Innovative marketing strategies for your boat rental
9 ways to rent out the same boat
Those in the boating business are no strangers to the ebbs and flows of demand: from season peaks and off-season lows, April showers or unseasonably bad weather, we can no longer rely on the method of simply waiting, equipped only with a red-and-white deckchair and a winning smile, to land customers.
This is why Let’s Book was founded: to help the best boat rental companies give their customers the best experience, from booking their rental, all the way through to nailing follow-up communication and rewarding customers for loyalty.
I will personally help you unleash the potential of your boat, sharing with you Let’s Book’s tried-and-tested know-how about marketing all that your boat has to offer.
Thinking outside the boat
There are so many ways your boats can be packaged, repackaged and sold to an adventurous customer, whether a seasoned boat goer or first-time renter. By offering packages tailored to specific needs, your boats are an attractive alternative to customers who might otherwise buy their own. Great for a special family outing, or for tourists wanting to explore a new area in a new way, your boats can also be transformed into a fabulous venue for parties or a corporate event.
The key to a happy life is a work-life balance, and this is what your boats are offering – in more ways than one. Think about it, your customer has worked all week, and then spends a fantastic Saturday afternoon boating with their partner, children and favourite four-legged friend (this is inclusive of both cat and dog people!)
Or, better yet, your customer attends a corporate event on one of your boats on Tuesday, and comes back on Saturday with friends and family. By remembering that local residents rent boats on weekends, tourists during holidays, and that corporate events take place during the week, you can maximize occupancy rates and better mitigate risks and demand.
Here are our winning concepts so you and your customers get the best out of your boats, all easily managed using Let’s Book software. Three is my lucky number, so for each marketing technique I will give you the best three methods to achieve your marketing goals.
1 — Become friends with the locals
4 — Seduce the bargain hunters
5 — Distract aspiring boat-owners
6 — Sell to the salesman: how to woo business customers
1. Become friends with the locals
From chatting to the landlord of the local pub, to walking your dog on a popular nearby route (it helps if he isn’t covered in mud!), getting to know the locals is always worth doing.
Residents in the area may be interested in renting boats for weekend getaways, family outings, or social gatherings, not forgetting that any guests they have might also be interested in renting a boat. By offering special discounts or membership programs to local residents or businesses, you can attract local customers who appreciate the convenience and flexibility of renting a boat rather than owning one. Demonstrating your appreciation to those who share with you their lakes, ponds, rivers and canals allows you to build long-term relationships and secure returning customers, leading to steady business and positive word-of-mouth referrals within the community.
To effectively reach out to locals and tap into this valuable market, it's essential to employ a range of marketing tools that complement the community's needs and preferences.
Here are the three most effective marketing strategies to consider:
Localized online advertising
Use social media platforms and search engines to run targeted ads specific to the local area. This approach will help you reach potential customers who are actively searching for recreational options in the vicinity. Everybody loves to support local.
Community Partnerships
Establish strong community ties by collaborating with local businesses, event organizers, community groups, tourist attractions, hotels, and resorts. Sponsor local events, festivals, charity initiatives, and engage in community activities to showcase your commitment and gain exposure within the community.Be as visible as possible
Having a visible boat rental location offers convenience as well as publicity. Additionally, a visible presence instills trust and legitimacy, assuring locals that the business is established. So hang out the flag, paint the jetty, and make sure your staff are easy to recognize
By incorporating these marketing tools into your strategy, you'll effectively connect with locals and build a loyal customer base that will help your boat rental business thrive in the long run.
2. Reach the daytrippers
Daytrippers are individuals or groups looking for a short-term boating experience, typically during weekends or holidays. By promoting day trips and providing options such as guided tours, picnic packages, or water-based activities, you can cater to this target audience.
Offering customizable packages and convenient booking options will attract daytrippers in search of memorable experiences; with Let’s Book, your potential customers will be confident in your company’s expertise and customer-driven service.
To effectively reach daytrippers and secure their business, I advise the following marketing strategies:
Compelling online presence
Create an engaging and user-friendly website that showcases your boat rental options for day trips. Use high-quality images and videos of happy daytrippers – families with children, couples, and groups of friends – enjoying their day out. Include detailed descriptions of your guided tours or recommended sailing routes, picnic packages, and other water-based activities to pique their interest and demonstrate that your company promises them a hassle-free day.
