It is largely acknowledged that the future of our industry relies on growth; achieved through the delicate balance of retaining existing customers and bringing in new ones. Dive shop teams around the globe report confidence in managing their customer retention efforts. The most common challenge dive operators share is acquiring new divers and minimizing dropouts from newly certified, beginner divers.

To make scuba diving attractive to new divers, non-divers and occasional divers, it is essential to adapt business practices to align with how consumers conduct product research, determine what and where they buy, and how they experience the product or service.  

PADI Adventures helps PADI Retail and Resort Members align with the way customers buy today.  

A simple “plug in and play” tool, PADI Adventures serves as an extension for PADI Retail and Resort Members’ Dive Shop Locator listings, enabling the advertising and booking of fun dives, trips and courses by customers worldwide. Boosted by PADI’s extensive consumer marketing campaigns, more than 15,000 people globally have booked at least one activity via PADI Adventures with PADI Members, making PADI Adventures the tool to both acquire new divers and revamp interest from your occasional divers. 

Current and future developments continue to build upon these successes with a focus on both product and technology improvements, along with new distribution partnerships to ensure PADI Members are connected with a continuous global audience of new divers, non-divers and occasional divers.   

PADI’s strategic partnerships are pivotal for drawing non-divers into the world of scuba diving, placing PADI courses, fun dives and snorkeling trips in front of potential enthusiasts. PADI’s partnership with Decathlon, a giant in the sporting goods retail sector, is a new and powerful example of this. With over 2000 stores in 56 countries, Decathlon’s alignment with PADI underscores a shared commitment to sustainability and expanding the diving community. This collaboration not only aligns with PADI’s Mission but also ensures substantial business opportunities for Retail and Resort Members by positioning dive opportunities in front of Decathlon’s massive customer base. 

Manuel Krämer, VP of Business Development at PADI, shares his insights on the operational aspects of this partnership:

“Our alliance with Decathlon is a powerful stride towards making diving more accessible. QR codes directing customers to exclusive PADI Adventures landing pages are being integrated into approximately 3 million snorkeling and scuba-related products, including their popular full-face snorkeling masks. This initiative extends to in-store advertising at 600 locations and targeted post-purchase emails”.

This seamless integration allows Decathlon customers globally to instantly connect with PADI dive operations offering underwater activities, directly bridging the gap between their retail experience and aquatic adventures. 

If you’re already taking advantage of the promotional opportunities available to PADI Members through PADI Adventures, then congratulations! You’re in an elite group who are enjoying:  

up to a 53% increase in profile page visibility, meaning your profile is easier to find for potential new customers. 

up to an astonishing 184% rise in web traffic directed to your website from your Dive Shop Locator profile page. 

and perhaps most impressively, up to a 379% surge in clicks to your eLearning eCommerce Store. 

If you’re not yet active on PADI Adventures, there are some simple steps you can take to capitalize on this right now.  

1. Take advantage of step-by-step guidance 

Log into the PADI Pros’ Site to access a comprehensive list of “how to” video tutorials which will get you started.  

If you’re in need of images or videos, don’t forget that you have access to an extensive library in the PADI Marketing Hub (accessed through the Pros’ Site).  

2. Sell yourself 

When listing your activities, it is important to keep in mind that users may be browsing all bookable products in a given location. That means you need to give customers reasons to book specifically with you.  

From a content perspective, traffic data shows consumers spend more time reading descriptions which are crafted to keep their attention. Refrain from using pre-populated copy and include unique selling points for your products. 

Photos and videos are also extremely important for consumers. Take some new, eyecatching shots of your premises, including popular sights in your area, happy divers on a boats, and so on. Remember that showing people in photos has the power to help consumers imagine being part of that photo, so inspire them accordingly!   

Check out these top tips for writing attention-grabbing activity descriptions, which will help boost your booking numbers!  

3. Talk to us!  

The PADI Adventures team can help you embrace the shift to online booking – simply contact them to request a one-to-one meeting where they can talk you through any challenges you’re facing. This support is beneficial for shops new to PADI Adventures, as well as for those wanting to maximize the presence of their offerings. Comprised of divers and experienced professionals, the Adventures team have witnessed the difference online sales make for earlier adopters. From the very first moments of your meeting, you will feel their commitment to your business’ success.

“I felt I was working as part of an efficient buddy team,” is just one of the positive pieces of feedback the PADI Adventures Team has recently received. 

Aligning with how today’s customers research, purchase and experience diving adventures is critical for today’s business success. Ensure you’re not losing potential customers to competitors by offering your courses, excursions and fun dives on PADI Adventures today!    

The PADI Adventures team stands ready to help you get started and grow your business.
Contact them today at padiadventures@padi.com.  

Read more about PADI Adventures:

Answers to the top 10 Frequently Asked Questions about PADI Adventures
How to Craft Better Course Descriptions for Higher Conversion Rates via PADI Adventures
Personalized Support from the PADI Adventures Team to Increase Your Online Bookings

The post Explore Your Membership Benefits: Grow your business with PADI Adventures appeared first on PADI Pros.

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