When a potential customer is deciding which fishing charter or guide to book, reviews are often the deciding factor. But where should those reviews live—Google or Tripadvisor? The truth is, guides shouldn’t pick just one. Google reviews are critical for local visibility and SEO, while Tripadvisor remains a trusted resource for travelers planning activities in advance. In this article, we’ll break down why both platforms matter, how each one works differently, and how you can use them together to reel in more bookings.
Why Google Reviews Matter for Fishing Guides
If you care about showing up in local search results—especially for phrases like “fishing charters near me” or “[your city] fishing guide”—Google reviews are non-negotiable. They’re one of the most important ranking factors for your Google Business Profile, which means more reviews can literally help more people find you.
But visibility is just the start. When a potential client sees a steady stream of 5-star reviews, they’re far more likely to click, call, and book. Google reviews also show up instantly in Google Maps and mobile search, making them especially powerful for last-minute bookings or vacationers already in town.
Bottom line: Ask your happy customers to leave a Google review first. It helps your SEO, boosts your credibility, and keeps your listing competitive in a crowded market.
Why Tripadvisor Still Matters
Tripadvisor might not impact your local SEO like Google does, but it plays a huge role in how tourists plan their trips—especially in vacation-heavy destinations. Many travelers use Tripadvisor exclusively when researching things to do, including fishing charters, tours, and other local activities.
It also ranks well organically. Try Googling “best fishing charters in [your town]” and there’s a good chance Tripadvisor shows up near the top. If you’re not listed—or your profile is incomplete or outdated—you’re missing out on visibility and trust.
Tripadvisor also helps set expectations. Travelers can compare reviews, photos, and even pricing. A strong presence here builds social proof and can drive bookings, especially from visitors planning ahead.
Bottom line: Even if you’re not pushing clients to leave Tripadvisor reviews, you should have a complete, up-to-date profile to capture traffic and build trust with those already using the platform.
How to Use Both Platforms Effectively
Using Google and Tripadvisor together doesn’t mean doubling your workload—it just means being intentional. Here’s a simple strategy that works for most fishing guides:
- Direct your clients to Google for reviews after each trip. It’s quick, mobile-friendly, and helps boost your search visibility.
- Maintain your Tripadvisor profile with updated photos, current trip descriptions, and accurate contact info—even if you’re not actively pushing reviews there.
- Add links to both profiles on your website, preferably on your homepage, footer, and/or a dedicated reviews page.
- Be consistent in how you respond to reviews. A short thank-you goes a long way and shows potential clients you care.
At the end of the day, Google and Tripadvisor each play a different role in your online reputation. When used together, they give you the best of both worlds: local visibility and travel-focused trust. Set them up, keep them active, and let your happy clients do the talking.