Passports, Profits and Pixie Dust

439. Content That Converts: How to Turn Posts Into Bookings Using the CASTLE Framework

Published on
Listen to the episode of the podcast here:

Hey friend. 💛

If you’ve ever felt like you’re posting consistently… and nothing is happening — this is for you.

Behind the scenes, life has been full. I’ve been building out my travel agency, officially forming my LLC, hiring a top travel attorney to finalize my terms and conditions, credit card authorization forms, and independent contractor agreements so I can bring agents onto my team.

At the same time? I’m still booking trips, hosting virtual cruise nights, juggling home repairs (hello furnace + propane leak 🙃), and teaching full-time.

And I’m sharing that because I want you to know something important:

No one’s business is perfect behind the scenes.
There are always moving pieces. Always challenges. Always growth happening in the messy middle.

But here’s what I do know after years in business:

The time you spend setting things up strategically now will pay you back tenfold later.

Which brings me to today’s topic — the framework I use (and teach inside the Travel Agent Marketing Studio) to help travel advisors create content that actually converts into bookings.

It’s called the CASTLE Framework.

And yes… it’s Disney-inspired. 🏰✨


Why Most Travel Agent Content Doesn’t Convert

Here’s the truth no one talks about:

Most content doesn’t fail because it’s bad.
It fails because it’s incomplete.

A lot of travel advisors post:

  • Pretty destination photos
  • Random travel tips
  • Occasional “Book with me!” posts

But there’s no journey.

No emotional connection.
No trust building.
No clear invitation.

Your audience doesn’t just need information — they can Google that.

They need:

  • Context
  • Consistency
  • Confidence
  • Clarity on what to do next

That’s where CASTLE comes in.


What Is the CASTLE Framework?

CASTLE is my Content That Converts roadmap designed specifically for travel entrepreneurs and travel business owners.

It stands for:

C – Capture
A – Authority
S – Story
T – Trust
L – Lead
E – Engage

Think of it like the full guest experience of your content.

You’re not just opening the castle gates — you’re guiding people all the way inside.

Let’s break it down.


C – Capture: Stop the Scroll

If they don’t stop scrolling, nothing else matters.

Capture is about grabbing attention in the first 1–3 seconds.

This can look like:

  • A bold hook
  • A relatable pain point
  • Curiosity
  • A strong opinion

Examples:

  • “If you think cruising is only for retirees, this will surprise you.”
  • “Why booking online actually costs you more than using a travel agent.”
  • “The biggest Disney planning mistakes I see families make every day.”

It’s not clickbait.
It’s clarity.

Your audience should think:
“Wait. This is for me.”


A – Authority: Why Should I Listen to You?

Authority doesn’t mean being stiff or braggy.

It means demonstrating:

  • Experience
  • Insight
  • Patterns you’ve noticed
  • Mistakes you’ve helped clients avoid
  • Behind-the-scenes knowledge

Examples:

  • “After planning 100+ cruises, here’s what actually matters.”
  • “What most Disney blogs won’t tell you about Lightning Lane.”
  • “Here’s why I rarely recommend interior cabins — and what I suggest instead.”

Authority builds confidence.

And confidence attracts clients.


S – Story: Where Connection Happens

Facts inform.
Stories move people.

Story doesn’t have to be dramatic. It can be:

  • A client win
  • A mistake you made
  • A lesson learned
  • A personal travel experience
  • A DM conversation

Examples:

  • “I had a client who almost skipped travel insurance…”
  • “The first time I cruised, I thought I’d hate it.”
  • “This couple came to me completely overwhelmed…”

Stories help your audience see themselves in the outcome.

And when they can see themselves in your story?

They’re halfway to booking.


T – Trust: Is This Person Safe to Book With?

