The Social Takeoff Podcast with Kelli Hayes Smith

Show Notes Travel agents, some of your best content is already happening in conversations with your clients. The question is: are you listening for it? In Part 3 of the PLOT framework, we're digging into LISTEN and the Client Story. This is the content that shows what you do with what your clients tell you, including the tiny comments they may not even realize completely changed what you recommended. We're also rethinking social proof. Because no, I don't want you taking another great Google review, putting it on a pretty Canva graphic, adding five stars and calling it content. Your testimonials are valuable, but the story behind those words is where the good stuff is. In this episode, we're talking about how to recognize those stories in client conversations, mine your existing reviews and testimonials for content, use the actual language your clients use, and let potential clients watch you be good at your job instead of simply telling them you are. And if you're a brand-new travel agent without a bunch of bookings or testimonials yet, we're talking about you too. Your own travel, training, questions you're asked and conversations with real travelers can all help you start building this skill now. Because your clients don't have to tell people you're good at your job. Your content can let people watch you be good at your job. PLOT: Part 3 LISTEN → Client Story The question: What did they say that mattered? Next week: OBSTACLE → Challenge Story Let’s Connect Instagram: @kellihayessmith LinkedIn: Kelli Hayes Smith And if this episode gives you a Client Story idea, come tell me about it on Instagram. I want to hear what you found. And if The Social Takeoff is helping you market your travel business differently, I’d love it if you’d leave a rating or review wherever you listen. It helps more travel agents find the show, and yes, I’m absolutely a words-of-affirmation girl.

Travel agents, your booking is probably not the most interesting part of the story. In Part 2 of my PLOT Framework series, we're digging into the P: PICK , and the Decision Story hiding inside the proposals and bookings you're already creating. Because a “just booked” post tells me what happened. A Decision Story tells me why it happened. Why did you choose that resort over another one? Why did you tell your client to spend more on the hotel and save somewhere else? Why did you rule out the option they originally thought they wanted? What did you know, notice or consider that helped you make the recommendation? THAT is the part that shows me your expertise. And we're also talking about why I've changed my mind about the educational content I used to tell travel agents to create. When information was harder to access, sharing information could help demonstrate what you knew. But your clients now have Google, AI and endless information at their fingertips. Your marketing can't stop at “look what I know.” It needs to let people watch what you do with what you know. In this episode, I'm unpacking how to: Tell a Decision Story instead of a Booking Story Turn educational content from telling your expertise into showing it Find the PICK hiding inside even the most “run-of-the-mill” proposal Use three questions to uncover the actual story: What did I pick? Why did I pick it? What would have made me pick differently? Find the piece of your decision your potential client wouldn't know to consider Take ONE Decision Story and turn it into carousels, Reels, talking-head videos, emails, LinkedIn content and long-form content Build PLOT into your workflow so creating marketing content stops feeling like an entirely separate job I also walk through one Decision Story and show you exactly how I'd change the angle and format to use that same story across different platforms. Because that's the bigger goal of PLOT: Story first. Format second. You don't need to sit down and come up with an Instagram idea, an email idea, a LinkedIn idea and a blog idea. Do the work you're already doing. Find the PLOT. Then decide where you want to tell the story. Next week, we're moving to L: LISTEN and the Client Story: the questions, conversations and things your clients say that are already giving you another entire category of content. Your homework: Pull up your most recent proposal and ask yourself: What did I pick? Why did I pick it? What would have made me pick something different? Come hang out with me: 📲 Instagram: instagram.com/kellihayessmith 💻 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kellihayessmith

SHOW NOTES Travel agents, what if your biggest content problem isn't that you don't know what to post, but that you aren't recognizing the content you're already creating? In this episode, I'm introducing The PLOT Framework , a new framework I've developed to help travel agents find the stories hiding inside the work they're already doing. Because every time you create a proposal, you're making decisions. You're listening to what your client is actually telling you. You're navigating challenges. And you're noticing tiny details that can completely change the vacation you recommend. That's the content. PLOT gives you four places to look: P — PICK: The Decision Story What did you pick, and why? L — LISTEN: The Client Story What did your client say that mattered? O — OBSTACLE: The Challenge Story What did you have to work around or solve? T — TINY DETAIL: The Difference Story What small detail changed the recommendation or experience? We're also talking about why storytelling matters more than ever in travel agent marketing, how AI is changing the research and booking process, and why showing your discernment is more powerful than simply telling potential clients you're an expert. And this is only the beginning. Over the next four episodes, we're breaking down each part of PLOT and talking about how to recognize these stories, frame them, and turn them into Reels, carousels, emails, captions, Stories, blogs and more. YOUR HOMEWORK: Pull up the last proposal you sent and find the PLOT. Then come tell me what you found in my Instagram DMs. LINKS + RESOURCES Come talk marketing with me on Instagram Connect with me on LinkedIn Watch The Social Takeoff on YouTube

