Kelli Hayes Smith discusses the challenges of content creation and posting on social media, emphasizing the importance of intention, clarity, and purpose in marketing strategies for travel advisors. She highlights the pitfalls of posting without substance, the impact of industry jargon, and the need for a structured content plan and calendar.

Takeaways

• Posting without clarity leads to frustration and burnout.
• Consistency and intention are more important than quantity in content creation.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to the Social Takeoff Podcast
• 05:24 The Importance of Substance in Content
• 11:09 The Use of Acronyms in Content
• 17:01 Avoiding Panic Posting

Trends aren’t bad.
Views aren’t bad.
Engagement isn’t bad.

But hollow views are useless.

In this episode, I’m breaking down why so many travel advisors feel like their content is “working” — but their business isn’t moving. We talk about the difference between being liked and being hired, why instant gratification keeps you stuck, and the four questions every post should answer before you hit publish.

This is not an episode about trends vs. no trends.
It’s about turning attention into traction — without losing yourself, your voice, or your confidence along the way.

If you’ve ever:

• Chased views that didn’t turn into clients
• Felt discouraged by likes not leading to bookings
• Wondered why your content feels hollow even when it performs

This one’s for you.

• The 4 questions every piece of content should answer
• Why being “liked” and being “hired” are not the same thing
• How validation-driven content keeps you stuck
• Why followers don’t equal growth (and never really did)
• What client content actually looks like in practice
• How to show your value without “proving” yourself
• Why perspective beats facts every time

Lyric: “I can change everything about me to fit in”
Song: Mirrorball — folklore

(And why we’re done doing that.)

👉 Get your free Wanderlust Campus account:
https://wanderlust-ceo.com

👉 Follow me on Instagram for daily marketing insight:
https://www.instagram.com/kellihayessmith

✨ If this episode resonated, please leave a quick review — it helps this show reach more advisors who need to hear it.

00:00 – Real life, real marketing (and why views aren’t the enemy)
01:10 – When trends become useless
02:05 – The 4 questions every post should answer
03:20 – Why instant gratification keeps us stuck
04:45 – Do you want to be liked… or hired?
06:50 – Showcasing value without proving worth
08:55 – The follower myth (and why it’s outdated)
10:40 – What client content actually looks like
13:00 – Storytelling, decision-making & real examples
15:45 – Why validation-driven content feels hollow
18:10 – Confidence vs. performance
20:25 – How to shift your mindset before you post
22:45 – Mirrorball, people-pleasing & showing up as you
24:20 – Final thoughts + what to do next

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.

✈️ Episode Summary:

In this episode of Social Takeoff, Kelli dives into the top 5 red flags she’s seeing in the travel advisor marketing world—and what to do instead if you want your content to convert, build trust, and grow your business.

These aren’t just industry rants. Kelli brings real solutions to the table—like what to do when you’re tempted to copy-paste content, how to stay connected without being glued to your phone, and why showing up as yourself is your greatest marketing advantage.

You’ll also hear updates on what’s happening at Wanderlust Campus, including exciting things in the works with our partner network, Marketing Mondays, and what to expect at this year’s Wander Beyond conference!

🚩 In This Episode, We Cover:

• [00:00] Intro & life update (surviving Maymageddon 😅)

• [02:00] What’s new: Bliss to Abundance weekly podcast + Marketing Mondays

• [04:00] Why this episode matters: red flags popping up all over your feed

• [05:00] Red Flag #1: Copy/paste content is "good enough"

• [08:30] What to do instead: personalizing content with AI and brand voice

• [10:55] Red Flag #2: Set it and forget it strategy

• [13:00] Showing up beyond the content calendar

• [15:30] Red Flag #3: Original content is optional

• [17:45] Why your unique voice must be part of your strategy

• [21:00] Real example: The Disney Dream overboard story + your perspective

• [22:40] Red Flag #4: You’re not part of your marketing

• [24:00] People buy you—not your supplier’s graphics

• [26:30] Red Flag #5: Focusing on trends over trust

• [28:15] Why visibility without clarity doesn’t convert

• [29:45] Final thoughts + what’s next for July and beyond

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

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

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!

