One of the most common questions we get from captains is, “How can I make my listing rank higher on FishingBooker?” It’s a competitive market, and that top page spot is all-important. Here, we’ll give you the low-down on everything you need to know to secure that prime first page real estate.
How your listing ranks depends on two main things: what’s on the listing itself, and how you use FishingBooker in general. Below, we’ll go into detail about how to get each of those factors fully optimized so more customers can see your service and book a charter with you.
How you use the site affects how well you rank
First and foremost, our search results promote captains who use our features to give customers a good experience. This means keeping your calendar updated, accepting the trips that come your way, and using our features to help you communicate more easily. Here’s how:
1 – Accept the trips that come your way
This is the most important thing our system looks at regarding rankings. The better your history of taking people fishing when the circumstances allow, the better you’ll rank in our search results pages.
Secure this ranking boost by keeping your calendar updated. This will make sure you only get booking requests for days you’re available!
Note: canceling or declining bookings because of something unavoidable such as bad weather doesn’t affect your listing’s ranking. Canceling because of something you could avoid with accurate availability, such as a double booking, does!
Read more: How do I update my calendar?
2 – Download the Captain App
Our Captain App makes it easier to update your calendar, accept trips, and check your stats. But that’s not all! Having it installed makes your listing appear higher in our search results. It’s a win-win!
Download the app here.
3 – Get verified
If you haven’t done so already, upload your credentials to our secure site to get verified and stay published. Make sure to let us know when you renew your license so that you can keep your positive ranking signals.
Read more: What is verification and how do I get verified?
4 – Adjust your commission
You’re free to set your commission anywhere between 10–30% of your trip price. While it’s far from the only ranking factor, the higher you set your commission, the more of an additional boost you’ll get in the search results.
Read more: How do I adjust the commission?
The way your listing is set up is also important
It’s no surprise that customers feel most comfortable about booking listings that look finished and attractive. Our team works hard to help you with that. But there’s more you can do to grab their attention – and secure that coveted ranking spot. Here’s how:
5 – Collect reviews
The more reviews you have, the safer customers feel about reserving your boat. And the more positive reviews you have, the higher you’ll rank. New to the site? Invite your previous customers to review you and give you a head start. And once you start getting customers through FishingBooker, make sure they review you, too. Asking customers to review you as they leave the dock is a great way to make sure they give you that star rating!
Read more: How do I invite my customers to leave a review?
6 – Complete your listing
Upload at least 16 photos to your listing to show it off to its max and get a ranking boost. Our team will take it from there to make it shine!
Read more: How do I add photos or videos to my listing?
7 – Sign up for Instant Book
One of the best ways to boost your rankings is enabling Instant Book on your profile. As well as pushing you up in the search results, it also makes it easier for customers to book your trips and for you to accept them.
Read more: How do I turn Instant Book on and off?
8 – Advertise your regular prices on FishingBooker
If you charge more for the same trips on FishingBooker compared to your own website, your listing will become less visible in the search results. This is because we have a Best Price Guarantee that only promotes listings with prices that match captains’ websites.
Read more: How do I change my rates?
9 – Advertise your best trips
Offer trips of many different lengths? Having a large number of trips on one listing can be overwhelming for customers, so handpick a diverse selection that demonstrates the variety of your offer. Focus on the trips that last for at least 4 or more hours to give your customers the best experience on the water – and help your rankings.
Still Can’t See Your Listing?
Can’t find your listing in the search results or think it’s ranking lower than it should be? Double check the following:
Is the date correct?
When you’re on the search results page, you have the option to select a trip date. If your boat is unavailable on the date you’ve selected, it won’t show up in the search results. Check which date is selected to the left of the screen to make sure you’re searching for a date your charter’s available.
Which location is selected?
Check that the place you’ve listed your boat in is the same as the place you’re searching for. The distance between your boat and the place a customer is searching for affects your listing’s position in the search results. The search results show listings within 40 miles of the location a customer is looking for, but the further away your boat is listed from the search location, the lower you will rank. Search for your own city to get the most accurate picture of how you’re ranking in your local area.
If you run your boat from several locations and are not sure which one to list in, contact us at partner.tasks@fishingbooker.com.
Are any search filters applied?
Check the search filters to make sure you’re showing up for the things you offer. These are connected to the fishing types, techniques, species, and amenities you selected on your listing. If you’ve selected a filter for something that you haven’t marked on your listing, your listing won’t show up in the results for that search.
We hope this helps answer your questions about how our ranking algorithm works. If want to know more, get in touch in the comments below!
