? Disney just dropped the bombshell of early 2025 packages, catching everyone off guard. But fear not, we've got you covered on how to seamlessly blend this surprise into your content strategy without leaving 2024 in the dust.

Key Takeaways:

1. Craft a content plan that gently guides clients from awareness to consideration, paving the way for conversions.
2. Don't let those ghosted clients slip through the cracks; shoot them targeted emails spotlighting the early release of 2025 packages.
3. Spice up your Facebook group with polls and virtual shindigs, catering to both 2024 and 2025 bookings.
4. Sprinkle hints of 2025 excitement in your social media stories, while keeping the spotlight on the current year's bookings.
5. Show off the perks of price monitoring and top-notch service to nudge clients towards locking in their 2025 plans pronto.
6. Dive into threads and chats, stoking the flames of curiosity and anticipation for those 2025 bookings.
7. Blend 2025 seamlessly into your content mix, giving it a cozy spot alongside 2024 without stealing the show.
8. Keep that waitlist warm and fuzzy, staying in touch with potential 2025 clients until it's time to crank up the marketing machine.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 - Disney Drops the Bomb: Early 2025 Packages
03:18 - Crafting Content Pillars and Initiatives
08:57 - Navigating the Marketing Maze for 2025 and 2024
13:14 - Rekindling Relationships: Email Marketing for Ghosted Clients
15:53 - Facebook Fun: Engaging Groups and Virtual Hangouts
19:12 - Price Patrol: Monitoring and Service Spotlight
21:06 - Chatting it Up: Threads and Conversations
23:25 - Mixing 2025 into Your Content Cocktail
24:15 - Amping Up the Excitement and Building That Waitlist
25:52 - Wrapping Up: Conclusion and Your Call to Action

Hey there, fellow travel agents! Get ready to dive into some juicy marketing tips with Kelli Hayes Smith on this episode. She's here to help us navigate the wild world of social media content creation and engagement.

First up, Kelli tackles the beast of perfectionism head-on, giving us some killer strategies to squash it and actually get stuff done. Then, she spills the beans on how to brainstorm content ideas like a pro – think asking your audience, jotting down FAQs, and networking with other industry peeps.

But wait, there's more! Kelli drops wisdom bombs on boosting engagement (hint: it's all about interaction), teaching beginner-friendly content to cast a wider net, and using sneaky strategic content to upsell your awesome services.

Oh, and don't even get us started on timing and post types – Kelli's got the inside scoop on that too. Plus, she'll help you conquer your fear of the camera and nail that on-screen presence.

And hey, forget just promoting destinations – Kelli's all about highlighting the value of your services, baby. Wrap it all up with some tips on writing killer captions and keeping it real on social media.

So sit back, relax, and soak in the goodness. Let's rock this marketing game together! 🚀

Takeaways

• Set a time limit for content creation to overcome perfectionism and ensure completion.
• Engage with your audience and ask for their input to generate ideas for content.
• Teach beginner-level content to cater to a wider audience.
• Use strategic content to upsell and highlight the value of additional services.
• Engage with other professionals in your field to learn and share knowledge.
• Experiment with different types of posts and find the best timing for engagement.
• Practice getting on camera by recording practice videos and gradually increasing comfort.
• Focus on advertising your services rather than just destinations.
• Write captions in a conversational tone and maintain authenticity in social media.

Kelli is taking a deep dive into solution based content and how you can relate to your ideal client.

Last week I took a call from Meta - and today I'm spilling all the tea!

Y'all it is time to get serious about selling travel this year! Listen in for great strategies to use now!

Wave season is upon us - listen in as Kelli helps you create marketing for Awareness and Consideration buyer phases that will increase those wave season bookings.

LINKS :

Instagram

Content Creation Workshop

Today Kelli is taking a deep dive into 5 of the social myths that have recently been in her inbox. Listen in as she breaks it all down.

LINKS

Sales Summit

In this episode, Kelli dives into the crucial aspects of marketing during the awareness and consideration phases to boost sales for next year's wave season. Join her as we share expert strategies and insights to help travel agents chart a course towards success in the pre-wave season.

LINKS :

Planner : Code KELLI15

Wanderlust Campus : Code khsCEO

Content Creation Workshop : Code marketing50

Ready to bring some serious main character energy ✨ to your travel business? In this episode, Kelli Hayes Smith dives into how travel agents like you can elevate your content creation and marketing by making your clients the star of the show 🌟.

It’s all about positioning your clients as the main characters in their travel adventures 🌍. Kelli shares practical tips on crafting content that resonates with your clients’ dreams, goals, and the common challenges they face in planning trips ✈️.

Plus, she highlights the importance of weaving in your personal brand and those little connection points that make your clients feel truly seen and understood ❤️.