Trust is built through:

  • Transparency
  • Education
  • Consistency
  • Empathy

Trust content includes:

  • What it’s like to work with you
  • Your booking process
  • FAQs
  • Fee explanations
  • Handling common fears

Examples:

  • “Here’s exactly what happens from inquiry to departure.”
  • “Do I charge planning fees? Here’s how that works.”
  • “If you’re nervous about crowds in Italy, here’s what I recommend.”

Trust removes friction.

Less friction = more bookings.


L – Lead: Make the Invitation

This is where many advisors freeze.

They don’t want to feel pushy.

But leading is not pressure — it’s clarity.

Examples:

  • “If you want help planning this, send me a message.”
  • “Fill out my quote form here.”
  • “Ready to take the next step? Here’s how.”

If you don’t tell people what to do next, you’re making them guess.

And when people have to guess?

They either:

  • Book themselves
  • Or book with someone whose process feels easier

E – Engage: Keep the Relationship Alive

Engagement turns content into conversation.

It:

  • Warms up leads
  • Builds algorithm momentum
  • Creates DM conversations
  • Strengthens loyalty

Examples:

  • “What’s at the top of your travel bucket list?”
  • “Have you cruised before or would it be your first?”
  • “Drop a ✈️ if this helped you!”

People book from people.

The more conversations you create, the more bookings follow.


How It All Comes Together

You do not need to use all six letters in every post.

But over a week or month, your content should touch all six.

A simple strategy tip?

Color code your content calendar:

  • Blue = Capture
  • Pink = Authority
  • Red = Story
  • Green = Trust
  • Yellow = Lead
  • Purple = Engage

When you look at your plan, you’ll instantly see if you’re balanced — or if you’re only posting pretty pictures and wondering why nothing is converting.


When Content Becomes a Client-Attracting Asset

When your audience:

  • Feels seen
  • Trusts you
  • Understands your value
  • Knows how to work with you

That’s when content stops being exhausting.

And starts becoming income-producing.

If you’re tired of posting randomly…
If you don’t want to feel salesy…
If you want strategy instead of guesswork…

CASTLE is your new home base. 🏰


Want Help Implementing This?

Inside the Travel Agent Marketing Studio, I teach this framework in depth.

You get:

  • Strategy
  • Templates
  • Engagement posts
  • Reel ideas
  • Sample captions
  • Real structure

You don’t have to build your castle alone.

And if you’re not yet a travel agent but you’re looking for the right agency home, keep an eye on my independent contractor waitlist for my agency.

There is so much magic being built right now.


Friend, I hope this gave you clarity and direction.

Now go implement.

Build your castle.

And remember — you don’t need perfect circumstances to grow. You just need a plan.

Go out there and create and own your magic. ✨


Connect with Lindsay:

https://www.instagram.com/lindsaydollinger

Related Posts

The Passports, Profits and Pixie Dust Podcast Episode 77- Get Your Energy in Check

How to Realign Your Energy as a Direct Seller (So Your Business Thrives) Hey friend! Welcome back to another episode of The Passports, Profits and Pixie Dust Podcast. I’m your host, Lindsay Dollinger—high school Spanish teacher, dog mom, world traveler, and business mentor helping women build direct sales businesses the right way so they can…

Read More
2023 My Favorite Things

My Favorite Things Podcast Links These are the links and all the products mentioned on my Passports, Profits and Pixie Dust Podcast, episode 232. *Some of these links are affiliate links. Peloton app and bike, get 60 day guest pass on the app here: https://www.onepeloton.com/digital/checkout/digital-gp-60d?code=d203c134531a4a7db035070ebcfd634c or $100 off accessories with your bike or tread purchase:…

Read More
The Passports, Profits and Pixie Dust Podcast Episode 75- Do ONE little thing to up-level your business

Step Into Your Next-Level Self: How to Become the Leader You Want to Be Now Hi friend! Welcome back to The Passports, Profits and Pixie Dust.I’m Lindsay Dollinger—high school Spanish teacher, dog mom, world traveler, and direct seller turned business mentor. I help women grow their direct sales businesses the right way so they can…

Read More