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

A lot of travel advisors think their marketing isn’t working — when really, their expectations are off.

In this episode of Social Takeoff, we reset how social media actually fits into your business, why checklist marketing is holding you back, and what it really takes to build trust, community, and momentum online.

This conversation is about letting go of pressure, unrealistic metrics, and comparison — and replacing them with clarity, perspective, and intention.

If you’ve been posting, following the rules, and still feeling frustrated… this episode is for you.

• Why “posting more” doesn’t equal bookings
• The unrealistic expectations most advisors place on social media
• Why likes, views, and followers don’t measure success
• How checklist marketing creates burnout and false failure
• The real role social media plays as a gap closer in your business
• Why perspective builds trust more than facts ever will
• How your language (even one word) can shrink or strengthen your value
• Why community changes businesses — and virality doesn’t
• A healthier way to look at metrics without letting them control you

You’re allowed one data day per month.

That’s it.

One day to review metrics as data, not validation — and then you get back to building with clarity and confidence.

➡️ Get your free Wanderlust Campus account: https://wanderlust-ceo.com
➡️ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellihayessmith

🎧 New full episodes of Social Takeoff drop every Tuesday
🧼 Bonus Friday episodes: The Soapbox

Song: You’re On Your Own, Kid
Lyric: “Everything you lose is a step you take.”

Let go of pressure. Let go of comparison. Let go of checklist marketing.

Clarity comes next.

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

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

Dig in with these 3 content goals!

Host: Kelli Hayes Smith
Podcast: Social Takeoff
Episode Length: ~24 minutes
Keywords: travel marketing, social media, engagement, views, algorithms, ideal client, conversions, SEO, content creation, trust building

🎧 Episode Summary:

In this empowering episode, Kelli Hayes Smith dives headfirst into one of the biggest mistakes travel professionals make in their marketing: chasing views over results. With an honest and refreshing perspective, Kelli breaks down the truth behind social media metrics, explains how algorithms really work, and guides travel advisors toward what actually moves the needle—connection, conversions, and consistency.

Whether you're a new travel advisor or a seasoned pro trying to scale, this episode will reframe how you look at your content. Get ready to move beyond vanity metrics and into marketing that builds trust, reaches your ideal client, and drives real business growth.

🔑 What You’ll Learn

• Why views and likes don’t equal income

• How to work with the algorithm (instead of fighting it)

• The crucial difference between going viral and getting clients

• Why consistent content for your ideal client beats trending audio every time

• How engagement fuels visibility and trust fuels conversions

• Why SEO still matters in 2025—and how to use it to be found online

• Kelli’s favorite strategies for content that connects and converts

📌 Episode Chapters:

00:00 – Debunking Travel Marketing Myths
03:03 – The Dangers of Chasing Views
05:52 – Understanding Social Media Algorithms
09:07 – The Importance of Engagement Over Views
11:57 – Creating Content for Your Ideal Client
14:51 – Building Trust and Conversions
18:01 – The Role of SEO in Travel Marketing
21:09 – Strategies for Effective Marketing
24:02 – Final Thoughts and Call to Action

🔥 Sound Bites:

"It's all about the views? I'm calling BS."

"Engagement breeds more views."

"Your audience is listening—talk to them."

"Be really, really good at what you do."

"It's not about being seen by everyone—it’s about being seen by the right ones."

🎯 Perfect For:

• Travel agents who are tired of the content hamster wheel

• Advisors trying to build a brand, not just a feed

• Anyone looking to turn followers into paying clients

• Travel pros who want to create smarter, more strategic marketing plans

📣 Call to Action:

If you’re ready to stop chasing views and start building trust that leads to conversions, this episode is your spark. Need help building a content plan that connects? Check out our free resources at WanderlustCampus.com and join our community of marketing-savvy travel pros.

Most travel advisors aren’t “bad at marketing.”
They’re letting platforms decide whether their marketing is working.

In this final Reset Episode, we’re talking about what happens when you let algorithms, trends, and engagement metrics dictate your confidence, your content, and your strategy — and why that approach quietly steals momentum from your business.