By putting your clients in the spotlight, you’re not just selling trips—you’re building trust, loyalty, and a community that keeps coming back 🛳️. Key Points:

• Make Clients the Star 🌟: Position your clients as the main characters in their travel experiences to create a deeper connection.
• Speak to Their Dreams 💭: Craft content that addresses their travel desires, goals, and the challenges they face.
• Show Your Personality 😄: Incorporate your personal brand and connection points to make your clients feel valued and understood.
• Build Trust 🤝: By focusing on your clients' needs, you’re building a loyal community around your travel agency.

Memorable Quotes:

• "Your content has to be all about your clients and their travel dreams." ✨
• "Connection points are how you start building those lasting relationships." 🤝
• "Good marketing in travel makes clients feel seen, heard, and excited about their next adventure." 🌍 Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction: Main Character Energy for Travel Agents 🌟

04:15 – Crafting Client-Centered Content ✨

13:46 – Personal Branding and Connection Points in Travel 🌍

21:33 – Eliciting Emotion and Building Trust with Your Clients 🤝

LINKS

www.instagram.com/kellihayessmith

www.instagram.com/careersonvacation

www.facebook.com/groups/careersonvacation

www.wanderlustceo.com/readynow

So WHY do you wanna forget the follower count - and start turning people into fans of your business?? Today, Kelli answers just that!

LINKS

Instagram

Wanderlust Campus use code kellihs at Check Out

Learn how to recap and reuse that content you gathered all summer long to create lasting marketing that will fill up your books!

Hey there, travel pros and content creators, get ready to put on your party hats because we're about to throw a Content Carnival like no other on this episode of The Social Takeoff Podcast! 🎈🎉

I'm your host Kelli Hayes Smith, the ultimate travel geek and marketing whiz, and I'm here to spill the beans on how you can whip up content that takes your followers on a wild ride through every step of their buying adventure.

Picture this: You're strolling through the vibrant Awareness Phase, where imagination runs wild and passports practically jump out of pockets. We'll spill the secrets on crafting eye-popping visuals and stories that'll have your audience feeling like they're already sipping coconut water on a tropical beach.

But wait, there's more! As we roll into the Consideration Carousel, we're breaking down the art of keeping those potential travelers on the edge of their seats. We're talking blog posts that read like page-turners, videos that have them reaching for the popcorn, and social media magic that keeps 'em hitting that heart button.

Hold onto your sunhats, because the Decision Drama (conversion phase) is where things get seriously thrilling! Learn how to sprinkle in urgency, throw in a dash of FOMO, and serve up offers so irresistible, your followers will be booking before they even realize it. 🚀

And guess what? The party doesn't stop once the tickets are booked. In the Booking Bonanza (Loyalty Phase), we're spilling the beans on how to keep that pre-trip excitement alive and kickin'! From countdown posts that'll have them feeling like kids waiting for Christmas, to personalized surprises that show them you're just as excited for their trip as they are.

So grab your favorite fruity drink, pop in those earbuds, and get ready to turn your content into the ultimate Content Carnival! This episode is your all-access pass to creating content that's so captivating, your followers will be lining up for tickets to your next adventure. Let's get this fun-filled fiesta started! 🎧🌎🎡

LINKS

Careers on Vacation : Use code khscov

Instagram

Reels Crash Course

If growth on social media is important to you - listen up! These 10 practical ways to help grow your brand are tailor made for YOU the travel advisor!

Kelli is diving in to the things you'd do differently if she could start over. Take a listen!

Today Kelli takes you into the lead magnet world to help you create freebies that will bring you the right client and start the conversion process! Listen in and let us know what you think!

LINKS :

Lead Magnet Idea List

Today Kelli is taking a deep dive thru the buyer phases to help you create a marketing strategy to meet your audience in all phases. Listen in as she shares her favorite marketing tactics for each phase and gives practical tips for Travel Advisors!

SUBSCRIBE :

Go to Kelli's Instagram account and click 'subscribe now' under her bio.

Today we are diving deep into Instagram and breaking down how to best use all of the features it has to offer. If you've never thought about Instagram as your store front, today that will all change.

From posts to bio to reels to stories, I'm breaking down how to change your thinking about the features of this platform to give you a better grasp on how to use it!

LINKS

Optimize Your Instagram : A guide for travel professionals.

Reels Crash Course

Become a subscriber

🎙 The Social Takeoff Podcast: Mastering Travel Marketing 🚀

In this episode, Kelli Hayes Smith, Director of Marketing and Partner Relationships at Wanderlust Campus, reveals the secrets to crushing your travel marketing goals. Discover how to leverage each platform to boost your travel business, focusing on the four key stages of the traveler’s journey: awareness, consideration, conversion, and loyalty.

