Growth Blog
Marketing lessons from the water
What’s working for charter operators right now, from the team doing the work.
Nick Brisson ·
6 Google Business Profile fixes for fishing charters
Your Google Business Profile might be sending your bookings to FishingBooker. Here are the six fixes we make on almost every charter profile we clean up, with the steps.
Nick Brisson ·
We checked 109 Florida Keys charter websites. Here's what was broken.
We went through 109 Keys charter websites on a phone, the way a guest would. Here are the seven problems we kept finding, how many sites had each, and how to check yours tonight.
Jon Persson ·
Before and after: Sunset Sail Key West's new website
Captain Seth sails three classic boats out of Key West, and his new website just went live. Here's what changed, and four decisions behind it that work on any charter's site.
Jon Persson ·
Instagram for charters and tour operators: a 5-step playbook
Guests check your Instagram before they book. How to set up your profile, what to post, how to get found locally, and how to answer DMs while you're on the water.
Jon Persson ·
Before and after: Two Fish Charters' new website
Captain Yuri Vakselis runs fishing trips from Key West to the Dry Tortugas, and his new website just went live. Here's what changed, and five decisions behind it that work on any charter's site.
Jon Persson ·
AEO for tour operators: how to get ChatGPT to recommend you
AEO for tour operators without the hype: what ChatGPT, Meta AI and Google’s AI answers read about your charter, and how to make sure they get it right.
Jon Persson ·
SEO for tour operators: 5 listings beyond Google
Your Google Business Profile isn't the only listing guests check. The 5 others that matter for tour operators and charters, and how to claim each one free.
Jon Persson ·
FareHarbor Sites vs. CharterChoice: which is right for your charter business?
FareHarbor Sites vs. CharterChoice compared on price, features, contracts and setup time. Both book through FareHarbor; here's what else you get.
Jon Persson ·
TourismTiger vs. CharterChoice: which is right for your charter business?
TourismTiger vs. CharterChoice compared on price, features, contracts and setup time, and which one fits a charter or boat tour business.
Nick Brisson ·
How much does Viator charge? Commission, fees and the real cost
Viator takes 20 to 30% of each booking, more with Accelerate. What that costs a charter per trip and per season, and which bookings you can win back.
Jon Persson ·
Why Viator ranks above your website on your own name
Guests who Google your business by name often book on Viator anyway. Why Viator ranks above your website, what it costs you, and how to fix it.
Nick Brisson ·
How to get more Google reviews for your charter or tour
Ask right after the trip, by text, with a direct link. How charter and tour operators get more Google and Tripadvisor reviews, and how to reply.
Jon Persson ·
Missed-call text-back for charters: how it works and what to say
You can't answer with a fish on. Missed-call text-back texts the caller within about a minute. How it works, how to keep your number, and what to send.
Jon Persson ·
FareHarbor pricing and fees: what operators really pay (2026)
FareHarbor is free for operators and guests pay a booking fee. Here's the fee, card processing, the 2% OTA fee, and how it stacks up against Viator.
Jon Persson ·
Google Things to Do for tour operators: the free Book button
How charter and tour operators get the free Book button and Official site link on Google Things to Do via FareHarbor, and what to fix if it won't show.
Jon Persson ·
Fishing charter marketing: how to fill more trips in 2026
Fishing charter marketing that keeps working while you fish: your Google profile, a website that books, reviews, FishingBooker, regulars and missed calls.
Nick Brisson ·
Tour operator marketing: 7 things that actually fill seats
Tour operator marketing in the right order: a website that takes bookings, Google, fast replies, reviews, OTAs, past guests, then ads.
Nick Brisson ·
Google Ads for tour operators: where to spend first
Google Ads for tour operators, in the order that pays: your own name, then activity and city searches, then Things to Do ads. Plus FareHarbor tracking.
Jon Persson ·
FareHarbor alternatives for charters and tours (and when to stay)
Peek Pro, Xola, Rezdy, Checkfront, Bókun, FishingBooker and Bookeo compared on pricing, who pays the fee and Google Things to Do, plus when to stay put.
Nick Brisson ·
Viator supplier guide: signing up, ranking and what it costs
How to become a Viator supplier: sign-up steps, the $29 listing fee, commission and Accelerate, how Viator ranks listings, and where your supplier ID is.
Want to schedule a time to talk?
Book a 20-minute call with Nick. He’ll answer your questions, show you sites we’ve built for other charters, and tell you straight if it’s a fit.
- Month to month
- No setup fee
- Live in 7 to 10 business days
- You keep your website if you leave
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“I spoke with Nick personally. He’s prompt about getting back to me.”