Welcome to our latest blog post in the Unlock and Learn Webinar Series presented by Hosteeva! Today, we’re thrilled to feature a fascinating conversation with Mark Simpson, the founder of Boostly, a platform dedicated to helping property managers build their brand and secure direct bookings. Mark’s journey from a family-run bed and breakfast in the UK to becoming a direct booking evangelist is both inspiring and informative. Let’s dive into the highlights of our discussion and explore the transformative power of direct bookings.
The Journey to Direct Bookings
Mark Simpson’s story begins in the charming countryside of northeast England, where his parents operated a 200-acre farmstead bed and breakfast. Growing up in this hospitality environment, Mark learned the ins and outs of the industry from a young age. Despite his initial aspirations of becoming a soccer player, his path led him back to the family business, where he was tasked with modernizing their operations by taking 25 years of offline word-of-mouth marketing online.
Embracing Technology and Social Media
Mark’s efforts to digitize the family business included adopting a property management system (PMS), creating a website, and leveraging social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. His dedication paid off, as the family business’s social media presence grew to become the most followed in their local area. This success story underscores the importance of embracing technology and social media to reach a broader audience and enhance your brand’s visibility.
The Birth of Boostly
In 2016, inspired by Tim Ferriss’s “The 4-Hour Workweek,” Mark realized the potential of outsourcing and automation. This revelation led to the creation of Boostly, a platform designed to empower property managers with the tools and knowledge needed to drive direct bookings. Mark’s passion for education and community building led to the formation of the Hospitality Community Facebook group, which quickly gained traction beyond the UK, attracting members from around the world.
The Power of Direct Bookings
During our conversation, Mark highlighted the importance of not relying solely on online travel agencies (OTAs) like Airbnb and Booking.com. While these platforms are valuable, diversifying your revenue streams and building your brand on your own land is crucial for long-term success. Mark emphasized that direct bookings encompass more than just a website; they involve brand awareness, social media, email marketing, SEO, offline networking, and more.
Consistency is Key
One of the most valuable insights Mark shared is the importance of consistency. Success in direct bookings doesn’t happen overnight. It requires dedication and regular effort. Mark advises property managers to invest 10 to 30 minutes daily in new business activities, whether it’s engaging with potential guests on social media, sending personalized emails, or networking with local businesses. Consistent efforts over time will yield significant results.
Real-Life Success Stories
Mark shared inspiring stories of property managers who transformed their businesses through consistent and strategic efforts. For instance, a host in the UK grew her business by doing daily Facebook Live videos while walking her dog on the beach. Her consistent presence made her a local celebrity, leading to increased bookings and even a radio show. These stories demonstrate that small, consistent actions can have a significant impact on your business.
Conclusion: A New Era of Collaboration
We are excited to announce a new partnership between Hosteeva and Boostly, aimed at providing property managers with seamless connectivity between their direct booking websites and Hosteeva’s comprehensive property management solutions. This collaboration will empower hosts to take control of their bookings, enhance their brand presence, and ensure a more resilient and diversified revenue stream.
To learn more about how Boostly can help you achieve direct booking success, visit Boostly’s website and check out Mark Simpson’s book, “The Book Direct Playbook,” available on Amazon. For those interested in exploring Hosteeva’s suite of property management tools, including PMS, channel management, and direct booking solutions, please visit our website or reach out to our team.
Thank you for joining us in this insightful webinar recap. Stay tuned for more episodes in our Unlock and Learn Webinar Series, where we continue to bring you valuable industry insights and expert advice.
