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!

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Key Takeaways

• Email marketing is the single most effective tool for boosting direct bookings and profit margins
• Ditch "newsletter" language - tell people exactly what value they'll get from joining your list
• Make signup forms easy to find and fill in across your website and booking journey
• Strategic incentives (discounts, exclusive offers, free upsells) significantly accelerate list growth
• Use social media as a traffic driver to your email list, not as your main marketing strategy
• Consistent email campaigns steadily fill your calendar with profitable direct bookings

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Further Information

Email Marketing Training

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*FREE WEBINAR* Tuesday 4th November 2025 at 8pm (GMT)

Register here > How to Ditch the Guesswork and Get Fully Booked in 2026!

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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!

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Connect with Sarah:

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

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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.

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Key Takeaways:

• Ditch the online agents and focus on building your own brand for direct bookings
• Necessity 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 business
• Organisation and routine are absolutely crucial when you're living this double life
• Direct bookings put significantly more profit in your pocket - find creative ways to encourage them
• Building genuine connections with guests makes them more respectful and likely to return

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About this week's guest:

The Scarlet Hen, Norfolk House

Follow Scarlet Hen on Instagram

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*FREE WEBINAR* Tuesday 4th November 2025 at 8pm (GMT)

Register here > How to Ditch the Guesswork and Get Fully Booked in 2026!

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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!

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Connect with Sarah:

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

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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!

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Key Takeaways:

• Blogging remains one of the most powerful tools for boosting your Google visibility
• Fresh, quality content is essential for driving direct bookings to your business
• SEO 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 fluff
• One brilliant blog post per month beats ten mediocre ones every time
• Evergreen content continues working for you long after you hit publish

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Further Training:

Blogging for Online Visibility & Google Rankings - join my Membership to access affordable training on blogging

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*FREE WEBINAR* Tuesday 4th November 2025 at 8pm (GMT)

Register here > How to Ditch the Guesswork and Get Fully Booked in 2026!

---

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

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