We’ll talk about:

• Why likes, views, and comments are not real KPIs
• How reacting to trends and algorithm chatter pulls you off-center
• The difference between content that’s “good for Instagram” and content that’s good for your business
• Why proactive marketing creates clarity, confidence, and compounding growth
• How to identify the conversations and lanes you actually want to lead

And I’ll leave you with one clear action to reset how you approach content moving forward — without chasing trends, burning out, or second-guessing yourself.

✨ This episode is part of the Reset Series, all tied to the Taylor Swift song This Is Me Trying — because showing up, recalibrating, and choosing clarity counts.

Resources & Links

• Create your free Wanderlust Campus account: https://wanderlust-ceo.com
• Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellihayessmith

🎧 New full episodes drop Tuesdays.
🔥 Bonus mini-episodes (The Soapbox) drop Fridays.

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

Today on 5 things Friday, Kelli is breaking down the overwhelming number of Disney promotions, a few things her team is seeing when it comes to reach on socials, and a hot topic that happened in her IG Comments this week! Take a listen!

And don't forget to leave a review!

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

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!!

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!

Let’s be honest — square footage and brochure stats won’t sell your services. If you’ve ever left a supplier meeting with a bunch of generic info and zero clarity on how to use it in your marketing… this episode is for you.

In episode 2 of the Don’t Market Like a Supplier series, we’re talking about the five questions to ask your BDM (or supplier contact) that actually matter — and how their answers can shape your content, boost your bottom line, and keep your brand message clear.

You’ll learn:
✅ What booking window data can teach you about your funnel
✅ How to identify hidden add-ons to increase commissions
✅ How to use supplier trends and spotlight promos to ride the wave
✅ Why general info ≠ strong strategy
✅ The difference between selling a trip vs. selling your service

Whether you’re new to working with BDMs or ready to level up your conversations, this one will change the way you prep for every supplier interaction moving forward.

🔗 Bonus: Listen to last week’s episode first if you haven’t already — it's the perfect setup for this conversation.

Follow Me on Instagram

Welcome to the first episode of our brand-new 5-part series: Stop Marketing Like a Supplier

In this powerful episode, Kelli Hayes Smith shares the truth behind why so many travel advisors struggle to stand out in a saturated space — and it's not because of lack of effort, it's because of supplier-style marketing.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why supplier content doesn't work for building YOUR brand

• The big shift you need to make if you want to sell transformation, not transactions

• How you're competing with online booking tools — not other advisors

• Why loud marketing isn’t better marketing (and what to do instead)

• The skincare analogy you’ll never forget

Whether you’re still using supplier content or wondering why your posts aren’t converting, this episode will help you see your business in a whole new light.

Don’t miss next week’s episode: 5 Questions to Ask Your BDM That Actually Matter

🎧 Listen now and take your seat as the main character in your marketing story.

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"

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

Welcome back to Social Takeoff — and to reset episode two.

If marketing has felt overwhelming, frustrating, or like one more thing on an already full to-do list, this episode is for you.

In this reset, we talk about why marketing feels so heavy for travel advisors — and why the problem usually isn’t effort, discipline, or motivation.

It’s expectations.

We’ve been taught that marketing should:

• work quickly
• create instant results
• reward consistency immediately
• look like what’s working for everyone else

And when it doesn’t, we assume we’re doing something wrong.

In this episode, we unpack:

• Why marketing overwhelm is often caused by unclear expectations
• How comparison and constant consumption make marketing feel impossible
• Why doing more isn’t the answer
• How to release pressure without giving up momentum
• What it looks like to reset instead of quit

This episode isn’t about fixing everything.

It’s about understanding what marketing is actually responsible for — and what it’s not.

👉 Get your free Wanderlust Campus account:
https://wanderlust-ceo.com

👉 Follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kellihayessmith

Get ready to shake off the negativity and embrace the bright side as we dive into recent challenges faced by travel agents and how they're flipping the script with transparency and flair.

