The Boostly Podcast: The BIGGEST Instagram Mistakes Hosts Are Still Making in 2025!

Episode Release Date: April 21, 2025

Host: Liam Carolan

Guest: Paul Anderson, The Social Media Hotelier

In this insightful episode of The Boostly Podcast, host Liam Carolan welcomes back Paul Anderson, a returning guest after three years. Paul, known as the Social Media Hotelier, shares his transformative journey from managing a guest house in Oxford to becoming a leading Instagram marketing coach for hospitality professionals. The episode delves deep into the most significant Instagram mistakes hosts are making in 2025 and offers actionable strategies to overcome them, ensuring direct bookings and business independence.

1. Paul's Transformation: From Hospitality to Coaching

Paul Anderson reflects on his decision to shift from being a host to focusing entirely on Instagram marketing. After closing his guest house in Oxford in April 2022, Paul dedicated himself to helping other hosts leverage Instagram to drive direct bookings. [00:56] He emphasizes his passion for teaching and the satisfaction he derives from witnessing his clients' success.

Notable Quote:

“I absolutely love teaching. I love helping people. I love seeing people get awesome results and just the ability, I think, or the opportunity to talk shop.”
— Paul Anderson [01:17]

2. The Biggest Instagram Mistakes in 2025

Paul identifies several critical mistakes hosts continue to make on Instagram:

• Inconsistent Posting: Many hosts struggle with maintaining a consistent posting schedule. Paul advises that consistency is crucial, but it shouldn't equate to constant posting. “There is nothing to fear when posting content. I would encourage people to just hit post. Done is always better than perfect.” [03:13]

• Lack of Strategy: Hosting without a clear content strategy leads to ineffective marketing efforts. Paul highlights the importance of having a structured content plan that aligns with business goals.

• Ignoring Audience Needs: Failing to understand and address the specific needs and preferences of the target audience results in disengaged followers and missed booking opportunities.

3. Evolving Instagram Landscape and Algorithm Changes

The conversation shifts to the dynamic nature of Instagram, especially over the past three years. Paul explains how Instagram has evolved, becoming more of an advertising platform with features that enhance direct connections, such as video messaging and integration with WhatsApp. [18:36]

He emphasizes the shift towards direct messages and the importance of optimizing content to leverage these new features effectively. Instagram's algorithm now prioritizes direct connections and personalized interactions, making it essential for hosts to adapt their strategies accordingly.

Notable Quote:

“Engagement quality over quantity is paramount. It's far more beneficial to have 52 engaged followers who are likely to book than 52,000 who might find me entertaining.”
— Paul Anderson [23:41]

4. The Role of AI in Instagram Marketing

Paul discusses the increasing presence of AI-generated content on Instagram, noting that while AI can assist in generating ideas and planning, overreliance on it can dilute the authenticity and effectiveness of marketing efforts. [26:50] He uses a metaphor comparing AI to a robotic lawn mower, which can handle bulk tasks but lacks the finesse that a human touch provides.

Notable Quote:

“It's the finishing touches that will make the difference in the quality of the finished result.”
— Paul Anderson [26:50]

5. Understanding and Targeting the Perfect Potential Guest

A central theme of the episode is the importance of defining and understanding the perfect potential guest. Paul advises hosts to create a detailed avatar of their ideal guest, considering demographics, psychographics, and behaviors. This foundational step ensures that all content is tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of the target audience, thereby increasing engagement and conversion rates. [33:28]

Notable Quote:

“If we target them, then we stand a chance of cutting through the content marketing noise.”
— Paul Anderson [53:44]

6. Developing a Strategic Content Plan

Paul outlines a strategic approach to content creation:

• Content Calendar: Establishing a content calendar based on content pillars such as service and space, nourishment, local activities, and reasons to book direct. This structured approach helps in maintaining consistency and variety in posts. [18:36]

• Value-Driven Content: Emphasizing the importance of providing value, Paul advises hosts to think like magazine editors, creating compelling hooks that grab attention and guide the audience through a narrative that culminates in a call to action.

Notable Quote:

“Instead of just taking the AI content and posting it, like having an automatic robot vacuum, you've got the best mix.”
— Paul Anderson [27:33]

7. Success Stories and Bootcamp Insights

Paul shares inspiring success stories, including that of Dina Harania, who achieved £15,000 in bookings in three months through strategic Instagram posting. [43:27] He also introduces his upcoming five-day bootcamp designed to equip hosts with the framework and tools needed to replicate such successes. The bootcamp aims to provide structure and actionable steps, ensuring that participants can effectively implement the strategies discussed.

Notable Quote:

“Imagine knowing that everything you post targets an individual, is loved by them and it will always perform better than the last time you did it.”
— Paul Anderson [42:28]

8. Final Takeaways and Actionable Steps

Paul reiterates the importance of:

• Targeted Engagement: Focusing on quality over quantity in followers and engagement metrics.

• Consistent Value Delivery: Ensuring every post serves a purpose and offers tangible value to the audience.

• Strategic Iteration: Continuously reviewing and refining content strategies based on performance data.

He encourages hosts to define their perfect potential guest and create content that speaks directly to this audience, ultimately driving direct bookings and reducing reliance on OTAs.

Notable Quote:

“Grab the attention, hold it, and then redirect it where you want it to go.”
— Paul Anderson [53:44]

How to Connect and Learn More

For hosts interested in enhancing their Instagram strategy and driving direct bookings, Paul Anderson offers a comprehensive bootcamp designed to provide the necessary framework and tools. To learn more or to join the bootcamp, visit thesocialmediahotelier.com or connect with Paul directly on Instagram at @thesocialmediahotelier.

This episode serves as a valuable resource for hosts looking to master Instagram marketing in 2025. Paul Anderson’s expertise and actionable insights provide a roadmap for creating impactful, value-driven content that not only engages the perfect potential guests but also converts them into direct bookings, fostering business independence and success.