Last week’s webinar, Thrive in 2025 with WaveRez!, was filled with actionable tips, real-world examples, and opportunities to optimize your watersports business for the upcoming season. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or just starting out, the goal was simple: help you crush it in 2025. Here’s a recap of what we covered, highlighting key takeaways to implement as you prepare for the year ahead. The on demand webinar replay is provided below as well.
Celebrating Operators: Your Hard Work Matters
We kicked off by tipping our hats to the heart and soul of the industry—you, the operator. Your dedication to creating safe and memorable customer experiences is key. While technology is here to make things more efficient, nothing replaces a great product, genuine customer service, and hard work. The webinar aimed to show how our technology and team can complement your efforts throughout the season.
Key Topics and Takeaways
1. Listing Optimization: Start with the Basics
Your listings are the first touchpoint for customers, and a little attention to detail goes a long way
- Content Refresh: Audit listings for accuracy. Check for updated schedules, correct details, and polished descriptions. Use tools like ChatGPT to refine and organize text or reach out to us for assistance.
- Visuals Matter: Review and update images to ensure they’re high-quality and reflective of your offerings. Explore the new feature allowing you to categorize products on the booking portal for a more streamlined customer experience.
- Option Images: Highlight options like lilly pad rentals or damage protection with images to improve clarity and conversions.
2. Introduce New Products for Targeted Audiences
Diversify your offerings to capture niche markets:
- Ex. 1: Bachelorette Party Package: Create a new listing using the same equipment. Use updated imagery and content and value adds like extended set-up time or a photographer. Use long tail keywords to advertise that specific listing and drive traffic to your business.
- Ex. 2: Family Discounts: Build a new listing targeting slower times with discounted pricing and a ticket minimum to fill off-peak slots. Use family oriented content and imagery to drive home the product/demographic fit.
3. Smart Pricing Strategies
Getting your rates organized early can make a huge impact:
- Pre-Booking Opportunities: Secure early bookings by loading rates in advance, even if they’re not final. This helps with cash flow and forecasting demand.
- Dynamic Pricing: Use past data to adjust rates during high-demand periods.
- OTA Benefits: If you’re using OTAs like TripShock or GetYourGuide, ensure rates are live early to rank higher in their algorithms.
4. Website and Digital Presence
Your digital storefront is just as important as your dock:
- Website Review: Audit spelling, links, contact info, and visuals. Add tracking tools like Google Analytics and a Facebook Pixel to gather data for future campaigns.
- Google My Business: Regularly update your profile, refresh images, and respond to reviews weekly or monthly. This not only improves your search rankings but also builds trust with potential customers.
Webinar Slides
New Features to Leverage
We showcased several recent updates designed to simplify operations and boost revenue:
- Preselected Options: Gently nudge customers toward add-ons and upsells by making an option selection preselected upon checkout.
- Option Images: Add images to your options in the checkout flow to increase conversions and provide a visual cue for what your customers are being offered.
- No Booking Cutoff: Allow last-minute bookings on trips that already have tickets sold, increasing revenue opportunities.
- Tracking Tools Integration: Easily add your GA4 ID and Facebook Pixel for tracking and remarketing directly within the WaveRez backend.
Wrapping It Up
The key message of the webinar was clear: take the time now to prepare your business for success in 2025. From fine-tuning listings and pricing to leveraging new features and improving your digital presence, these small steps can make a big impact.
If you missed the webinar or have questions about any of the topics discussed, our team is here to help. Whether you need assistance with setting up features, creating new products, or simply reviewing your website, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Here’s to an incredible 2025 season! Let’s make it the best one yet.
Contact our team to help you implement any of the strategies discussed or explore new opportunities to grow your business. Together, we’ll ensure you Thrive in 2025!
Webinar On Demand Replay
About the Author
Luke Schulze
