Word-of-mouth continues to top the list of successful diver acquisition tactics. There’s simply no better way to build new dive business than by encouraging your customers to bring a friend to a Discover Scuba® Diving (DSD) Day.

According to PADI surveys, 90 percent of DSD participants enjoyed the experience and want to get certified, but it’s estimated that only 15 percent enroll in the Open Water Diver course shortly after their dive. It makes good sense to take action to increase the number of people coming through the doors and to help them get what they came for by signing up for the Open Water Diver course.

Marketing

Help is at hand. To spread the word about DSD Days, customize the stunning looking 2016 Discover Scuba Diving Days marketing templates (available on the Pros’ site) for an effective and professional promotional image. Choose from flyer, postcard and poster templates in addition to email headers, web banners and Facebook headers, which lend a slick consistent look to print and digital promotional materials.

Also make sure to list your DSD Days on padi.com and make the most of PADI’s global reach. PADI Dive Centers and Resorts can go to their My Account page on the Pros’ site and select Register your Discover Scuba Diving Days event(s). You’ll be able to list your DSD Day event using handy drop-down menus on the interactive calendar. Then keep an eye on your DSD preregistration queue and reach out to those who sign up.

As the number of DSD divers swells, try these tips from your fellow PADI Pros to help people transition to Open Water Diver.

  1. Talk up and actively promote DSD with existing customers and encourage them to bring a friend to one of your regularly scheduled (at least monthly) DSD Days.
  2. Make someone responsible for posting fun pictures of the DSD and don’t forget to ask participants to tag you and post on their own social channels.
  3. Highlight the links between DSD and Open Water Diver by reviewing the Discover Scuba Diving Participant Guide benefits with participants, especially access to Open Water Diver Online – Section One.
  4. Debrief DSD divers in a comfortable social setting after the experience. Have a special offer for immediately enrolling in a course. Have well-informed staff ask for the sale.
  5. Follow up with everyone who didn’t enroll within a couple of days and extend the 
special offer.

Whatever you do, don’t delay. List your DSD Days today.

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