The Social Takeoff Podcast with Kelli Hayes Smith

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 sh...

✈️ 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 wh...

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 Sm...

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 refres...

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 perspec...

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 in...

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 e...

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 al...

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...

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 ja...

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, goal...

🎙 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:

• Setting ...

🎙 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:

• Profile & Bio Overhaul: Discover how to update your social media profiles and bios to make your trav...

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 conce...

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 Marke...

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:

1. Craft a content plan that gently guides clients from awareness to consideration, paving the way for conversions.
2. Don'...