Using Instagram to Get More Direct Bookings with Katie Bessant

Direct Booking Success Podcast

Are you ready to turn your Instagram followers into paying guests? In this episode, we explore how to harness the power of Instagram to drive direct bookings for your vacation rental property.

Join me as I chat with Katie Besant, founder of the Holiday Hive and social media expert with years of experience in the tourism industry. Katie shares her insider knowledge on creating content that not only catches the eye but also converts scrollers into bookers.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Discover the three types of content you need to post for maximum impact
• Learn why Instagram Stories are your secret weapon for conversions
• Uncover the truth about hashtags and how to use them effectively in 2025
• Find out how to optimize your profile to attract your idea guests

“Instagram is the new business card nowadays. If I’m out and about, people don’t ask my business card, they ask my Instagram.” - Katie Bessant

About Katie Bessant

Katie Bessant, owner of The Holiday Hive, is a social media expert dedicated to helping holiday cottage owners and tourism businesses elevate their digital presence and generate more bookings. Growing up in South Devon, Katie has been immersed in the tourism industry her entire life, from working in her family’s B&B to becoming a successful Airbnb superhost. With experience spanning roles like waitressing, cleaning holiday lets, and leading marketing for one of the UK’s largest holiday letting agencies, Katie combines her deep industry knowledge with her passion for social media to empower property owners to stand out online and thrive.

Connect with Katie and The Holiday Hive

Website: https://theholidayhive.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive

Tiktok: https://tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant/

Stop letting potential guests slip through your fingers. Tune in now and learn how to make Instagram work for your vacation rental business!

The key moments on this episode are:

00:00:00 Instagram: A Booking Powerhouse for Vacation Rentals

00:00:56 Meet Katie Besant: Social Media Expert for Holiday Rentals

00:04:44 Instagram's Power for Direct Bookings

00:06:40 Types of Instagram Content for Booking Success

00:13:48 Balancing Instagram Content and Posting Frequency

00:16:03 Hashtags and Instagram Trends

00:20:17 Effective Use of Call-to-Actions (CTAs)

00:22:34 Getting Started with Instagram for Direct Bookings

00:24:54 Instagram Course for Holiday Cottage Owners

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Show notes are available at: https://directbookingsuccess.com/podcast/

Simplify your STR Marketing this 2025! Join the DBS AI Content Sprint Workshop!

In this live, hands-on workshop, I will guide you through creating a 3-month content calendar targeted to your ideal guest.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

✨ How to use AI to craft engaging, personalized content.

✨ A proven strategy to save time while driving direct bookings.

✨ Step-by-step guidance to simplify your marketing efforts for 2025.

📅 Date: January 9, 2025

💡 What’s included: A full written guide, lifetime access to the training video, and a strategy you can replicate anytime.

Save your seat and start 2025 with a clear, actionable plan to grow your bookings and profits 👉 https://dbsdbs.samcart.com/products/dbs-ai-content-sprint-january-2025

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Work with Jenn to maintain consistency in your marketing and boost your direct bookings without spending so much money on it: https://directbookingsuccess.com/apply/

The ULTIMATE all-in-one marketing platform for short term rental is finally here! Check it out: https://bookdirectpro.com/

FREE GUIDE: 10 Ways to Drive Guests to your Website instead of Airbnb: https://directbookingsuccess.com/10-ways-to-drive-guests-to-your-website-instead-of-airbnb/

Follow Jenn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directbookingsuccess

Join Jenn’s free Facebook group – the Marketing Hub: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strmarketinghub