Get Fully Booked

Sarah Orchard
  • 5.0 (19)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Get Fully Booked is for Airbnb hosts, holiday cottage and glampsite owners who are ready to master their marketing so they can ditch their reliance on online agents and grow their direct bookings. Your host Sarah Orchard, an award-winning marketing strategist, #1 Amazon best-selling author, and fellow host; will share with you exactly what it takes to grow your direct bookings and the simple marketing steps to get more profit in your pocket! She shares her proven marketing strategies and interviews fellow hosts to find out what has worked for them and how they have achieved more direct bookings.

  1. The Market has Changed...Winging Your Marketing is No Longer an Option

    4 DAYS AGO

    The Market has Changed...Winging Your Marketing is No Longer an Option

    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 what's shifted in the short-term rental market, backed by real data. But don't panic, I'm also walking you through exactly what you need to do differently to stay fully booked in 2026 and beyond. You'll discover why that "I'll post something when I remember" approach is leaving you invisible when it matters most, and why you need an always-on marketing system instead of scrambling to fill gaps in your calendar at the last minute. I'm talking about email marketing that builds relationships year-round, SEO-friendly blog posts that drive steady traffic, and consistent social content. The truth is, the hosts who launched during the post-Covid staycation boom didn't need polished brands or marketing plans—bookings just flew in. But those days are over. The hosts who'll thrive now are the ones treating their business like a proper business, with a marketing strategy, an action plan, and tracking what's actually working. Because here's the thing, you don't need to do MORE marketing. You just need to do the RIGHT marketing consistently. And that's the exciting part! --- Key Takeaways Booking windows have shrunk by nearly 30% since 2019. Guests are now booking 1 to 3 weeks out instead of 2 months in advance.More competition means pickier guests. There's been massive growth in accommodation supply, so guests are taking their time, comparing options, and waiting for deals before they book.If you're only posting when you panic about calendar gaps, you've already missed the boat because your ideal guests have booked with someone else.The hosts who'll thrive now are the ones treating their business like a proper business with a marketing plan and a brand that stands out.You don't need MORE marketing, you need the RIGHT marketing. It's about having a strategy, being consistent, tracking what works, and ditching what doesn't. --- Further Information The Fully Booked Business Club™ --- *BOOTCAMP IS BACK! My Direct Bookings Bootcamp is now available ON DEMAND. Let’s make 2026 your best year yet for direct bookings! Find out more --- 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! --- Connect with Sarah: Website Instagram LinkedIn ---

    20 min
  2. Two Treehouses, Two Audiences: Finding the Right Guests at One Acre Wood with Sean Ronan

    27 OCT

    Two Treehouses, Two Audiences: Finding the Right Guests at One Acre Wood with Sean Ronan

    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 well, so I know that's the understatement of the century!), but Sean and Annie absolutely smashed it. They've built a thriving business through clever marketing partnerships with local businesses, even landing a spot on George Clark's Amazing Spaces. Not too shabby! What I love about their approach is how thoughtful everything is. We're talking copper baths instead of the standard hot tubs, locally sourced materials, and a design that genuinely works for both excited kids and adults wanting a peaceful escape. They've created something that feels authentically connected to the local area, not just another glamping site plonked in a field. Sean's really honest about the challenges of marketing to two completely different audiences—families versus couples—and how they've navigated that tricky balance. He's also refreshingly down-to-earth about hosting, making guests feel welcome without being intrusive. It's that sweet spot we all aim for. The big takeaway? They've deliberately kept it small with just two treehouses. This isn't about cramming in as many units as possible—it's about creating a serene, private experience where guests can actually enjoy nature without feeling like they're in a holiday park. So, if you're thinking about launching something unique in the holiday let world, or you're struggling to differentiate yourself from the competition, this episode is packed with brilliant insights and practical advice that'll get you thinking differently about your business. --- Key Takeaways Strategic marketing and clever partnerships are essential for building direct bookingsWorking with the right channel partners helps you reach different audiencesUsing local materials and craftsmanship creates an authentic experience that sets you apart from cookie-cutter glamping sitesDesigning spaces that genuinely work for both children and adults opens up your potential guest market significantlyPersonal touches and thoughtful hosting transform first-time guests into loyal repeat visitorsListening to guest feedback and maintaining sky-high standards generates the kind of reviews that fill your calendar --- Further Information One Acre Wood Follow One Acre Wood on Instagram The Fully Booked Business Club™ --- *BOOTCAMP IS BACK! My Direct Bookings Bootcamp is now available ON DEMAND. Let’s make 2026 your best year yet for direct bookings! Find out more --- 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! --- Connect with Sarah: a...

