The Journal

Strategy & thoughts from a TA-turned-designer on websites, fees, and the business foundations for independent travel advisors.

CLIENT EXPERIENCE Lara Ellis CLIENT EXPERIENCE 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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CLIENT EXPERIENCE Lara Ellis CLIENT EXPERIENCE 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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DESIGN Lara Ellis DESIGN Lara Ellis

Using Custom Code to Create A Memorable Website on Squarespace

There’s so much that can be crafted beyond the Squarespace grid that can elevate your website with unique and interactive design elements. I’m still on the side that simplicity and accessibility reign, but that doesn’t mean boring so I’m sharing a few features and resources so you can get creative too.

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now in the birch & Bud Design Co. shop

Process and design templates, tools & guides — made just for Travel Advisors