Article

Now is a great time to check in on your company’s social media strategy to ensure you’re reaching your boating customers in the right place at the right time with the right message. From boating how-to’s and ownership tips to showcasing the benefits of spending time on the water, social media is no longer an optional part of your marketing mix, it’s essential. It's where future boaters discover their love for the water, current enthusiasts seek inspiration, and marine businesses can connect, educate, and grow.

Social media platforms aren’t just for posting sunset photos (although those work too). For marine businesses, they’re powerful tools to:

• Build brand credibility and stay top-of-mind with both prospects and loyal customers
• Showcase your products, services, and industry knowledge in real time
• Tap into national boating conversations and campaigns to amplify your reach

5 Tips to Keep Your Social Media Strategy Afloat:

1. Prioritize Short-Form Videos & Carousels: Reels, TikToks, and image carousels are leading the pack in engagement. Skip the single-image posts and focus on dynamic content that tells a quick, visual story. Show off that boat delivery, the sparkle of a new engine, or the thrill of a test ride.
2. Foster Community Engagement: Customers want connection, not just content. Answer their questions in the comments, reply to DMs, and spark conversations. A little engagement goes a long way in building loyalty and boosting your algorithm reach.
3. Expand Reach Through Community Interaction: Like, comment, and share posts from other industry pages, events, and happy customers. The more you engage, the more discoverable your business becomes. Think of it as virtual networking.
4. Embrace Trends on TikTok & Instagram: Don’t be afraid to have fun. Join in on trending sounds, challenges, or video formats that align with your brand. You might be surprised how much traction you get by leaning into creativity and a little humor.
5. Stick to a Posting Schedule: Consistency is key. Whether it’s three times a week or daily, frequent posting keeps your brand front and center during the decision-making process. Bonus points if you mix in educational content, behind-the-scenes moments, and lifestyle highlights.

Follow @DiscoverBoating on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X to join the conversation and share in the excitement of bringing the boating lifestyle to the next generation of boaters.