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.
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:
💻 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:
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
📌 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:
📣 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:
📌 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:
📣 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:
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:
Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
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:
Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Kelli Hayes Smith unpacks the critical differences between social media tactics and strategy for travel agents. She shares why chasing viral trends can harm your business and how focusing on your ideal audience leads to sustainable success.
Learn why vanity metrics can mislead your strategy, how to shift your content from destinations to services, and the importance of building authentic content that connects with your audience.
Kelli also dives into the long game of marketing, explaining why time and patience are essential for business growth. Plus, get actionable homework to evaluate your social media approach and start implementing strategies that resonate with your dream clients.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
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.
Ready to bring some serious main character energy ✨ to your travel business? In this episode, Kelli Hayes Smith dives into how travel agents like you can elevate your content creation and marketing by making your clients the star of the show 🌟.
It’s all about positioning your clients as the main characters in their travel adventures 🌍. Kelli shares practical tips on crafting content that resonates with your clients’ dreams, goals, and the common challenges they face in planning trips ✈️.
Plus, she highlights the importance of weaving in your personal brand and those little connection points that make your clients feel truly seen and understood ❤️.
By putting your clients in the spotlight, you’re not just selling trips—you’re building trust, loyalty, and a community that keeps coming back 🛳️. Key Points:
Memorable Quotes:
00:00 – Introduction: Main Character Energy for Travel Agents 🌟
04:15 – Crafting Client-Centered Content ✨
13:46 – Personal Branding and Connection Points in Travel 🌍
21:33 – Eliciting Emotion and Building Trust with Your Clients 🤝
LINKS
www.instagram.com/kellihayessmith
www.instagram.com/careersonvacation
www.facebook.com/groups/careersonvacation
www.wanderlustceo.com/readynow
🎙 The Social Takeoff Podcast: Mastering Travel Marketing 🚀
In this episode, Kelli Hayes Smith, Director of Marketing and Partner Relationships at Wanderlust Campus, reveals the secrets to crushing your travel marketing goals. Discover how to leverage each platform to boost your travel business, focusing on the four key stages of the traveler’s journey: awareness, consideration, conversion, and loyalty.
Key Topics:
SEO Keywords:
Travel agent marketing, travel agency tips, buyer journey, travel booking phases, social media tips, email marketing, SEO for travel agents, lead generation, client engagement, conversion rates, client referrals, travel brand building
Sound Bites:
Chapters:
🎧 Hit Like, Subscribe, and the Notification Bell to stay updated on the latest strategies to elevate your travel business! Let’s make your marketing as unforgettable as your best vacation!
🎙 Welcome Back to The Social Takeoff Podcast! 🚀
Hey, Travel Pros! Kelli Hayes Smith here, your navigator in the ever-changing world of social media marketing for the travel industry. After a short break, I’m back to help you boost your travel business and revamp your online presence! 🌍✈️
In this episode, we’ll cover:
🎧 Don’t miss the sneak peek: We’re diving into goal setting and buyer journey marketing in upcoming episodes—perfect for travel agents looking to elevate their marketing strategy! 🎯
🛑 Like, Subscribe, and Hit the Bell to stay updated on all things social media for travel agents. Let’s take your travel business to the next level together!
LINKS
www.instagram.com/kellihayessmith
www.instagram.com/careersonvacation
https://www.facebook.com/groups/careersonvacation
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:
Episode Titles:
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:
Titles:
Sound Bites:
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:
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