Seasonal promotions
Tailor promotions to align with holidays, long weekends, or special events when daytrippers are more likely to seek recreational activities. Offer limited-time discounts or package deals during these periods to drive sales.Customer reviews and testimonials
Encourage satisfied daytrippers to leave reviews and testimonials on your website and social media pages. Positive feedback from others who have enjoyed their boating experience with your company can build trust and credibility among potential customers.
By incorporating these marketing strategies, you can effectively capture the attention of daytrippers and position your boat rental service as the go-to choice for their short-term boating adventures. Highlight the fun, convenience, and flexibility of your offerings, and watch as more daytrippers flock to your business for unforgettable experiences on the water.
3. Attract the tourists
Tourists are a significant market for most boat rentals, especially in popular holiday destinations. They seek unique experiences and are often keen to explore scenic waterways.
Offering informative guides, multilingual support, and curated itineraries can ensure a seamless experience for tourists, creating positive reviews and generating repeat bookings.
The three most important marketing strategies to attract tourists to your boat rental business are:
Strategic partnerships with tourism entities
Partner with local tourism agencies, hotels, or travel platforms to expand your reach and visibility among tourists. Collaborate on joint marketing campaigns, where these promote your boat rental services as a must-do activity for tourists. Leveraging their established networks can bring in a steady stream of potential customers.
Tailored experiences and multilingual support
Tourists seek memorable experiences. Create curated boat rental packages that showcase the best scenic waterways and landmarks in the area. Provide multilingual support to cater to international tourists, ensuring they feel comfortable and well-informed throughout the rental process. Be careful when creating information leaflets and other documents in foreign languages – don’t just use Google translate, make sure to consult a native- or equivalent-level speaker to avoid sounding like a robot and making embarassing mistakes!
Informative guides and itineraries
Offer informative guides or brochures highlighting popular routes, points of interest, and safety guidelines for tourists. Fun facts and local old-wives-tales for various sights or buildings are a lighthearted way to entertain your customers with local history. Giving your customers the option of pre-planned itineraries can make the decision-making process easier for tourists and demonstrate your knowledge of and passion for the area they are visiting.
By implementing these marketing strategies, you can effectively target tourists, expanding your customer base and positioning your boat rental business as a go-to option for travelers seeking a unique and affordable waterway adventure.
4. Seduce the bargain hunters
Everyone loves a bargain, and successful companies learn to love the bargain hunter. Given the fluctuations in demand throughout the year, it becomes essential to strategize off-peak periods by offering attractive options to bargain hunters.
By doing so, you can ensure consistent activity during times when business would typically be slow, leading to increased revenue and use of your boats. Embracing this approach not only benefits the bottom line – sales and profits – but also fosters positive customer experiences, ultimately contributing to the long-term success of your boat rental enterprise.
Here are the three best marketing strategies to cater to bargain hunters and capitalize on off-peak periods for your boat rental business:
Off-peak promotions
Design special promotions and discounts for off-peak periods. Offer reduced rates, bundled packages, and loyalty programs that encourage bargain hunters to book boat rentals during less busy times. Promote these deals through your website, social media channels, and targeted email campaigns to attract cost-conscious customers.Social media advertising
use social media advertising to reach bargain hunters and highlight your off-peak promotions. Create eye-catching ads that emphasize the value of renting during less crowded times – even better if the bargain hunter is an introvert – saving money while enjoying the same experience. Target specific demographics and interests to ensure your ads reach the right audience.
Email marketing campaigns
Build an email list of potential bargain hunters interested in off-peak deals and send targeted email campaigns. Send personalized emails showcasing the advantages of booking during less busy times, such as serene waterways, easier reservations, and significant cost savings. Use engaging visuals and persuasive copy to compel recipients to take advantage of your offers.
Tip: Use third-party platforms
Using third-party platforms allows you to reach a much larger crowd. By using third-party platforms such as Groupon, those individuals with a knack for unearthing a bargain will find themselves unable to resist your deals.
