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The Journal

Design, SEO, and business insights for service-based businesses, and with a soft spot for travel advisors and thoughtful DIYers.

new + popular

new + popular

TRAVEL ADVISOR, BUSINESS Lara Ellis TRAVEL ADVISOR, BUSINESS Lara Ellis

How to Choose a Website Platform as a Travel Advisor (Without Losing Your Mind)

A real comparison of every website option a travel advisor is likely to run into, from travel-specific platforms like Travefy and Truevail to general builders like Squarespace, Showit, and WordPress, plus the quick-fix options like Canva and Carrd. We'll cover what each one actually costs (USD and approximate CAD), what you own versus what you're renting, SEO, ease of use, and how to figure out what makes sense for where you are right now.

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TRAVEL ADVISOR, BUSINESS Lara Ellis TRAVEL ADVISOR, BUSINESS Lara Ellis

New Travel Advisor? Your Current Skills Are Worth More Than You Think

This one's for the travel advisor who came from somewhere else, a corporate role, a client-facing career, a decade of managing projects, people, or both, and is letting the word 'new' talk them out of charging what they're worth. You didn't leave your skills at the door when you switched industries. This post is a reminder of who TF you are.

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TRAVEL ADVISOR Lara Ellis TRAVEL ADVISOR Lara Ellis

How to Stop Sounding Like Every Other Travel Advisor Online

Your website copy sounds professional. It's warm, it mentions your experience, and it could belong to almost any travel advisor online. If that sentence landed somewhere uncomfortable, this post is for you. We're covering why generic copy happens, what brand voice actually looks like in practice, how to figure out which voice type you are, and what to do with that information once you have it..

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TRAVEL ADVISOR, BUSINESS Lara Ellis TRAVEL ADVISOR, BUSINESS Lara Ellis

Do Travel Advisors Need a Website? Probably, Yes.

For the advisor who's been putting off the website decision, or who isn't sure the investment is worth it when referrals and social media are already working. We'll cover what a website actually does that Instagram can't, what your potential clients are doing before they ever talk to you, and the different ways to get started without losing your mind.

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BUSINESS, TRAVEL ADVISOR Lara Ellis BUSINESS, TRAVEL ADVISOR Lara Ellis

The 8 Stages of a Successful Client Journey as a Travel Advisor

Most travel advisors have the first four stages of the client journey pretty well covered. It's stages five through eight, the pre-departure prep, the mid-trip check-in, the welcome home email, the referral ask, where things can go sideways. This post walks through all eight stages, what should actually be happening at each one, and where the gaps tend to show up.

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BUSINESS, TRAVEL ADVISOR Lara Ellis BUSINESS, TRAVEL ADVISOR Lara Ellis

Transform Your Client Experience With Thoughtful Onboarding

Landing a new client is exciting, but the first impression they form often happens before you even talk. From discovering you online to your first call, clarity and structure shape how confident they feel in working with you. This post walks through why onboarding matters, what can go wrong without it, and how a well-designed welcome guide can make the whole process feel effortless, for you and your clients.

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BUSINESS, TRAVEL ADVISOR Lara Ellis BUSINESS, TRAVEL ADVISOR Lara Ellis

The Best Squarespace Templates for Modern Travel Advisors & Service Providers

Building a website that truly reflects your travel brand doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch or hiring a designer right away. If you’re a travel advisor or agency ready to DIY your site, choosing the right Squarespace template can make all the difference. Dive in to find my favourite template shops & enjoy some savings!

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BUSINESS, TRAVEL ADVISOR Lara Ellis BUSINESS, TRAVEL ADVISOR Lara Ellis

Travel Planning Fees 101: How to Charge with Confidence (and Attract Clients Who Happily Pay It)

This guide breaks down why fees are non-negotiable, what the industry is charging right now, how to handle objections like a pro, and why your branding might be the reason clients aren't taking you seriously. Plus: real scripts you can use today and resources to finally get your business looking as professional as the service you provide.

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