Key Topics:

• Setting Smart Goals: Learn the essential goals and metrics for each stage of the travel booking process.
• Powerful Marketing Strategies: From social media that pops to email campaigns that convert, plus SEO and search ads that deliver real results.
• Client Loyalty: Turn one-time clients into loyal fans, score referrals, and build a travel brand that stands out.

SEO Keywords:
Travel agent marketing, travel agency tips, buyer journey, travel booking phases, social media tips, email marketing, SEO for travel agents, lead generation, client engagement, conversion rates, client referrals, travel brand building

Sound Bites:

• "Planning without goals is like a trip without a map."
• "Make your marketing channels work for you, not against you!"
• "Client loyalty is your travel squad—low-key effort, high-key results."

Chapters:

• 00:00 Setting Marketing Goals for Travel Agents
• 13:10 Awareness & Engagement: Get on Your Client’s Radar
• 16:02 Nurturing Leads: The Consideration Phase
• 23:10 Measuring Conversions & Closing Deals
• 30:22 Building Loyalty: Referrals & Repeat Bookings

🎧 Hit Like, Subscribe, and the Notification Bell to stay updated on the latest strategies to elevate your travel business! Let’s make your marketing as unforgettable as your best vacation!

Y'all, buckle up for a wild ride on this episode of Social Takeoff because we've got a lot to unpack. Grab your favorite snack, get comfy, and prepare for some mind-boggling revelations about the recent chaos with Meta, Instagram, Facebook, and Threads. Trust us, you won't even know where to begin!

In this jam-packed episode, we'll dive deep into the notifications and warnings that have been popping up, leaving us scratching our heads and questioning our sanity. We'll spill the tea on the reach limitations, mysterious reposts, and the audacity of some posting apps. Seriously, who thought it was a good idea to let someone else handle our precious social media accounts? The insanity knows no bounds!

But hold on, that's not all. We'll also discuss the mind-numbing concept of mass-produced content and its impact on our online presence. From non-engaging sales pitches to the dangers of blending in with the crowd, we'll expose the dark side of these services that promise to make our lives easier but end up making us question everything.

As we unravel the secrets behind these questionable practices, we'll share our theories on why Instagram and Facebook are cracking down on this cookie-cutter content. Get ready for a crash course on watch time, profile visits, and how it all ties back to those precious advertising dollars. It's a wild ride, folks!

So, grab a pen and paper because we're dishing out some serious advice on how to stand out in the sea of mediocrity. We'll help you rediscover your brand voice, redefine your strategy, and reclaim your social media presence. It's time to break free from the chains of mass-produced madness and make your mark in the digital world.

Get ready for a rollercoaster of laughter, mind-boggling revelations, and some much-needed facepalms. Join us on "Social Shenanigans" as we navigate the crazy world of Meta, unravel the mysteries of reach limitations, and expose the truth behind mass-produced content. It's time to reclaim our online identities and leave the chaos behind. Let's dive in!

LINKS

Reels Crash Course

Kelli's Instagram

Today I'm joined by 3 Travel Advisors all at different stages of their businesses to give feedback on content creation, planning and strategy! Listen in!!

Join me in the subscriber chat and share your engagement strategy and insights from this podcast episode. We'll discuss the importance of having an engagement strategy and how it can significantly impact your account growth. Remember, engagement goes beyond simply replying to comments and messages. It involves actively connecting with your followers, understanding your ideal client, and creating meaningful conversations. I'll provide practical tips on engaging with your followers, finding ideal clients, and leveraging engagement stickers in your stories. Let's optimize your social media presence together and see the powerful results of a well-executed engagement strategy.

JOIN INSTAGRAM SUBSCRIPTIONS

In this episode, we explore the question of when the marketing process stops. We challenge the idea that marketing only happens before a client books and emphasize the importance of continuous marketing. We discuss the marriage of sales and marketing and debunk the misconception of being "salesy." Instead, we highlight the significance of focusing on the client's needs and offering personalized service. We delve into post-booking or backend marketing, which involves building relationships, having conversations, and targeting specific clients with upsells that enhance their vacation experience. We emphasize the need for individualized, conversational, and relational marketing strategies, rather than relying solely on email sequences. We use examples from Disney and Universal to illustrate the concept of backend marketing and offer tips for creating a backend marketing strategy. Ultimately, we emphasize that marketing should never stop and that continuous marketing efforts contribute to increased sales, client satisfaction, and business growth.

