What Really Drives Direct Bookings: Practical Lessons from Owners and Industry Experts (Exclusively for Current ASSC Marketing Members)

Join us for the first Marketing Workshop of 2026, focused on one of the biggest priorities for self-catering businesses: driving more direct bookings.

Workshop details

• 🗓 Tuesday 27 January 2026
• ⏰ 11:00am – 12:00pm
• 📍 Online (via Zoom)

About the session

Victoria Brooks and Myah Thomas from Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) will be joined by two ASSC member operators who consistently achieve strong direct booking performance, alongside special guests from ASSC partner Creatomatic.

Together, the panel will explore what really drives direct bookings – combining real-world operator experience with expert insight into websites, SEO, and the critical role they play in converting interest into confirmed bookings.

This practical, discussion-led workshop gives you the opportunity to hear what works in practice, from marketing and social media approaches to website performance and the small but powerful actions that make a measurable difference.

You can expect:

• Honest insights from operators successfully driving direct bookings
• Expert guidance on websites and SEO, and why they matter more than ever
• Practical ideas you can apply to your own business
• Open discussion, shared experiences and plenty of time for questions

We all want more direct bookings – let’s talk about how to make it happen.

To sign up to this Workshop please email communications@assc.co.uk or check your emails for a direct link.

The Speakers:

Jack Ogston – Creatomatic:

Jack has an extensive background in SEO and works with clients to identify opportunities to drive new business and organic search traffic. He boasts several years experience using both Semrush and Google’s suite of tools and is Google Skillshop Google Analytics certified too. He’s also been heavily involved in highly successful website projects for some of the UK’s leading independent agencies including Crabtree and Crabtree and Discover Scotland.

Chris McHenry – Creatomatic:

Chris joined Creatomatic as Business Development Manager in 2025, bringing with him over 15 years of experience in digital agencies. With a background spanning creative design, SEO, paid advertising and freelance work, he specialises in helping clients turn their ideas into high-performing digital projects. At Creatomatic, Chris leads on new business, client relationships, and supports the sales team in driving agency growth. 

Louise Booth – Logie Newton Lodges:

Louise is the founder of Logie Newton Lodges in rural Aberdeenshire. Completing her first year of trading, the luxury, dog and horse-friendly lodges have achieved 86% direct bookings. Louise focuses on building a strong brand, creating an engaged social media community, and being clear on who her ideal guests are.

Jane Slaughter – Pinewood Steading:

Jane is the owner manager of Pinewood Steading in the Highlands. Since 2017, Jane has followed the #bookdirect approach achieving 100% every year. Knowing her target market (dog friendly at no charge), with a strong social media presence and building strong direct engagements with prospects and customers has been key, creating 70% repeat bookings.

 

Who is this workshop for?

This session is free and exclusively available to ASSC Marketing Members.

To reserve your place, you’ll need to use a promo code at checkout. These will be emailed directly to all Marketing Members.

Alternatively, you can contact us at communications@assc.co.uk.

Not a Marketing Member yet?

If you’d like to make the most of this session and upcoming workshops – including:

• Navigating Google Analytics 4
• Using Reviews to Build Trust, Boost Visibility and Drive Growth
• Social Media workshops (Beginner and Advanced)

You can join as an ASSC Marketing Member for just £75 + VAT per year (that’s just over £6 per month).

Marketing Membership includes:

• Ongoing marketing support throughout the year, including monthly virtual surgeries
• Free workshops and practical guidance
• A website listing on EmbraceScotland
• Campaign involvement
• Social media support

To join, email Myah Thomas at communications@assc.co.uk.