Many people like to do water sports during the summer or a long holiday. Boat rental is a popular option for people who’d like to spend a wonderful day at sea and see the world from a different angle. It’s perfect for those who want to celebrate a special occasion or those who want to spend their vacation in a more exclusive manner. 

You are likely not the only company in your area offering boat rental services, so you need to set yourself apart. You will only be able to compete if you have an effective marketing strategy that is well thought out.

1. Promote using a website

A survey by Clutch reveals that 46 percent of U.S. small businesses still don’t have a website for their company. The top reason being – they “currently don’t need one”. The reality is, not having a website is costing them time and money. A recent study has found that 81% of people conduct online research about a business prior to making a purchase decision. 

Having a website is not as hard, or as expensive as you think. It helps add credibility and attract new customers. A website also acts as a business advocate during and outside of office hours and can be available 24/7, even when you’re not. It is a place where you can direct all your potential customers to, so they can get more information about your company.

You can even equip your website with a booking and rental system so interested customers can easily place a reservation at any time. What does this mean for you? You can spend your time doing more valuable things. You don’t have to frequently answer emails or phone calls to respond to common questions and book reservations. A website will do it for you.  

2. Build a social media brand

Apart from a website, your business needs a social media presence. It can increase awareness about your brand, and boost your leads and sales. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram also help you connect with customers in a more personal way. With approximately 223 million Americans using social media, it’s no passing trend. 

What’s more, having a social media page lets you reach a wide audience for free, so you have nothing to lose. You just need to set up a robust profile and be consistent in posting relevant content in order to make a positive first impression. Customers are now more discerning so you have to show them a storefront that is trustworthy and knowledgeable.

3. Target active demographic

Remember who you are trying to reach when implementing your marketing strategy. Are you targeting families on vacation, fishing enthusiasts, or corporate groups? If you have a good understanding of this, you have a high chance of capturing the attention of a specific demographic. This makes it easier to retain their interest. 

For instance, if you decide to focus on tourists, then you have to post content that show how renting a boat will benefit them during their trip. You can highlight the sailing routes, scenic views, and recreational offerings they can experience if they choose your rental company. Identify their needs as tourists and their expectations regarding boat rentals. 

Use high-quality photos as much as possible to show off your tours. It’s a more efficient way of communicating with your target market as it increases the likelihood of your content being viewed by 94%. According to studies, the brain can process images faster than words which means it can understand visual information better. 

4. Encourage social media engagement

When customers react to your posts, you’re presented with an opportunity to get to know them and build a relationship with them. Engagement can turn fans into customers. So answer their questions and respond with humor when appropriate. They will trust your brand more because you’ve resolved their issues, joked around with them, and expressed your gratitude. 

Because people love to share their experiences, encourage customers to share photos of them on your boat using a geotag and hashtag. Then, try responding to every post as well to make each one feel valued. Get them talking to you by asking questions. Your pages will not only get more traffic, but your website might too. 

5. Ask customers to leave reviews

Customer reviews are a powerful thing. An annual Local Consumer Review Survey shared that 92% of consumers read testimonials before making a purchase decision. The same survey also found that 88% trust reviews as much as personal recommendations. This is why you have to submit your business to Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google My Business, and other review sites. 

But how do you ask for those reviews in the first place? It may seem awkward or asking for too much but 9/10 consumers who had a positive experience would actually give feedback when asked. A simple yet effective way is to send direct emails to customers who already rented a boat with your company. You can also collect reviews via Thank You pages.

In Conclusion 

Remember that the world of marketing can be tricky, as it is so competitive. But it is also highly interactive. Consumers are now online so you need to find them there. To summarize, you need a website, a social media presence, and electronic word of mouth from the right customers.