By incorporating these marketing strategies, you can effectively target bargain hunters and optimize your boat rental business during off-peak periods. Attracting cost-conscious customers through promotions, social media, and collaborative partnerships, while leveraging the power of email marketing and customer referrals, ensures consistent activity and revenue even during slower times.
5. Distract aspiring boat-owners
Our whole business model rests on the question, why buy a boat when you could hire one for a fraction of the hassle and just as much enjoyment? Sometimes, however, we have to work a little harder to make boat fanatics see our point of view.
Your persuasive marketing (by this point, I’m certain you have perfected it) should highlight the benefits of renting, such as cost savings, maintenance-free enjoyment, and access to a variety of boat types; and emphasize the flexibility and convenience of renting a boat whenever a customer wants to. With Let’s Book and your boat rental company working together, occasional boaters and fanatics alike can enjoy the very best of the boating lifestyle without any of the long-term obligations.
Here are the three best marketing strategies to promote the boat rental service as an attractive alternative to boat ownership:
Membership and boat club benefits
Promote the advantages of becoming a member of your boat club or signing up for a membership plan. Offer exclusive benefits, such as discounted rates, priority reservations, personalized boating experiences, and access to special events. Emphasize how being a member enhances the overall boating experience and fosters a sense of belonging to a like-minded community.
Educational content marketing
Develop informative blog posts, articles, and social media content that educate potential customers about the benefits of renting a boat. Address common misconceptions about boat ownership, emphasize the cost-effectiveness of rentals, and share tips for planning a memorable boating outing. This approach positions the rental service as a knowledgeable and trustworthy source, attracting individuals who are considering boating but are unsure about ownership.Social media engagement
Use various social media platforms to engage with potential customers and build a community around the boating lifestyle. Share captivating content, customer testimonials, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of boat trips to create excitement and interest. Encourage user-generated content by running contests or campaigns that prompt customers to share their boating experiences, increasing brand visibility and credibility.
By implementing these marketing strategies, the boat rental service can effectively position itself as an attractive and viable alternative to boat ownership. Demonstrating the cost savings, maintenance-free enjoyment, and overall convenience of renting, while showcasing the added benefits of membership and collaborative partnerships, will capture the attention of potential customers and drive business growth.
6. Sell to the salesman: how to woo business customers
Positioning your boats as a unique venue for corporate events, team-building activities, or customer entertainment can attract business customers. Highlight the scenic surroundings, on-board amenities, and customized event-planning services you offer.
Target local businesses, event planners, and companies seeking a memorable and impressive location for their corporate functions. Building relationships with corporate customers can lead to repeat bookings and potential partnerships.
Here are the three most important marketing strategies to attract businesses and position your boat rental service as a unique venue for corporate events:
B2B partnerships
Seek opportunities to collaborate with event-planning companies, team-building specialists, and corporate travel agencies. By forming business-to-business (B2B) partnerships, you can expand your reach within the corporate sector and gain referrals from other businesses.
Online marketing and social media advertising
Use online marketing channels and social media platforms to target businesses and corporate decision-makers. Create eye-catching ads and sponsored posts that showcase the boat rental service as an ideal location for corporate functions. Use targeted advertising to reach specific demographics and interests relevant to the corporate customer.Customer testimonials
Collect testimonials and success stories from past corporate customers who have hosted events on the boat. Display these testimonials prominently on the website and in marketing materials to build credibility and demonstrate the value of the boat as a corporate venue.
By implementing these marketing strategies, your boat rental service can effectively attract businesses and position itself as a sought-after venue for corporate events. Building strong relationships with corporate customers, offering tailored event-planning services, and showcasing the boat's unique features will lead to repeat bookings, positive word-of-mouth referrals, and potential long-term partnerships with businesses in the local area.
7. Securing the party-goers
Whether it’s romance – an anniversary, engagement party, or wedding reception – or marking a milestone achievement, what better way to celebrate a special event than by renting out a boat?
I can’t think of one, and if you’re reading this, you’d probably agree. Just as well our customers are like us. There are so many ways boat rental companies can make a special occaision even more fabulous. By creating packages that include bespoke catering, balloons, bunting and confetti ready and waiting for customers and their guests, live music and other entertainment options, you can enhance your customers’ experience and establish your boat rental company as a great option for parties. By offering a unique and picturesque setting for celebrations, you can differentiate your boat rental business from other party venues and attract customers looking for memorable and exclusive experiences.
