Saltwater Pulse began as a printed outdoors newspaper called The Gillwetter, distributed throughout the coastal communities of southeastern North Carolina. It later expanded into a network of saltwater fishing eZine–style websites for dedicated anglers, featuring monthly covers, local captains’ fishing reports, photos, videos, and charter boat listings.
Over time, Saltwater Pulse evolved into an informational resource for fishing charter captains, guides, outdoor service providers, and small business owners who want practical, real-world guidance on online marketing and business growth.
One of the most common questions we hear is:
“How do I get my business to show up at the top of Google?”
The honest answer hasn’t changed—it takes time, effort, and consistency.
While SEO has become more technical, the core principles remain largely the same as they’ve been for decades. What is new is the role of artificial intelligence in search. AI now influences how search engines understand content, user intent, local relevance, and trust signals. At the same time, the internet is flooded with recycled advice and AI-generated content that lacks real-world perspective, making it harder than ever to know what actually works.
Everything shared on Saltwater Pulse is grounded in years of hands-on, in-the-trenches experience, combined with a practical understanding of how modern AI-driven search systems evaluate websites today. No shortcuts, no hype—just clear insight into what may, and may not, work in your local market.
Stick around, bookmark the site, and explore the resources. I’ll continue sharing real-world guidance to help you adapt, stay visible, and grow—without chasing trends that don’t deliver results.
Thanks for stopping by,
Mark Mayo
601MEDIA / Saltwater Pulse
We also design and build custom websites for fishing charters and guide businesses, built for visibility, trust, and conversions.
eZine Marketing Strategy
For many years, we featured monthly eZine covers across our local fishing websites using real catch photos from captains’ reports and galleries. These eZines promoted our captains’ businesses while showcasing our charter fishing website designs, WordPress development, and SEO services.
Proven Marketing Strategies for Charter & Outdoor Businesses
From the Saltwater Pulse Blog
Leveraging eZine Marketing to Grow Your Client List
Leveraging eZine Marketing to Grow Your Client List A practical, data-backed guide explaining how businesses can use eZine marketing as a scalable, permission-based growth channel to consistently attract, nurture, and convert high-quality clients. Table of Contents What eZine Marketing Really Is Why eZine Marketing Still Works Today How to Build a High-Converting eZine Creating Content That Attracts Clients Growing and Segmenting Your Subscriber List Turning Subscribers Into Paying Clients Measuring Performance and Optimization Common eZine Marketing Mistakes to Avoid Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions Final Thoughts Resources What eZine Marketing Really Is eZine marketing is the strategic use of digital [...]
Hunting Guide SEO: Tips From the Fishing Charter World
Hunting Guide SEO: Tips From the Fishing Charter World Short-form synopsis: Hunting guides face the same visibility challenges fishing charters solved years ago. By borrowing proven SEO strategies from the fishing charter industry, hunting guides can rank faster, attract higher-intent clients, and build long-term digital authority in competitive outdoor markets. Table of Contents Why Hunting Guides Should Learn From Fishing Charters Local SEO Lessons From Charter Operators Service Page Structures That Convert Content Marketing That Attracts Serious Hunters Reviews, Trust, and Social Proof Technical SEO Fundamentals Guides Often Miss Measuring SEO ROI in the Guide Industry Top 5 Frequently Asked [...]
Use AI to Design High-Converting Landing Pages
How to Use AI to Design High-Converting Landing Pages for Fishing Charter Bookings AI is reshaping how fishing charter businesses attract, convert, and retain customers online. From rapid page design to data-driven copywriting and conversion optimization, AI-powered tools allow captains and charter operators to build landing pages that book more trips with less effort. This guide explains, step by step, how to use AI strategically to design landing pages that turn website visitors into paying charter guests. Table of Contents Why AI Matters for Fishing Charter Landing Pages Understanding Angler Intent with AI Structuring a High-Converting Charter Landing Page Using [...]
Top 10 Landing Page Best Practices for Fishing Charter Bookings
Top 10 Landing Page Best Practices for Fishing Charter Bookings Fishing charter businesses operate in a high-intent, seasonal market where visitors are often ready to book immediately. This article breaks down the ten most effective landing page best practices that directly increase booking conversions for fishing charters by reducing friction, building trust, and guiding visitors toward fast decisions. Table of Contents Clear Value Proposition Above the Fold Single Conversion Goal Per Page Prominent Instant Booking Call-to-Action Trust Signals That Reduce Buyer Anxiety Visual Proof of the Experience Mobile-First Page Design Transparent Pricing and Inclusions Real Customer Social Proof Urgency Without [...]
Attract More Charter Bookings During Off-Season Months
How to Attract More Charter Bookings During Off-Season Months The off-season does not have to mean empty boats and lost revenue for fishing charter operators. With the right mix of strategic pricing, digital marketing, customer experience optimization, and niche targeting, off-season months can become a reliable income stream rather than a financial burden. This guide breaks down proven, data-backed methods to help fishing charter businesses drive consistent bookings year-round. Table of Contents Understanding the Off-Season Challenge Analyzing Seasonal Demand Patterns Smart Pricing Strategies That Convert Off-Season Digital Marketing That Works Targeting Locals and Regional Anglers Creating Off-Season Experiences Leveraging Partnerships [...]
Fishing Charter Pricing Strategies That Maximize Profit
Fishing Charter Pricing Strategies That Maximize Profit Fishing charter pricing is not just about covering fuel and bait. It is a strategic lever that determines profitability, booking consistency, customer perception, and long-term business sustainability. The most profitable charter operators treat pricing as a dynamic system shaped by demand, operating costs, customer psychology, and competitive positioning rather than a static number copied from competitors. Table of Contents Understanding the Economics of Fishing Charters Calculating True Operating Costs Common Charter Pricing Models Demand-Based and Seasonal Pricing Value-Based Pricing and Customer Perception Upsells, Add-Ons, and Revenue Stacking Discounting Without Destroying Margins Competitive Analysis [...]