For many customers, a watersports rental, tour, or activity is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, often during a vacation or special trip. As a watersports operator, you need to ensure potential customers can find your business, understand your offerings, and feel confident in choosing your services so you can provide them with an unforgettable day. One of the most powerful, but often overlooked tools for attracting these visitors is Google My Business (GMB).
Mastering GMB can significantly enhance your online presence, improve your local SEO, and drive more bookings from travelers searching for watersports activities in your area. This guide will help you optimize your listing to connect with potential customers as they plan their perfect adventure.
Why Google My Business Matters for Watersports Operators
Unlike local businesses that rely on repeat customers, watersports businesses generally cater to travelers who are often experiencing the activity and location for the first and possibly only time. These visitors rely on online searches, reviews, and business listings to choose where to book their watersports rental or tour.
Here’s why an optimized GMB profile is essential:
- High Visibility for Tourists: Appearing in Google Search and Google Maps ensures visitors can find your business when they look for “pontoon boat rentals near me” or “best parasailing in [your location].”
- Better First Impressions: Visitors making quick booking decisions will choose a business with a strong profile, complete with high-quality images, reviews, and accurate details.
- Instant Engagement: Many travelers decide on activities last-minute. GMB allows them to call, message, and link directly to your booking portal
- Trust and Credibility: Visitors want to know they are choosing a safe and reputable company. Positive reviews and a complete business profile build customer confidence.
Step-by-Step Guide to Optimizing Your GMB Listing for Tourists
1. Claim and Verify Your Business
If you haven’t already, start by visiting Google My Business to claim your listing. Google will verify your ownership through a postcard, phone call, or email. Ensure you’re verified before the season starts.
2. Complete Every Section with Tourists in Mind
Your listing should answer all the questions a visitor from out of town might have:
- Business Name: Use your official name to avoid confusion.
- Category: Choose the most accurate category (e.g., “Boat Tour Provider,” “Jet Ski Rental Service”).
- Address & Service Area: Ensure it’s clear where customers need to go.
- Phone Number & Website: Many visitors will call for availability so keep this up to date.
- Business Hours: Include peak season schedules and any special hours.
Attributes & Services: Highlight unique experiences (e.g., sunset tours, family-friendly rentals, guided excursions).
3. Upload High-Quality Photos and Videos
Travelers want to see what they’re getting into before booking. Your listing should feature vibrant, high-resolution images of:
- Customers engaging in and enjoying your offerings
- Your equipment and facilities
- The surrounding scenic views and areas of interest customers may visit
- Additional pictures of your booth, parking lot, maps of the area, etc. can be helpful as well if they’re applicable
Travelers are 42% more likely to request directions and 35% more likely to book when a business has high-quality images. (source)
4. Encourage and Respond to Reviews
Since many of your customers may be first-timers, they will heavily rely on previous visitor reviews to decide whether to book with you. Encourage every satisfied customer to leave a review, especially right after their experience.Respond to all reviews – thank positive reviewers and professionally address any concerns from negative ones.
5. Use Google Posts to Attract Tourists
Google Posts let you share limited-time promotions, tour highlights, and availability updates right on your profile. Use them to:
- Announce early-bird discounts or last-minute availability
- Highlight unique tour experiences
- Promote seasonal events and limited-time packages
Since tourists are often on a tight schedule, emphasizing urgency (e.g., “Spots filling fast—book now!”) can drive more conversions.
6. Use Google Q&A to Preemptively Answer Questions
Out-of-town visitors often have common questions like:
- Do I need prior experience?
- What should I bring?
- Are there weight or age restrictions?
- Do you offer group discounts?
Add these questions (and answers) to your GMB profile proactively so potential customers can see them before calling.
7. Monitor Insights and Adjust Strategies
Google My Business provides data on:
- How customers find your listing (search vs. maps)
- What actions they take (calls, bookings, website visits)
- Where they are searching from
Use these insights to adjust your marketing approach, especially as seasonal travel trends change.
Advanced Strategies for Watersports Businesses
1. Optimize for “Near Me” and Voice Search
Most travelers search using phrases like:
- “Best kayak rentals near me”
- “Jet ski tours in [location]”
- “Family-friendly snorkeling excursions”
Include these key phrases naturally in your business description, services, and posts.
2. Update Your Listing Regularly
Since many of your customers are first-time visitors, keep your GMB profile fresh with:
- Updated seasonal hours and availability
- New tour options or rental offerings
- Fresh customer photos and testimonials
3. Leverage GMB for Lead Generation
- Add a “Book Now” button if applicable.
- Use call-to-action phrases in posts (“Reserve your spot today!”).
- Include direct booking links.
Conclusion
For travelers searching for watersports activities, Google My Business is often their first and only impression before booking. Optimizing your GMB profile ensures your business stands out, builds trust, and secures more bookings. Start today so you’re ready for the rush of the upcoming season!
Need help setting up your Google My Business profile? Let’s hop on a call and chat! Shoot [email protected] an email to schedule a time.
About the Author
Greg Fisher
