Hunters and fishermen are increasingly using the internet to find pros and guides on their next outing. Blogging is the most effective way to reach these potential clients, whether used separately or in conjunction with an existing website. Hunting and fishing guides who blog will consistently do two things: 1.) Get more eyeballs on their company, outfit, or organization and 2.) Convert more of these viewers to clients. Read on for the how and why this concept works:
1.) You’re the expert, prove it!
If you’re the guy that knows Florida flats bonefish, or how rocky mountain elk react to early fall snow, give tips and advice. Potential clients will recognize you as an expert and wonder what other tricks you have up your sleeve. Give teasers, but you don’t have to give away that favorite fishing hole.
2.) Fishing/Hunting Reports
First thing potential clients are going to want to know is what fish are running at that time of year, or when the rut starts. Give them an idea of when their target species is doing what through periodic updates.
3.) Regulations
Second thing potential clients are looking for: what bag limits are in place, when is the season for a particular game, how would one draw permits for such a beast or is this something the guide can handle for me? Note, a link to the state DNR web page will do, but covering them your self is even better.
4.) Profile Fish and Game
Detail what’s out there to hunt or fish. Give photos, describe what kind of trip is involved, and list what options are available for bagging their dream or game.
5.) Search Engines Love Blogs
Not all websites are created equal. Search engines love blogs because they are text heavy, deliver fresh content, create unique titles, and a number of other SEO factors not within the scope of this article. What’s important is that blogs can consistently outperform traditional websites for target search terms, but also maximize the effect of long tail search terms (google “long tail seo”). You’ll be surprised at how many people find you and your blog by seemingly random search terms such as a particular mountain you hunt, or a reef you mentioned last spring.
6.) Pictures are Your Friend
Potential clients want nothing more than to be the face in that picture of a 32″ redfish, trophy rainbow, or a 400 class elk. Photo galleries are a great idea, but also feature a trophy from time to time with a very ecstatic client in the background.
7.) Testimonials
If you’re really making people happy, they will love to give you great feedback. Email some past clients for a testimonial, or better yet ask a happy client to write a note on the boat ride or hike back from your outing. Most clients are happy to help, and you wouldn’t believe how far testimonials go to build credibility.
8.) It’s Easy
Anybody who can use the internet and make complete sentences can do it. Potential clients aren’t looking for Pulitzer Prize awarding writing; they are looking for the scoop on their next destination and somebody who can take them to where the “big ones” are located. Most blogging platforms offer an easy to use web interface to write, edit, and change the look of the blog very easily.