    37 min
  3. 5 Tips to Grow Your Email List Quickly

    20 OCT

    5 Tips to Grow Your Email List Quickly

    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 into thin air. But your email list? That's yours. Forever. So, in this episode, I'm sharing five practical, proven strategies to grow your email list faster than you ever thought possible. And no, you don't need to be a tech wizard or a marketing genius to make this work, I promise! We're talking about proper incentives that actually get people signing up (hint: nobody cares about your "monthly newsletter"), making it ridiculously easy for guests to join your list, and using your social media the right way - as a funnel, not the endgame. I'm also sharing some real examples from my own business because, let's face it, theory is lovely, but you need to know what actually works in practice. This isn't about complicated funnels or fancy software; it's about simple, consistent actions that fill your booking calendar with direct guests who pay you properly. So, if you're tired of handing over your hard-earned income to Airbnb and Booking.com, this episode is your starting point. Grab a cuppa and let's sort your email marketing once and for all! --- Key Takeaways Email marketing is the single most effective tool for boosting direct bookings and profit marginsDitch "newsletter" language - tell people exactly what value they'll get from joining your listMake signup forms easy to find and fill in across your website and booking journeyStrategic incentives (discounts, exclusive offers, free upsells) significantly accelerate list growthUse social media as a traffic driver to your email list, not as your main marketing strategyConsistent email campaigns steadily fill your calendar with profitable direct bookings --- Further Information Email Marketing Training --- *BOOTCAMP IS BACK! My Direct Bookings Bootcamp is now available ON DEMAND. Let’s make 2026 your best year yet for direct bookings! Find out more --- 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! --- Connect with Sarah: Website Instagram LinkedIn ---

    20 min
  4. Would You Move Out and Rent Your Own Home Charlotte from The Scarlet Hen Did – and Built a Thriving Business!”

    13 OCT

    Would You Move Out and Rent Your Own Home Charlotte from The Scarlet Hen Did – and Built a Thriving Business!”

    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 caters to the needs of her guests, creating an unforgettable experience. The episode dives deep into the challenges of managing a property that's also your home, the logistics of moving out every weekend, and how to maintain a welcoming atmosphere for guests. Charlotte shares her marketing wisdom and how she's managed to ditch reliance on online booking agents, instead focusing on building her brand and direct bookings. This chat is filled with real life practical tips for anyone looking to navigate the world of short-term rentals while keeping their sanity intact. --- Key Takeaways: Ditch the online agents and focus on building your own brand for direct bookingsNecessity really can spark innovation - Charlotte's weekend rental prove it works!Creating memorable experiences for specific groups (like hen parties) leads to incredible reviews and repeat businessOrganisation and routine are absolutely crucial when you're living this double lifeDirect bookings put significantly more profit in your pocket - find creative ways to encourage themBuilding genuine connections with guests makes them more respectful and likely to return --- About this week's guest: The Scarlet Hen, Norfolk House Follow Scarlet Hen on Instagram --- *BOOTCAMP IS BACK! My Direct Bookings Bootcamp is now available ON DEMAND. Let’s make 2026 your best year yet for direct bookings! Find out more --- 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! --- Connect with Sarah: Website Instagram LinkedIn ---

    32 min
  5. Blogging for Google Visibility

    6 OCT

    Blogging for Google Visibility

    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 Google to actually notice your holiday cottage or glamping site. Think of each blog post as a brand new doorway for your ideal guests to find you. While you're sleeping, doing the school run, or mucking out the horses (yes, that's me!) - your blog posts are working away in the background, pulling in website visitors who are actively searching for precisely what you offer. I'm breaking down exactly how to create content that your guests actually care about, and talking proper SEO that works, choosing topics that convert visitors into bookings, and why you don't need to be churning out posts every single day to see results. The best bit? This is evergreen content that keeps on giving. Write it once, and it'll be driving traffic to your website for months - even years - to come. That's what I call marketing smarter, not harder! --- Key Takeaways: Blogging remains one of the most powerful tools for boosting your Google visibilityFresh, quality content is essential for driving direct bookings to your businessSEO is passive marketing that works around the clock (even while you sleep!) See episode 33 for more on this!Write about topics your ideal guests genuinely care about, not random fluffOne brilliant blog post per month beats ten mediocre ones every timeEvergreen content continues working for you long after you hit publish --- Further Training: Blogging for Online Visibility & Google Rankings - join my Membership to access affordable training on blogging --- *BOOTCAMP IS BACK! My Direct Bookings Bootcamp is now available ON DEMAND. Let’s make 2026 your best year yet for direct bookings! Find out more --- 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! --- Connect with Sarah: Website Instagram LinkedIn ---

    22 min
  6. Marketing while you Sleep - The Power of SEO!

    29 SEPT

    Marketing while you Sleep - The Power of SEO!

