[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.17.0″ width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”THE BOARD” subhead=”A Blog To Help The Marina Owner Understand Online Marketing” text_orientation=”center” header_scroll_down=”on” scroll_down_icon=”%%0%%” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.37)” logo_image_url=”https:\/\/marketingmarinas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/amp-3.png” content_max_width=”none” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ title_level=”h2″ subhead_font_size=”20px” background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https:\/\/marketingmarinas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/wood-02.jpg” parallax=”on” custom_button_one=”on” button_one_border_color=”#ffffff” button_one_icon=”#||divi||400″ button_one_icon_placement=”left” custom_padding=”0px||90px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||80px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||70px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_main_element=”padding-top:100px;” custom_css_subtitle=”margin-bottom: 20px” background_url=”https:\/\/marketingmarinas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/6.jpg” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”15px||15px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”http:\/\/marketingmarinas.com\/blog” button_text=”Back to the Blog” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”16px” button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”|||on|||||” button_icon=”#||divi||400″ button_icon_placement=”left” button_on_hover=”off” animation_style=”fade” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”50.5156px|0px|50.5156px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”1280px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_post_title author=”off” comments=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ title_font=”|700|||||||” title_font_size=”35px” title_line_height=”1.2em” meta_font=”Abel||||||||” meta_text_color=”#0f0f0f” meta_font_size=”15px” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” title_font_size_tablet=”33px” title_font_size_phone=”28px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_post_meta=”font-family: ‘JosefinSans-Regular’;||display:block;” module_bg_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Find clients to fill the slips. Calibrate an accurate ordering schedule. Get your Airbnb set up<\/a>. The list of tasks awaiting a new marina manager can be overwhelming. One of the fundamental free tools for bringing your marina into the modern technological age will funnel traffic to your website and help you establish an image of professional credibility:<\/p>\n Create a Google Business Profile.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/marketingmarinas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/marina-google-business-profile-01-res.jpg” alt=”creating a google business profile for marinas” title_text=”creating a google business profile for marinas” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_2_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Google has a gargantuan level of web authority<\/a>, meaning if you\u2019re listed with a Business Profile, anyone searching your region for marinas will have immediate eyes on your business. A Google Business listing provides a potential client with a visual of your location and services, your contact information, and a direct path of communication from their initial search to a slip reservation with your marina.<\/p>\n Here we\u2019re going to walk through a step-by-step guide that will show you how to build a profile and literally put your marina on the virtual map.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/marketingmarinas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/marina-del-ray-louisiana-google-business-profile-02-res.jpg” alt=”Marina Del Ray Louisiana Google Business Profile” title_text=”Marina Del Ray Louisiana Google Business Profile” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” header_2_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_2_font_size_phone=”24px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Before you click anything, have the following information available:<\/p>\n Go to the Google Business Profile homepage<\/a> and click the blue \u201cManage Now\u201d link. Google now operates its Google Business listings through a dashboard called the \u201cGoogle Business Profile Manager\u201d.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/marketingmarinas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/creating-a-google-business-profile-03-res.jpg” alt=”creating a google business profile” title_text=”creating a google business profile” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Google will take you to a page where you can type in your business and \u201cclaim\u201d it. Type in your business name and select your business, making sure to verify your business address. To protect your Business Profile, Google requires the user to \u201crequest access\u201d from the current owner if the business has already been claimed. If you are the first to claim your business, you will move on to selecting a business category.<\/p>\n Google offers the option for you to select both a primary business category and a secondary category. Select both a primary and secondary business category to make your profile as well-rounded as possible. Profiles with a greater depth of information achieve better search results.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/marketingmarinas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/google-business-profile-categories-05-res.jpg” alt=”google business profile categories” title_text=”google business profile categories” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Google will ask you if your business is a \u201cservice area business\u201d or a \u201cbrick and mortar\u201d business. Unless a marina has invented a revolutionary way to bring the waterfront right to the customer\u2019s doorstep, you will choose \u201cbrick and mortar\u201d business.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” header_2_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_2_font_size_phone=”24px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_4_font=”|600|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#727272″ header_4_font_size=”17px” header_4_line_height=”1.3em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You\u2019ll next reach the areas where you start to incorporate the fine details of your business. The Google Business listings that attract the most attention are profiles with robust specifics and visuals that can help a boater imagine what using your marina services looks like.<\/p>\n Make sure to include the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/marketingmarinas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/google-business-profile-features-06-res.jpg” alt=”google business profile features” title_text=”google business profile features” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” header_2_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_2_font_size_phone=”24px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||14px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Google provides several options for verification to ensure your authenticity, and the list of Google Business Profile verification options is available here<\/a>. Google\u2019s preferred method for brick and mortar businesses is via postcard, and it\u2019s also the option we recommend to best protect your marina\u2019s integrity. Choose the \u201cverify by mail\u201d option and Google will send a postcard to the unique physical address you provide.