Here are the three most important marketing tools to promote rental boats as the ideal party venue:
Event-planning directories and websites
List your boat rental service on popular event-planning directories and websites. These platforms are frequented by party planners and individuals looking for distinctive venues for their special occasions. Ensure your listing highlights the comprehensive packages you offer, including catering, music, decorations, and entertainment options.
Influencer partnerships
Collaborate with local influencers, event organizers, or party planners who have a significant following in your target audience. Invite them for an exclusive party experience on your boats and encourage them to share their positive experiences with their followers. Their endorsements and reviews can greatly influence potential customers' decisions to choose your boat rental service for their celebrations.Interactive website
Enhance your website with an interactive interface that highlights your boats as the ultimate party venue. Showcase package details, customizable options, and stunning photos of your boats in party settings.
By employing these marketing tools, you can effectively position your boats as the go-to party venue for special celebrations, attracting customers seeking memorable and exclusive experiences. Building a strong online presence, engaging with potential customers through email campaigns and social media, and forming partnerships with influencers and event planners will contribute to increased bookings and establish your boat rental business as a top choice for unforgettable parties.
8. Show off your watersports options
If your location permits, watersports activities are a must. Fishing charters, water skiing, wakeboarding, and snorkeling trips are all excellent ways to get your customers off the boat and into the water (one too many glasses of wine at lunch time is another way to do this, though it is one Let’s Book wouldn’t recommend promoting).
It is important that you highlight the specialized equipment, safety measures, and expert guidance available through your boat rental service, to ensure your customers get the chance to explore the water and test their limits in a safe and fun way, while giving your company legal protection. Demonstrate how dynamic your company is, expand your target audience to include sports enthusiasts and outdoor adventure groups, and give your customers exhilarating experiences on the water.
Here are the three most important marketing tools to promote boats for sports activities:
Specialized website content
Enhance your website with dedicated sections showcasing the various sports activities available through your boat rental service. Provide detailed information about fishing charters, water skiing, wakeboarding, snorkeling trips, and any other water sports you offer. Use sharp images and cutting-edge videos to attract adventurous, sporty individuals.
Social media marketing
Use social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to share exciting content related to sports activities on your boats. Post action-packed videos, customer testimonials, and engaging posts featuring local sports enthusiasts and adventure seekers enjoying their experiences with your boat rental service. Use targeted ads to reach keen athletes, daredevils and outdoor adventure groups.Partnerships with local experts
Collaborate with local sports enthusiasts, instructors, or fishing guides who are experienced in both the various watersports activities you offer, and the area you’re operating in. Partnering with experts is reassuring for customers, and creates unique and unforgettable experiences. If you’re particularly business-savy (let’s face it, if you’re considering Let’s Book, you must be at the top of your game already), you can use your chosen experts for increased exposure and marketing, encouraging them to share their experiences with their followers through social media and other platforms.
By employing these marketing tools, you can effectively promote your boats for sports activities, attract sports enthusiasts, outdoor adventure groups, and adrenaline-seekers to experience the thrill of watersports on your rentals. Building a strong online presence, showcasing expert guidance and safety measures, and forming partnerships with local experts will set your boat rental service apart as a preferred choice for unforgettable sports experiences on the water.
9. Make advertisers see the potential
You shouldn’t see your only market as those individuals who want to spend an exciting day out on the water. Businesses are constantly looking for a new way to advertise, so why not team up and secure extra income by allowing your boat to be a canvas for business advertisements.
Collaborate with local businesses, events, or organizations to display their brand, advertize products, or host promotional events on your boats. This concept allows you to generate additional revenue streams while increasing awareness of your boat rental business.
Conclusion
Incorporating a range of offers and experiences; targeting a broad range of customers such as locals, daytrippers, and tourists; and establishing your boat as a not-to-be-missed party venue not only expands your customer base, but also increases your overall business success.
By adopting a multifaceted approach, boat rental companies can maximize their market reach, cater to different customer preferences, and create memorable experiences that foster customer loyalty and drive sustained growth. Embracing this comprehensive approach ensures a competitive edge in the boat rental industry, leading to long-term profitability and a thriving business.
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