Live From The Hive 🐝

Katie Bessant
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  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A show sharing all of the highs and lows about being a holiday cottage owner, as well as marketing top tips and tricks.

  1. Ep #16 - What It Takes to Transform Land or Property Into a Thriving Business with Sonia Aucott

    08/22/2025

    Ep #16 - What It Takes to Transform Land or Property Into a Thriving Business with Sonia Aucott

    Join host Katie Bessant as she sits down with Sonia Aucott of Aucott Interior Design to explore how farms, vineyards, country estates, and rural businesses can successfully diversify into hospitality. In this episode, we unpack: 🌿 The key questions to ask before starting a hospitality project on your land 🏡 How to decide between cottages, glamping, event barns, or other accommodation types 📋 Why planning, operations, and guest experience all need to be mapped out early ✨ The design touches that create that all-important “wow factor” for your guests ♿ Why accessibility is becoming a must-have (and how it boosts ROI) 📸 How branding, photography, and partnerships can help you stand out and attract bookings 🌟 Find out more about Sonia's upcoming event here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rural-diversification-heritage-hospitality-and-land-use-reimagined-tickets-1552165281139?aff=oddtdtcreator 🌟 🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theholidayhive.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive 🌟CONNECT WITH SONIA 🌟 Website: https://www.aucottinteriordesign.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aucottinteriordesign/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aucottinteriordesign/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniaaucott/

    26 min
  2. Ep #15 - Why You Should Ditch Your Agent and Run Your Holiday Cottage Yourself with Katie Bessant

    07/18/2025

    Ep #15 - Why You Should Ditch Your Agent and Run Your Holiday Cottage Yourself with Katie Bessant

    Join me as I chat through the pros and cons of running your holiday cottage yourself and some top tips on your first steps to going it alone! In this episode, we dive into the benefits of taking control of your holiday rental business, and I share my top 5 tips for setting up and taking your own bookings.🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theholidayhive.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficialYouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHiveIf you've got any questions about marketing your property, please email them over to katie@theholidayhive.com

    14 min
  3. Ep #14 - Taking Control: A Host’s Guide to Direct Booking Success with Leo Walton from Truvi

    07/04/2025

    Ep #14 - Taking Control: A Host’s Guide to Direct Booking Success with Leo Walton from Truvi

    Join host Katie Bessant as she sits down with Leo Walton, co-founder of Truvi (formerly Superhog), for a straight-talking, insight-packed episode every holiday let owner needs to hear! In this episode, we dive into: 💡 Why direct bookings matter more than ever and how to start taking them confidently 🔐 How to protect your property and guests without relying on OTAs ⚙️ The tools and tech that make direct booking simple (even if you're not tech-savvy) 🚫 The common fears that hold hosts back and how to overcome them for good Whether you're just starting out or ready to take control of your short-term rental business, this episode is packed with practical tips and perspective-shifting advice to help you build a more profitable, resilient hosting strategy. 🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theholidayhive.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive 🌟CONNECT WITH LEO 🌟 Website: https://truvi.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leo_f_walton/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-walton-aa59bb25/

    40 min
  4. Ep #13 - Sustainable Holiday Letting at Scale: Renate’s Story of 9 Cottages in Scotland with Renate Powell

    06/27/2025

    Ep #13 - Sustainable Holiday Letting at Scale: Renate’s Story of 9 Cottages in Scotland with Renate Powell

    Join host Katie Bessant as she chats with Renate, the inspiring owner of Bonawe House Holiday Cottages on the stunning west coast of Scotland. In this episode, we dive into: 🏔 Renate’s journey from the Netherlands to running 9 holiday cottages in rural Scotland 🔧 How she transformed and modernised a dated property with energy-efficient upgrades ♻️ Smart sustainability tips that benefit guests and the environment 🧺 What it’s really like managing all the laundry and maintenance herself 💥 Her most jaw-dropping guest experience 💡 Her no-nonsense advice on spending wisely as a property owner This is a must-listen for anyone running a holiday let! Packed with practical insights, a lot of honesty, and a touch of mountain air! 🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theholidayhive.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive 🌟CONNECT WITH RENATE 🌟 Website: https://bonawehouse.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonawehousecottages/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonawehouse

    27 min
  5. Ep #12 - Why You’re Not Getting Booked on Airbnb - and What to Do About It with Kay Gibbs

    06/19/2025

    Ep #12 - Why You’re Not Getting Booked on Airbnb - and What to Do About It with Kay Gibbs