<\/p>\n When you get the postcard within 14 business days, go through the following steps:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/marketingmarinas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/google-business-profile-verification-07-res.jpg” alt=”google business profile verification” title_text=”google business profile verification” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” header_2_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_2_font_size_phone=”24px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” header_2_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The importance of the Google Business Profile features shouldn\u2019t be understated\u2014they are the call-to-action that converts a person simply browsing your page into a paying customer.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font=”|300|||||||” header_3_font_size=”24px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”||14px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Similar to boating networks like ActiveCaptain<\/a>, the Google Business Profile carries a messaging function called Google Business Messages that allows you to communicate with a potential client directly. Queries and comments sent by customers are delivered to the messaging feature in your Google Business Profile Manager. The service previously enabled a user to download the Google My Business app from Google Play<\/a> or the Apple app store<\/a>, but starting in July of 2022, the Google Maps app will replace the Google My Business app as the app through which a user can manage their business profile.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font=”|300|||||||” header_3_font_size=”24px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”||14px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There\u2019s almost nothing in the universe as powerful as a hyped, effusive review from a happy client. Google dwarfs review platforms like Yelp<\/a> and TripAdvisor<\/a> in terms of volume and converting power. A voluminous display of strong reviews gives the customer confidence in your product and prompts them to act. A business owner can respond directly to reviews and show others browsing you are an engaging and attentive business. Take your review game to another level and implement a review funnel system<\/a> to further build your reputation with a strong cache of reviews.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_font=”|300|||||||” header_3_font_size=”24px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”||14px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Google\u2019s analytics features are in an elite category when it comes to data visualization. Through your Google Business performance dashboard, you can view statistics of how many people are clicking your website due to search results, who found you through a location search, and who found you by searching your name directly. With a tangible data set, a marina manager can determine their strength of profile and whether they might need to further build their web presence to better show up in search results.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” header_2_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In an era of immediate satisfaction, a business that can\u2019t be found with a quick phone scroll barely exists in the world. Building success for your business digitally is a must-have practice. Sure, it\u2019s going to take time to grow a web presence, but utilizing a free tool like a Google Business Profile is one of the foundational pillars on which a customer base is built.<\/p>\n Claim your territory \u2013 put yourself on the digital map.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you\u2019d like to focus on operating your marina without the additional responsibility of marketing, get in touch with us<\/a>. Hammer & Nail Marketing is a boutique marketing firm that helps small- to mid-sized marinas get noticed by boaters.<\/p>\n We\u2019re boaters ourselves from a background of operating a family-run marina. From a group of experts who know the water, let Hammer & Nail Marketing<\/a> help you be the waterfront your local boaters see every time they cast off.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/marketingmarinas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Hammer-and-Nail-Marketing-banner-blog-MM.jpg” alt=”Hammer and Nail Marketing” title_text=”Hammer and Nail Marketing” url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wYWdlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjI0OTM2In19@” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _dynamic_attributes=”url” _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Hammer and Nail Marketing is a boutique marketing firm that helps small to mid-sized marinas get noticed by boaters. If you\u2019d like to focus on operating your marina without the additional responsibility of marketing, get in touch with us.<\/p>\n We\u2019re boaters ourselves from a background of operating a family-run marina. From a group of experts who know the water, let Hammer and Nail Marketing help you be the waterfront your local boaters see every time they cast off.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_cta title=”SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER” button_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wYWdlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjI1MTg2In19@” button_text=”SUBSCRIBE” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _dynamic_attributes=”button_url” _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_font_size=”30px” header_line_height=”1.2em” body_text_color=”#000000″ body_font_size=”17px” body_line_height=”1.4em” background_enable_color=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(255,255,255,0.81) 0%|rgba(255,255,255,0.85) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/marketingmarinas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/marina-marketing-newsletter-bg-01.jpg” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#000000″ button_bg_color=”#FFFFFF” button_border_width=”1px” button_use_icon=”off” button_custom_margin=”9px||||false|false” background_layout=”light” custom_margin=”57px||57px||true|false” custom_padding=”64px||64px||true|false” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”26px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_blur=”9px” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” button_bg_color__hover=”#000000″ button_bg_enable_color__hover=”on” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” button_text_color__hover=”#FFFFFF” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” button_border_color__hover=”#000000″ global_module=”25305″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n No spam, we promise! Just the latest marina marketing tips.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_cta][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Relevant links you might find useful:<\/strong><\/p>\n Website Design & Development for Marinas<\/a><\/p>\nSet up your Google Business Profile Manager<\/h2>\n
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Build up your Google Business Profile<\/h2>\n
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Verify your Google Business Profile<\/h2>\n
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Google Business Profile features<\/h2>\n
Google Business Messages<\/h3>\n
Reviews<\/h3>\n
Insights<\/h3>\n
Marina advertising made simple: Start with a Google Business Profile<\/h2>\n
Article by Hammer and Nail Marketing<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n
WHAT IS HAMMER & NAIL?<\/h3>\n