    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 running real businesses. Now, I know SEO can feel like trying to crack some mysterious code that Google keeps changing (because, let's face it, they do!). But here's the thing - it doesn't have to be overwhelming or turn you into a tech wizard overnight. So if you've been wondering how to get Google to notice your gorgeous short-term rental or glamping property without staying up all night tweaking keywords, grab a cuppa and let's get into it! --- Key Takeaways: SEO isn't rocket science - it's just about helping the right guests find you when they're searchingYour website can be working for you 24/7, even when you're fast asleep (now that's what I call a good employee!)Small, consistent efforts beat massive overhauls every single timeGoogle loves fresh content, but it doesn't have to be perfect - progress over perfection, alwaysDon't get caught up in all the technical stuff - focus on what your guests actually want to know --- Further SEO Training: SEO Case Studies: Join my Membership to access the course SEO Tools: Yoast SEO - Free WordPress Plugin --- *BOOTCAMP IS BACK! My Direct Bookings Bootcamp is now available ON DEMAND. Let’s make 2026 your best year yet for direct bookings! Find out more --- 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! --- Connect with Sarah: Website Instagram LinkedIn ---

    17 min
  7. Attracting Large Groups to your Property with Ed Maughan & Sarah Pursey

    22 SEPT

    Attracting Large Groups to your Property with Ed Maughan & Sarah Pursey

    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 birthdays, corporate retreats and more. Each one needs a different approach, and frankly, most hosts are missing a trick here. Ed's been banging the drum about direct bookings (music to my ears!), and he'll tell you exactly why ditching those booking agents is crucial when you're dealing with larger groups. Meanwhile, Sarah's juggling multiple properties and has some seriously smart marketing strategies that actually work. We're covering everything from ensuring guests return again and again to creating visuals that actually show groups how your space works for them. No fluff, no nonsense - just practical advice that'll help you fill those bigger properties and get more profit in your pocket. --- Key Takeaways Mastering marketing is key to ditching online agents and boosting direct bookings.Growing direct bookings takes simple marketing steps that put more profit in your pocket!Group accommodations are unique and require different marketing strategies than smaller properties, for real.Capturing email addresses from your guests can lead to repeat bookings, so think smart!High-quality visuals and clear info about your property setup are essential for group bookings, trust me.Understanding guest behaviour for group bookings is crucial, especially for special occasions like reunions. --- Find out more: Group Accommodation Scenic Stays Herefordshire: www.trevasecottages.co.uk www.oldbarnhousehereford.co.uk www.bettwscourtretreats.co.uk --- *BOOTCAMP IS BACK! My Direct Bookings Bootcamp is now available ON DEMAND. Let’s make 2026 your best year yet for direct bookings! Find out more --- 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! --- Connect with Sarah: Website Instagram LinkedIn ---

    31 min
  8. AI - Marketing Content Gold or a Dangerous Trap?

    15 SEPT

    AI - Marketing Content Gold or a Dangerous Trap?

    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 that bland, cookie-cutter stuff a mile off! So, what's the reality check on AI? It's brilliant for speeding up your content creation (thank goodness, because who has time to stare at blank screens all day?), but it needs YOUR personality stamped all over it. Think of AI as your enthusiastic intern who's great at research and first drafts, but still needs you to add the brand magic. I'm sharing why your unique story - the reason you got into hosting, that quirky feature of your property, your genuine passion for creating amazing guest experiences - is what actually converts browsers into bookers. No AI can replicate that! Plus, a heads-up about fact-checking. AI sometimes gets a bit... creative with the truth. Always double-check before you hit publish, especially when it comes to local information or specific details about your area. The bottom line? Use AI as your brainstorming buddy and research assistant, but never let it take over your brand voice. Your guests aren't booking a generic experience - they're choosing YOU and your property because of what makes you different. Ready to get AI working for you without losing what makes your marketing uniquely yours? Let's dive in! --- Key Takeaways: AI can be your best bud for marketing, just don't let it take the wheel completelyContent created by AI needs your personal touch, or it risks sounding like a robotUsing AI can speed up your content creation, but keep your brand voice in checkAlways double-check the facts AI gives you; it can sometimes make stuff upYour unique story is what makes guests book, so don't lose that in AI-generated contentAI is a tool for brainstorming and research, but you're still the boss of your marketing --- Further training: How to prompt AI training --- *BOOTCAMP IS BACK! My Direct Bookings Bootcamp is now available ON DEMAND. Let’s make 2026 your best year yet for direct bookings! Find out more --- 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! --- Connect with Sarah: Website Instagram LinkedIn ---

    16 min
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Trailers

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out of 5
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About

Get Fully Booked is for Airbnb hosts, holiday cottage and glampsite owners who are ready to master their marketing so they can ditch their reliance on online agents and grow their direct bookings. Your host Sarah Orchard, an award-winning marketing strategist, #1 Amazon best-selling author, and fellow host; will share with you exactly what it takes to grow your direct bookings and the simple marketing steps to get more profit in your pocket! She shares her proven marketing strategies and interviews fellow hosts to find out what has worked for them and how they have achieved more direct bookings.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Orchard
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Sarah Orchard
  • Show Website
    Get Fully Booked

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