When Chris Sehman first launched crabisland.com, it wasn’t about connecting Emerald Coast visitors and locals with the best things to do at the famous sandbar. And it wasn’t even close to being an affiliate marketing enterprise. In reality, the site was originally designed to promote “the after-party” at Helen Back Café on Okaloosa Island. From 2008 to 2015, they hosted events like “Wiffle Ball for Kids,” the “Ultimate Chicken Fight Championship,” and handed out free pizza every weekend. It was fun while it lasted, but eventually those events wrapped up and the site went dormant as Chris figured out what to do next.
Fast forward a few years, and crabisland.com found its real purpose in helping people plan the perfect Crab Island getaway. And a big part of that success? Chris’ record-setting partnership with TripShock.
Why Chris Chose the TripShock Travel Affiliate Program
Chris didn’t start off working with TripShock. At first, he tried selling ads and promoting various vendors he knew from years past as a longtime local. Then he started posting links to those vendors through TripShock’s affiliate program. Suddenly, everything just clicked.
“Ultimately, I started posting all the links on TripShock… it became obvious that the platform TripShock assembled was a perfect match for crabisland.com as thousands of people began to search ‘Crab Island’… and the partnership was born,” Chris explains.
TripShock makes it easy for travelers to find Destin’s best boat rentals, dolphin cruises, fishing charters, parasailing tours and so much more, so combining forces helped crabisland.com become a go-to resource for crafting the ultimate Emerald Coast vacation experience. It was a win-win!
TripShock’s Top Affiliate Program Benefits
As demand for Crab Island boat rentals and tours — along with other Destin adventures — surged, both crabisland.com and TripShock found the need for adjustments. What really stood out to Chris was how fast and effectively TripShock executed those updates. One major improvement was the addition of a new filter feature on the Crab Island category page, which now allows users to narrow their search by options like the number of passengers, private charters with captains, trip duration, and more. This feature made it even easier for visitors to find the perfect trip, boosting both convenience and bookings for crabisland.com.
“BY FAR, the best asset was the time and talent Stephanie (Director of Business Marketing) managed to adapt to my questions and concerns, ultimately customizing their site to the thousands of potential guests. I really appreciated how she adapted so quickly to my suggestions so we could maximize our bookings,” Chris shares.
That level of flexibility and attention to detail made all the difference for crabisland.com and its visitors, and it’s a hallmark of the TripShock Affiliate Program that so many affiliates have come to love. One of the things that sets TripShock apart is how we work with our affiliates on a personal basis. Because affiliate marketing for tourism websites is a unique niche, we take the time to understand not only the needs of our affiliates but also those of their guests. Whether it’s customizing features or providing one-on-one support, we’re committed to helping our affiliates succeed. This personalized approach ensures that both the affiliate and the travelers they serve have a seamless, rewarding experience.
Boosting Affiliate Bookings with a Personal Touch
Here’s something that surprised Chris: The decision to add his own phone number to the top of crabisland.com would be the ultimate game changer. While most travelers were booking online, Chris offered a direct line to a local expert — himself. With his deep knowledge of the vendors and the Crab Island experience, he took the time to understand each guest’s unique needs, answering questions and providing personalized recommendations. This hands-on approach not only built trust, but also helped uncover a key insight: Guests needed more options to customize their search. That discovery led to the creation of the new filter feature on TripShock, making it easier for travelers to find the perfect experience.
“Someone once literally called me ‘crazy’ for putting a phone number on the top of my website. I think that put our summer over the top! I answered about 2,000 calls, from the silliest of questions to amazing conversations with clients that simply wanted guidance. They knew how to book online, yet having someone talk them through their planning went a long way to build trust.”
That personal touch led to higher conversion rates, and in some cases, guests booked multiple trips. It just goes to show that sometimes the simplest things can make a big impact and are worth trying in the affiliate marketing experience.
Affiliate Marketing Tips from Crabisland.com
If you’re thinking about becoming a TripShock affiliate, or you’re already signed up and want to get more out of the program, Chris has one key piece of advice: Consistency is key.
“The biggest aspect I would focus on is consistency in your effort. You have basically a few months to build relationships with vendors and be ready for every booking, every call, every email… don’t miss a single one,” Chris advises.
By staying consistent and on top of every opportunity, you’re not just handling bookings. You’re building real trust with your travelers and helping them make a lifetime of memories. Chris made sure he was always available, whether it was answering a call or replying to an email, and that personal touch really made a difference. In fact, it made 400% of a difference compared to the previous year. If you put in the same effort, like Chris did, you may start seeing your business and bookings grow naturally, too.
Key Takeaways
What Boosted Chris’ Affiliate Journey:
- TripShock’s affiliate tools helped drive a 400% year-over-year booking increase
- Adding a phone number and being personally available increased conversions
- Customization, consistency, and a user-first approach made all the difference
Ready to Start Your Own Success Story with TripShock?
Chris’ story shows just how powerful a partnership with TripShock can be — and he’s just one of our many travel affiliate program success stories. If you’re thinking about joining TripShock as an affiliate or are already in the program and looking to maximize your success, now’s the perfect time to dive in. Click here to learn more or shoot us a message at [email protected].
