Marinas are more than just docking spaces, they’re the start of unforgettable moments on the water. But there’s a problem: nearly 8 out of 10 potential customers judge a business’s credibility based on its website.

Which means if your marina’s website isn’t delivering a great first impression, you’re not just losing clicks—you’re losing customers and profitability. Just ask yourself: when was the last time you booked a service with a clunky or outdated website? Exactly.

But there’s good news. You can turn your marina website into a lead-generating machine by avoiding costly mistakes. In this blog post, you’ll discover what the 7 mistakes are and how to fix them—no matter how long you’ve been in business.

Let’s get started.

Mistake #1: The Cluttered Marina Website

Imagine walking into a marina office with papers everywhere, mismatched furniture and disarray. That’s what a cluttered website feels like to potential customers. Too much text, random colors, disorganized menus and auto-play videos create a jarring user experience that drives visitors away.

What to Avoid:

• Overwhelming homepages with paragraphs of text.

• Navigation menus that require a map to decipher.

• Irrelevant images that don’t tell your marina’s story.

What to Do Instead:

Embrace simplicity. Use white space to give your content room to breathe. Highlight only the most critical information on your homepage.

Clear navigation. Stick to 4-6 menu items with clear labels like “Slip Rentals,” “Amenities,” and “Contact.” Less is more.

Professional visuals. Invest in high-quality images and videos that showcase your marina’s services and amenities. A hero image of your waterfront view can speak volumes.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Mobile Users

Most people searching for marinas are on their phones. Whether they’re planning a trip or looking for a slip rental while on the go, your website needs to function flawlessly on mobile devices. Yet, many marina websites are a mess to navigate on a smartphone.

What to Avoid:

• Websites that don’t resize properly for smaller screens.

• Tiny text and buttons that require zooming in to be readable.

• Pop-ups that block the entire screen and are impossible to close.

What to Do Instead:

Responsive design. Ensure your marina’s website adjust to different screen sizes.

Mobile-first optimization. Use large, tappable buttons and concise text.

Fast loading times. Compress images and streamline your site’s code to ensure quick loading on mobile devices.

Mistake #3: Forgetting the Call-to-Action (CTA)

A potential customer lands on your site, loves what they see, and… then what? Without clear calls-to-action, your visitors are left guessing about the next steps and you miss out on valuable leads. Remember: people are busy and they want to be told what to do when engaging with your marina.

What to Avoid:

• Vague CTAs like “Learn More” that don’t guide users.

• Hidden CTAs that are buried at the bottom of the page.

• Overwhelming visitors with too many choices and offers.

What to Do Instead:

Be hyper-specific. Use action-driven CTAs like “Reserve Your Slip Today” or “Book a Tour of Our Marina.”

Make them stand out. Use contrasting colors, shadows and prominent placement to draw attention to your CTAs.

Strategic placement. Include CTAs on every page, especially at the top of your homepage and near key information like pricing or amenities.

Mistake #4: Neglecting SEO

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) isn’t a buzzword, it can completely make or break your business. If your website isn’t optimized for search engines, you’re missing out on organic traffic. Done correctly, SEO helps you rank higher across all search engines, especially locally.

What to Avoid:

• Using industry jargon that potential customers don’t search for.

• Forgetting to include location-specific keywords (“marina near Fort Lauderdale”).

• Publishing a site with sparse content and thin pages.

What to Do Instead:

Research keywords. Use tools like Google’s Keyword Planner to find the terms your audience is searching for.

Write helpful content. Create blog posts like “Top 5 Boating Destinations Near [Your Area]” or “How to Choose the Right Marina.”

Local SEO. Claim and optimize your Google My Business profile and include location-based keywords in your content.

Mistake #5: No Online Booking Option

Thanks to massive companies like Amazon and Netflix, people expect (and demand) convenience. If your website doesn’t offer online booking for slip rentals, boat storage or other services, you’re leaving money on the table. It’s like running a restaurant without a reservation system.

What to Avoid:

• Forcing customers to call to make reservations

• Outdated booking forms that are clunky and confusing.

• Failing to provide real-time availability.

What to Do Instead:

Integrate online booking. Use tools that allow customers to reserve slips or services directly from your website.

Keep it simple. Ensure the booking process is quick and user-friendly, with minimal required fields.

Confirmation emails. Send automated emails to confirm bookings and provide next steps.

Mistake #6: Overlooking Testimonials and Reviews

Trust matters in the marina business. Potential customers want to know that others have had great experiences with your services. If your website lacks social proof, you miss a chance to build trust.

What to Avoid:

• Hiding reviews deep in your site where no one will see them.

• Using generic, anonymous testimonials like “Awesome Marina!”

• Ignoring negative reviews instead of addressing them directly.

What to Do Instead:

Showcase reviews. Dedicate a section on your homepage to glowing testimonials from happy customers.

Include names and photos. Real names and images add authenticity to testimonials.

Respond to feedback. Address any negative reviews professionally and highlight your commitment to improvement.

Mistake #7: Weak Branding

Your website should convey the personality and value of your marina. A lack of cohesive branding makes your business forgettable. The key to a great brand? It’s not wasting tens of thousands of dollars on a logo—it’s about being different and standing out to the customers you want to attract.

What to Avoid:

• Inconsistent colors, fonts or messaging.

• Generic design that looks like every other marina website.

• Copy that’s boring, corporate or unnecessarily complicated.

What to Do Instead:

Develop a brand identity. Choose a color palette, typography, and tone of voice that showcases what makes your marina special.

Tell your story. Share what makes your marina unique, whether it’s family-owned roots or top-notch amenities.

Be consistent. Use the same branding elements across your website, social media and marketing materials.

Don’t Let Your Website Sink Your Profits

Your marina’s website is more than just a digital brochure. It can be an always-on sales machine. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can turn your site into a lead-generating powerhouse that outperforms the competition.

At Slamdot, we create high-performing websites for marinas and other service-based businesses. With a proven track record, transparent pricing, and an unwavering focus on ROI, we help marinas like yours attract more customers, boost conversions and grow profits.

Curious to see how we can help? Contact us today and we’ll discuss!

See More Helpful Tips