Introduction

Boat & Jet Ski Dealer Marketing: Where Buyers Actually Search cuts through guesswork. Buyers bounce among Search, Maps, Marketplaces, niche classifieds, and social video. This guide shows what to post, where to post, how to reply, and how to turn interest into scheduled water tests without wasting budget.

1) Why this works

• Intent first: We prioritize channels with buyer intent (Maps, marketplaces, shortlists) over passive browsing.
• Proof beats hype: Real photos, clear specs, and short videos reduce friction and increase demo bookings.
• Speed to reply: Sub-3-minute responses win high-ticket conversations before attention drifts.

2) Marine Buyer Journey Map

3) Channel Breakdown

4) Listing Assets: Photos, Video, Titles, Specs, Disclosures

Photo/Video Shotlist

• Exterior hero at dock/ramp (landscape + portrait), trailer shot
• Cockpit/helm, seating, storage, livewell/rod holders (boats)
• Engine/battery bay, hour meter, hull/gelcoat close-ups
• VIN/HIN plate (blur partial), accessories, cover, keys
• 15–30s walk-through: startup sound, dash readouts, trim test

Title Formula

{Year} {Brand} {Model} • {Engine/HP} • {Hours} • {Seats} • {Key Feature} • Financing Available

Description Blocks

Highlights: {layout} | {HP/hours} | {hull} | {electronics} | {trailer incl. Y/N}
Condition: {maint. records} | {inspection} | {any cosmetic notes}
Includes: {cover/bimini} | {safety kit} | {recent service}
Next steps: Comment "DEMO" or DM your ZIP to schedule a water test.

Export Sizes

5) Marketplace Optimization

1. Use the title formula; add city name in description for relevance.
2. Post full spec blocks, transparent fee/tax guidance, and clear condition notes.
3. Reply in < 3 minutes with an auto-qualifier: ZIP, intended use (lake/ocean), towing/storage, budget band, timeline.
4. Offer two demo windows immediately; share ramp address and what to bring (license, PFDs if required).

6) Google Business Profile & Local SEO for Marine

• Add “Products” for priority models with photos and specs.
• Post weekly (new arrivals, service promos, demo days).
• Encourage photo reviews after delivery; tag model names.
• Create FAQs on storage, winterization, and financing.

7) Social Video That Drives Demos

• 15–30s vertical: cold start, dash, throttle blip, wake shot.
• Caption blueprint: {Model} • {HP} • {Hours} • Financing → “Comment DEMO for ramp times.”
• Pin best performer for 48–72 hours; test hero frames.

8) Pricing & Offer Packaging

• Anchors: Show comparable retail (when allowed). Be honest about fees and taxes.
• Bundles: Safety kit + first service + winterization discount.
• Seasonality: Spring/summer demand; off-season incentives with storage credits.

9) Inbox Playbook

Target reply time: <3 minutes during hours, <10 minutes after hours via SMS handoff.

10) Appointment & Water Demo SOP

• Prep: fuel, safety gear, charged battery, pre-run checklist, slip/ramp booked.
• Arrival SMS: map pin, parking tips, “reply HERE when you arrive.”
• No-show: quick reschedule + two alternates + weather buffer.

11) KPIs, Dashboards & Attribution

UTM idea: utm_source=marketplace&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=marine_2025

12) 30–60–90 Day Rollout

Days 1–30 (Foundation)

1. Standardize listing templates; shoot 12–18 photos per unit + 30s video.
2. Publish Products on GBP for 5–8 priority models.
3. Install instant replies and define SLAs.

Days 31–60 (Momentum)

1. A/B test titles and hero images; rotate city mentions.
2. Run weekly demo-day posts; collect photo reviews.
3. Build KPI dashboard; refine qualifier scripts.

Days 61–90 (Scale)

1. Expand to nearby cities and ramp locations.
2. Boost only proven winners; prune low performers.
3. Create two public case studies from real deliveries.

13) Compliance, Safety & Trust

• Use authentic photos; blur sensitive IDs; avoid misleading claims.
• Disclose doc/title fees, taxes, and any reconditioning clearly.
• Respect local watercraft laws; encourage PFDs and safe operation.

14) Troubleshooting & Optimization