    Join host Katie Bessant as she sits down with Kay Gibbs, expert holiday let coach, for a value-packed conversation every Airbnb host needs to hear! In this episode, we dive into: 💡 Kay’s top 5 tips for boosting your Airbnb bookings 📸 The game-changing impact of great photography on your listing 🙅‍♀️ The most common mistakes hosts make (and how to avoid them) ⛔️ The truth behind those persistent Airbnb myths and legends Whether you're just starting out on the platform or looking to level up your hosting game, this episode is full of actionable insights you won’t want to miss! 🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theholidayhive.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive 🌟CONNECT WITH KAY 🌟 Website: https://www.kaygibbs.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaygibbs_holidayletcoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaygibbsmentor

    39 min
  6. Ep #11 - From Victorian Cottage to Coastal Haven: Joanne's Journey to a Dream Holiday Let

    06/13/2025

    Ep #11 - From Victorian Cottage to Coastal Haven: Joanne's Journey to a Dream Holiday Let

    Join host Katie Bessant as she interviews Joanne from Our Place in Portland – a story of transformation, resilience, and coastal charm. During the episode we chat about: 🔨 From Wreck to Retreat – How Joanne and her husband lovingly restored a crumbling Victorian cottage into a beautiful holiday let on the Jurassic Coast. 📱 Marketing That Works – How Joanne uses Instagram, Facebook, and her own website to attract bookings (including one that came directly from a single post!). ♻️ Eco Touches with Impact – The simple yet effective sustainable choices that helped them win a Level 6 sustainability award in Dorset. 🏠 Booking Strategy – Why they list on Airbnb and Booking.com, but focus on driving direct bookings for better guest relationships and more control. 💬 Real Talk on Resilience – Joanne opens up about being diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after launching and how she and her husband kept the business going strong. 😳 Guest Horror Story – A fridge full of fish, a mysterious smell, and what they learned from a booking gone wrong. 🧠 Advice for Aspiring Hosts – Joanne’s top tips for those looking to start or refine their holiday let journey. 🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theholidayhive.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive 🌟CONNECT WITH JOANNE 🌟 Website: https://www.ourplaceinportland.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/our_place_in_portland/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourplaceinportland/

    22 min
  7. Ep #10 - Booked by Design: Styling, Systems & Smart Marketing for Holiday Homes

    06/05/2025

    Ep #10 - Booked by Design: Styling, Systems & Smart Marketing for Holiday Homes

    Join host Katie Bessant as she interviews Sharon & Dee, The Holiday Home Girls.During the episode we chat about:🎨 Styling for Guests, Not Yourself – Why styling your holiday home with the guest in mind (not personal taste) is crucial for bookings and creating a memorable experience.📸 Photography & First Impressions – The role of professional photos in making your property stand out online and attract clicks.🧩 Systems That Save Time – How having the right systems in place can streamline operations and reduce stress for holiday home owners and managers.📣 Marketing That Converts – Tips on using social media, direct booking websites, and email marketing to drive direct bookings and build a loyal guest base.🌱 Lessons from the Field – Real stories, including guest horror tales, eco-friendly styling tips, and what most owners get wrong when setting up their property.🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theholidayhive.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficialYouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive🌟CONNECT WITH SHARON & DEE 🌟 Website: ⁠⁠https://www.theholidayhomegirls.com.au/Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhomegirls/Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheHolidayHomeGirls/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-holiday-home-girls/To contact Katie, email ⁠⁠⁠⁠katie@theholidayhive.com

    28 min
  8. Ep #9 - Behind the Scenes at Seaflowers: Building a Standout Guest Experience with Suzy Greenwood

    11/10/2024

    Ep #9 - Behind the Scenes at Seaflowers: Building a Standout Guest Experience with Suzy Greenwood

    Join host Katie Bessant as she interviews Suzy Greenwood from Seaflowers, Devon. During the episode we chat about: - How Suzy renovated her family's B&B into a luxury guest house - The renovation process and how she curated unique, themed rooms - Marketing strategies to generate bookings, including press opportunities - The daily challenges of managing a rental and the importance of a support network. - Suzy's future plans for Seaflowers 🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theholidayhive.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive⁠⁠ 🌟CONNECT WITH SUZY 🌟 Website: ⁠⁠https://seaflowers.co.uk/ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/seaflowersdevon Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/seaflowersguesthousedevon To contact Katie, email ⁠⁠⁠⁠katie@theholidayhive.com

    22 min
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About

A show sharing all of the highs and lows about being a holiday cottage owner, as well as marketing top tips and tricks.

Information

  • Creator
    Katie Bessant
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Katie Bessant
  • Show Website
    Live From The Hive 🐝