Most travel advisors think they need better marketing. More reels. More visibility. More followers. But visibility without positioning is just noise. In this episode of The Social Takeoff Podcast, Kelli Hayes Smith breaks down the difference between marketing and positioning for travel advisors.. and why you need both to build a predictable, scalable travel business. You’ll learn: The real difference between travel marketing and travel positioning Why you can go viral and still make no sales How positioning builds trust while marketing builds visibility Why authority is what turns followers into booked clients The FAME Framework for travel advisors who want consistent growth The FAME Framework: F — Find Your Person A — Articulate the Problem M — Market With Intention E — Establish Authority If you’ve been creating content but not seeing consistent bookings, this episode will help you audit your strategy and fix what’s missing. Want more strategy like this? Get your free Wanderlust Campus account at: 👉 wanderlust-ceo.com Connect with Kelli on Instagram: 👉 www.instagram.com/kellihayessmith New episodes every Tuesday.

Episode Description Most travel agents think clients book once they’ve seen the right destination, deal, or itinerary. That’s not actually how decisions get made. In this episode, Kelli breaks down how questions — not explanations — are what help potential clients move from researching and scrolling… to feeling ready to book. These are the kinds of questions you can use in your content, emails, conversations, and social media that help clients understand themselves .. which is what actually leads to confident decisions. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why clients don’t struggle with where to go — but with what they want from the trip How to use questions to surface emotional and logistical friction The difference between pressure-based CTAs and momentum-based clarity How to reframe your value without talking about price How to turn one topic into multiple pieces of content that guide clients forward If you’ve ever felt like people are “almost ready” but never quite booking, this episode will change how you think about marketing. Key Topics Covered Questions that reveal the real problem clients are facing Clarifying expectations before destinations or itineraries Identifying friction without shaming or pressure Reframing value away from price and toward support Inviting momentum without urgency or scarcity tactics Action Step Pick one upcoming trip type you sell (family travel, cruises, Disney, honeymoons, etc.), Create content using questions , not explanations, and watch how your conversations change.

Ever feel like you’re saying the “right” things… and still not getting the DMs, leads, or bookings you expected? In today’s episode, I’m breaking down why that happens — and how to fix it without posting more. Here’s the truth: different buyers need different things to feel comfortable spending money. So if you’re only creating content that makes you feel confident… you’re going to miss entire groups of your ideal clients. In this episode, I’m walking you through 4 buyer personalities and exactly how to create content that speaks to each one — using the same topic, just said in a different way. And yes… I’m giving you an assignment. 😄 What you’ll learn: Why “more content ideas” isn’t the answer How to stretch one topic into 4 conversion-ready pieces The 4 buyer personalities (and what each one needs to hear) Why this isn’t manipulation — it’s clarity + kindness How to use data to figure out which types you connect with most Your homework: Pick one topic this week → create 4 pieces of content (one for each buyer type) → watch what your audience does. Links: Get your free Wanderlust Campus account: wanderlust-ceo.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/kellihayessmith Chapters: 00:00 – Why this episode matters (and why last week didn’t go out) 02:00 – You don’t need more ideas… you need to say the same thing differently 04:22 – Buyer personalities: how to use one topic for multiple types 05:20 – Buyer #1: The Connector (trust, relatability, “do you get me?”) 13:55 – What this buyer really needs (safe, seen, understood) 14:10 – Buyer #2: The Confident Chooser (authority, decisiveness) 18:38 – How to create content for “decide for me” people 20:51 – Buyer #3: The Researcher (clarity, logic, process) 25:36 – What content formats work best for this type 26:45 – Buyer #4: The Momentum Buyer (easy next step, low friction) 30:20 – Soapbox moment: your content doesn’t need to chase promos 32:13 – The strategy: 1 topic → 4 doorways 34:37 – Why this isn’t manipulation (it’s communication) 36:47 – Assignment + DM me your buyer type

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. What You’ll Learn in This Episode 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 Taylor Swift Moment 🎶 Lyric: “I can change everything about me to fit in” Song: Mirrorball — folklore (And why we’re done doing that.) Links & Resources 👉 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. Podcast Chapters 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

Episode Summary 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. In This Episode, We Talk About: 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 Homework from This Episode: 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. Links & Resources ➡️ 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.

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.

