How to Prep Your Dealership Marketing for Boat Show Season

Boat show season is one of the most powerful marketing opportunities for marine businesses. These events bring in buyers actively searching for their next boat — but success doesn’t happen overnight. Preparing your dealership’s marketing ahead of boat show season is critical to maximizing foot traffic, capturing leads, and generating sales long after the show ends.

1. Create a Pre-Show Hype Campaign

Start teasing your boat show participation 4-6 weeks in advance across social media, email, and your website. Share exciting inventory highlights, behind-the-scenes content, and event-exclusive offers to build anticipation. The goal is to get buyers planning to visit your booth before they even arrive.

2. Optimize Landing Pages for Event Leads

Have a dedicated page on your website for the event with all the details a potential buyer needs — dates, location, inventory sneak peeks, and a clear call-to-action. Include lead capture forms where visitors can request information, schedule an appointment, or download show-only offers.

3. Run Paid Ads Targeting Local Boaters

Leverage Facebook and Instagram ads to target boaters within driving distance of the show. Paid ads should include event-specific creative, booth details, and a direct call-to-action to schedule an appointment or visit your website for more details.

🛥️ Explore more ad strategies in: What Every Boat Dealer Should Know About Running Facebook & Instagram Ads

4. Prepare Lead Capture Tools

Be ready to collect leads at the event using tablets, QR codes, or text-to-enter giveaways. Automated follow-up sequences can help you stay connected with potential buyers long after the event is over.

Need help building a boat show marketing strategy that drives leads before, during, and after the event? Download our Marine Marketing Audit Checklist or schedule a consultation with Dolomites Consulting Group today.