In this episode, we dive into the mindset shift needed for travel professionals to position themselves as problem solvers, rather than simply trip bookers. Join us as we explore the power of creating content that addresses the concerns, desires, and needs of clients, guiding them towards personalized and unforgettable travel experiences. Discover how to identify the problems your clients face, understand the value of your service, and craft engaging content that takes them on a transformative journey from before to after. Learn practical strategies and storytelling techniques to showcase your expertise and differentiate yourself in the travel industry. If you're ready to elevate your marketing and position yourself as a valuable problem-solving resource, this podcast is for you. Get ready to solve travel challenges and create extraordinary vacations for your clients!

LINKS

Donald Miller's Building a Story Brand

Join Instagram Subscriptions

Join Kelli and 3 amazing travel professionals as they ask Kelli what a content strategy really is. They dive deep into their business goals and how they can use content to push them towards those goals.

Follow These Agents on Instagram :

Sarah

Erin

Patti

We all got a shock when Disney released details and dates for their 2024 packages.. but have no fear, there's a plan for this! Dig into this with Kelli today!

🎙 Welcome Back to The Social Takeoff Podcast! 🚀
Hey, Travel Pros! Kelli Hayes Smith here, your navigator in the ever-changing world of social media marketing for the travel industry. After a short break, I’m back to help you boost your travel business and revamp your online presence! 🌍✈️

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• Profile & Bio Overhaul: Discover how to update your social media profiles and bios to make your travel business stand out in a crowded market. 🌟
• Digital Detox for Engagement: Learn why taking a week off from posting could be the key to resetting your social media engagement and coming back stronger with a content plan that works.
• Creating Shareable Content: Get tips on crafting shareable and relatable content that will resonate with your travel-loving audience and keep them coming back for more.

🎧 Don’t miss the sneak peek: We’re diving into goal setting and buyer journey marketing in upcoming episodes—perfect for travel agents looking to elevate their marketing strategy! 🎯

🛑 Like, Subscribe, and Hit the Bell to stay updated on all things social media for travel agents. Let’s take your travel business to the next level together!

LINKS

www.instagram.com/kellihayessmith

www.wanderlustceo.com

www.instagram.com/careersonvacation

https://www.facebook.com/groups/careersonvacation

Dig in with these 3 content goals!

Why do you need a niche? How do you market it? And what if you specialize in something? All that is in this episode! Let's Dig In!

If you want to keep riding the WAVE from wave season - you need to listen to this episode! We are breaking down some questions to answer from Q1 that you can use in your marketing next quarter!

Let's Dig In!

Today we are looking hard at the 'viral' mentality - and how it may become a virus in your business! Listen up as we really break down what your goals should be with social media for your travel business.

So, in this chat, Kelli Hayes Smith dives into why some travel agents aren't raking in those dreamy bookings they're after, all tied up with their marketing strategies. First off, many folks out there don't quite grasp what travel agents actually do, so it's vital to spell out the perks of their services nice and clear. Then there's the dance with objections; gotta face 'em head-on, like dealing with concerns about costs or who's steering the vacation ship. Lastly, it's all about knowing your ideal client inside and out, their quirks and woes, so you can whip up content that speaks right to their wanderlusting souls.

Keywords: Travel agents, bookings, marketing, potential clients, objections, ideal client, relatable content

Key Takeaways:

1. Don't be shy about flaunting the perks of travel agent services to clueless potential clients.
2. Dive straight into those objections, whether it's about costs or control, and show them who's boss.
3. Get cozy with your ideal client's quirks and worries to whip up content that feels like a chat with an old friend.

Episode Titles:

1. "Cracking the Code: Tackling Objections in Travel Agent Marketing"
2. "Know Thy Client: The Key to Killer Marketing"
3. "From Doubt to Dream: Crafting Irresistible Travel Agent Offers"
4. "Diving Deep: Unraveling the Mysteries of Client Desires"
5. "Behind the Scenes: The Secret Sauce of Travel Agent Success"
6. "Navigating No's: How to Turn Objections into Opportunities"
7. "Client Whisperer: Understanding and Conquering Common Traveler Woes"
8. "Beyond Brochures: Crafting Content That Speaks to Souls"
9. "Unmasking Misconceptions: What Travel Agents Really Do"
10. "Sailing Smooth: Mastering the Art of Client Connection"

On today's episode Kelli is helping you stand out against booking engines by changing the vocabulary you're using to market your business! Join the conversation and drop into Kelli's DMs on Instagram!

This was a hot topic in Kelli's Instagram comments recently - how far out do you plan your content?

Today, Kelli is diving into the content planning issue and giving you the top secret formula for batching your content, and I promise you it is NOT what you think! Make sure to listen, leave a review, and then head to Kelli's DMs to continue the conversation!

In this episode Kelli takes a deep dive into one of the biggest trends for social platforms this year - ENGAGEMENT! Listen in to help your social accounts grow during this crucial time in the travel industry - WAVE SEASON!