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

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

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.

✈️ 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 [31:00] 💥 Homework: Show up as you in your marketing once a week 📌 Episode Homework: Yep, there’s always homework with Kelli 😉 ✅ Your challenge: Show up once a week as yourself in your marketing. That could be a story, a live, a voice memo, or a behind-the-scenes photo—whatever feels authentic to you. 🔗 Resources & Mentions: 🎧 Bliss to Abundance Podcast 💻 Free Wanderlust Campus Account – Includes global calendar + mini courses 📸 Abby Grace Photography – Wander Beyond photographer 🌴 Wander Beyond Retreat Info – Don’t miss this if you’re an alum or experienced agent 🎉 Connect with Kelli: Instagram: @kellihayessmith Join the conversation in our Wanderlust Campus Community Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review, share with your team, or tag us in your stories—we love seeing how you take off with your marketing. 🚀

Host: Kelli Hayes Smith Podcast: Social Takeoff Keywords: travel marketing, ideal client, social media, client transformation, travel agents, marketing strategy, audience targeting, emotional connection, travel planning, content creation ✈️ Episode Summary : Raise your hand if your content calendar feels more like a game of “throw spaghetti at the wall and hope it sticks.” 🙋‍♀️ In this episode of Social Takeoff , Kelli Hayes Smith helps you clean up the marketing chaos and zoom in on what really matters: knowing exactly who you’re talking to . Forget trying to talk to “everyone who wants a vacation.” That’s not a strategy—it’s a one-way ticket to being invisible online. Kelli is here with the questions you didn’t know you needed to ask, so you can define your dream client , tell their transformation story, and finally create content that connects (and converts!). If your marketing feels like a mess, this episode is your deep breath, your clarity check, and your permission to niche all the way down. 💡 What You’ll Learn: Why early-stage marketing chaos is normal—but not forever The real reason your posts aren’t hitting (hint: you're too vague) How to define your ideal client beyond “likes Disney and beaches” The power of emotional connection in content that converts How to tell your client’s “before and after” transformation story Where your dream clients hang out—and how to meet them there The first step in attracting the right audience to your brand vibe 🧭 Episode Breakdown: 00:00 – Finding Clarity in Travel Marketing 02:53 – Understanding Your Ideal Client 06:00 – The Importance of Targeted Messaging 08:46 – Defining Your Ideal Client: Key Questions 12:01 – Transformations Through Travel 15:10 – Emotional Drivers in Travel Planning 17:50 – Crafting Your Client's Before and After Story 21:02 – What’s Next: Your Vibe, Your Tribe 🎙️ Mic-Drop Sound Bites: "Your clear message cuts through the noise.""Your ideal client isn’t 'everyone who breathes and likes margaritas.'""Travel isn’t just a trip—it’s a transformation.""You can’t connect deeply when your message is surface-level." 📣 Kelli’s Challenge for You: Take 15 minutes today and map out your ideal client’s before and after story. What are they struggling with before they find you? And how are they transformed by the experience you deliver? Then meet us back here next episode—we’re diving into building your brand vibe so your people feel like they’ve found their travel soulmate (spoiler: it’s you).

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.

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.

In this episode of the Social Takeoff Podcast , Kelli Hayes Smith dives into the latest social media trends, with a particular focus on Instagram and its updates. Kelli explores the growing phenomenon of lurkers —those passive users who consume content without actively engaging. She explains why it's essential for content creators to understand this behavior and adjust their strategies to cater to these viewers. Kelli offers insightful advice on how to make content that stops the scroll, and why storytelling and educational content are critical in connecting with both active and passive audiences. Additionally, Kelli answers listener questions and provides valuable tips to help you improve your social media engagement. Takeaways: January felt like the longest month ever, but we made it! Instagram's new Reels cover update enhances user engagement, making it easier to capture attention. A staggering 58% of Instagram users never post content, indicating a shift towards passive consumption. 94% of interactions on Instagram are passive, reinforcing the importance of content that speaks to lurkers. Just because engagement seems low, doesn't mean your content isn't resonating. Stopping the scroll is crucial to grab attention in a saturated feed. Behind-the-scenes content has a unique appeal and is widely appreciated by passive viewers. Crafting your content through the lens of storytelling will build stronger emotional connections with your audience. Use soft calls to action (CTAs) to gently encourage interaction without feeling too sales-driven. Consistency is key—posting regularly helps set audience Listen to the Social Takeoff Podcast: 🎙️ Social Takeoff Podcast on Spotify Visit Wanderlust Campus for more educational resources: 🌐 Wanderlust Campus Website

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/