Chapters:

00:00 - Navigating Stormy Seas: Recent Negative Incidents Involving Travel Agents

03:18 - The Traveler's Tale: The Perception of Travel Agents as Non-Essential

08:10 - Facing the Music: Addressing Concerns and Objections in Marketing

11:09 - Content Carnival: Creating Content to Combat Negative Perceptions

13:44 - Behind the Scenes: Explaining Payment Processing, Booking, and Planning Processes

15:21 - Owner's Oasis: Addressing Concerns for Travel Agency Owners

Takeaways:

• Riding the Wave of Transparency: Showcasing processes and value is key for travel agents.
• Straight Talk, No Fluff: Addressing concerns head-on builds trust and loyalty.
• Content is King: From blog posts to reels, engaging content educates and inspires.
• Series Power: Dive deep with a series of content to combat negative perceptions.
• Support for All: Travel agency owners with independent contractors need special attention.

Titles:

• Addressing Concerns: A Guide for Travel Agency Owners
• Flipping the Script: Creating Captivating Content for Travel Agents

Sound Bites:

• "People see us as a, I don't have to have that. I can do this on my own."
• "Understanding that some of these things are in people's minds and creating content that's going to hit those objections head-on could be really crucial."
• "Understanding what they need to learn from it. The, now the other."

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

In this episode, Kelli Hayes Smith explores the critical awareness phase of the buyer journey, the first and most essential step in attracting new clients.

She breaks down the four buyer phases—awareness, consideration, conversion, and loyalty—and focuses on how travel agents can increase their visibility.

Kelli shares actionable insights on leveraging social media, SEO, networking, and in-person events to build awareness.

She also explains why understanding your ideal client is the cornerstone of effective marketing and emphasizes the importance of investing time or money into awareness strategies that work for your business.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why the awareness phase is critical to your business growth
• How to leverage social media for visibility without relying solely on it
• Tips for creating engaging content to attract attention
• The role of SEO and search sites like Google and YouTube in lead generation
• How networking groups can lead to faster client conversions
• The power of in-person events for building trust and credibility
• Why referrals and repeat clients are essential for long-term success
• How to identify and market effectively to your ideal client

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• 🌟 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/

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

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!

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

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

In this episode, Kelli Hayes Smith dives into the common misconceptions about travel agents and the pressing need to shift the industry's narrative.

She challenges the outdated perception that travel agents are unnecessary due to online booking platforms, emphasizing the transformative value they provide to clients.

Kelli shares practical strategies for travel agents to communicate their unique value proposition, focusing on the experience and transformation they create for clients rather than just the logistics of booking trips.

This episode offers actionable insights for building a compelling client experience, changing industry perception, and positioning travel agents as trusted advisors. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why travel agents are often misunderstood in today’s travel landscape
• How to effectively shift the narrative around the role of travel agents
• The importance of focusing on client transformation over transactions
• Why you should stop using the word “book” in your marketing
• How to highlight potential challenges clients face without an agent
• Tips for creating content that showcases the client experience
• How awareness content can lead to deeper client engagement
• Strategies to position yourself as a travel advisor, not just a booking agent

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• 🌟 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/

Welcome to Social Takeoff — and welcome to the reset.

This episode is the first of a three-part reset series dropping on New Year’s Day, created for travel advisors who feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or discouraged by marketing.

If marketing felt heavy last year…
If you tried to learn all the things…
If you showed up even when it was hard…

This episode is for you.

In this reset, we talk about why marketing feels so overwhelming, why trying harder isn’t the answer, and why the problem usually isn’t motivation or effort — it’s clarity and direction.

This episode is about:

• Releasing the pressure to do everything
• Letting go of perfection as the starting point
• Understanding why progress matters more than polish
• Giving yourself permission to reset without guilt
• Seeing yourself and your voice as part of your marketing

This is not about throwing last year away.

It’s about realigning, refocusing, and rebuilding intentionally.

You showed up. That counts.

Now let’s move forward with clarity.

👉 Get your free Wanderlust Campus account:
https://wanderlust-ceo.com

👉 Follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kellihayessmith

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.

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!

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!

I'm going to blow your mind today, it is time to stop thinking about your offer as a destination - and start marketing your service as your offer! Today we are talking about 3 unique ways to talk about your service, and what you do as a travel professional. 

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review!