Diving Deeper
x
How Brand Good Time®
helped this legacy brand embrace community to make an impact
The Overview
Welcome to…
Contender Boats was once just a legacy luxury boat manufacturer, but now also it’s a digital movement, a lifestyle icon, and an absolute force in the marine industry. That didn’t happen by mistake! Since 2016, Brand Good Time® has been the engine behind Contender’s digital takeover, transforming its online reputation from “established manufacturer” to the name serious boaters can’t stop talking about. By embracing a bold digital marketing strategy, Contender has significantly expanded its online presence, fostering an engaged community of passionate boaters and elevating its brand status beyond just a high-end manufacturer.
When Brand Good Time® entered the chat, Contender had 36K Instagram followers.
This success has been driven by a custom-tailored approach emphasizing platform-specific content optimization, user-generated content (UGC) integration, strategic event amplification, community engagement, and consistent brand voice development.
A significant challenge in this transformation was adapting Contender’s content strategy to changing digital trends while maintaining its brand authenticity. Brand Good Time® wasn’t worried. They tackled the challenge by leveraging historical data and audience insights, ensuring that each move—such as staying off TikTok until 2021—was both strategic and impactful. The results speak for themselves: The #contenderboats hashtag grew from 2.6M
in 2020 to over 10.2M in 2021, demonstrating significant audience engagement and brand visibility.
The move to UGC and influencer collaborations proved to be a game-changer, particularly at key industry events like the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS). Walkthrough content from influencers outperformed brand-generated material, which Brand Good Time® gladly ran with and turned it into a refined strategy that fueled the successful 2024 29BAY launch.
It’s called making waves, and Brand Good Time® knows a thing or two about that.
But, Brand Good Time® didn’t stop with social media. They reintroduced Contender to email marketing in 2024, driving higher event attendance and a deeper audience connection. The C1 Team social launch reinforced Contender’s position as a dominant force in competitive sportfishing, leading to even greater brand loyalty and engagement.
Through a combination of data-driven decision-making, strategic content creation, and community-first engagement, Brand Good Time® has propelled Contender Boats to new heights with creativity and impact. This case study is a testament to how traditional brands can successfully navigate the digital landscape, balancing tradition with innovation to drive long-term success.
They’ve reached over a million unique accounts across their unwavering 8-year relationship (and counting!).
This event alone led to a 705% increase in impressions, a 517% increase in reach, and a 2889% boost in reel interactions.
Contender Boats was once just a legacy luxury boat manufacturer, but now also it’s a digital movement, a lifestyle icon, and an absolute force in the marine industry. That didn’t happen by mistake! Since 2016, Brand Good Time® has been the engine behind Contender’s digital takeover, transforming its online reputation from “established manufacturer” to the name serious boaters can’t stop talking about. By embracing a bold digital marketing strategy, Contender has significantly expanded its online presence, fostering an engaged community of passionate boaters and elevating its brand status beyond just a high-end manufacturer.
When Brand Good Time® entered the chat, Contender had 36K Instagram followers.
This success has been driven by a custom-tailored approach emphasizing platform-specific content optimization, user-generated content (UGC) integration, strategic event amplification, community engagement, and consistent brand voice development.
A significant challenge in this transformation was adapting Contender’s content strategy to changing digital trends while maintaining its brand authenticity. Brand Good Time® wasn’t worried. They tackled the challenge by leveraging historical data and audience insights, ensuring that each move—such as staying off TikTok until 2021—was both strategic and impactful. The results speak for themselves: The #contenderboats hashtag grew from 2.6M
in 2020 to over 10.2M in 2021, demonstrating significant audience engagement and brand visibility.
The move to UGC and influencer collaborations proved to be a game-changer, particularly at key industry events like the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS). Walkthrough content from influencers outperformed brand-generated material, which Brand Good Time® gladly ran with and turned it into a refined strategy that fueled the successful 2024 29BAY launch.
It’s called making waves, and Brand Good Time® knows a thing or two about that.
But, Brand Good Time® didn’t stop with social media. They reintroduced Contender to email marketing in 2024, driving higher event attendance and a deeper audience connection. The C1 Team social launch reinforced Contender’s position as a dominant force in competitive sportfishing, leading to even greater brand loyalty and engagement.
Through a combination of data-driven decision-making, strategic content creation, and community-first engagement, Brand Good Time® has propelled Contender Boats to new heights with creativity and impact. This case study is a testament to how traditional brands can successfully navigate the digital landscape, balancing tradition with innovation to drive long-term success.
Who They Are
Contender Boats is a luxury boat manufacturer turned digital leader in the marine industry, achieving remarkable growth across social media platforms and establishing a robust online community of passionate boating enthusiasts – all with a little help from the team here at Brand Good Time®.
Our Approach
With approximately 10k boats floating since 1984 and an average production rate of ~250 boats per year, Contender showcases their value (and keeps the lights on) through luxury pricing and high quality craftsmanship.
Since a luxury boat isn’t exactly the kind of investment one would make on a whim through a TikTok shop, establishing a robust digital presence may not be the first strategy that comes to mind when marketing a legacy brand like Contender.
But when has Brand Good Time® ever gone with the obvious strategy?
Since 2016 Contender has trusted Brand Good Time® to establish and grow their digital presence and online community from 50k Instagram followers to one that reached over a million unique accounts in 2024.
10k boats floating
~250 boats per year
1M+ accounts reached
This evolution has been driven by a strategic mix of:
By embracing these strategies, Contender has been able to maintain its position as not just a premium boat manufacturer, but as the embodiment of a lifestyle – one that’s aspirational, earned, and undeniably worth the wait.
Platform-specific content optimization - tailoring content to maximize impact across digital channels
User-generated content integration - showcasing real owners and their experiences to reinforce authenticity and desirability
Strategic event amplification - enhancing the reach and impact of boat shows, tournaments, and brand activations
Community-first engagement - fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging within the contender and broader marine community
Consistent brand voice development - ensuring the contender brand stays true to its roots while evolving with the times
– Amanda Sabin | VP of Marketing at Contender Boats
Brand Good Time® has an incredible ability to translate our vision into powerful, engaging campaigns that truly resonate with our audience. What sets Brand Good Time® apart is not only their creativity but their attention to detail and quick execution. Their responsiveness is top-notch; I never have to worry about timelines or getting the information I need – they’re always on top of things.
“It’s rare to find a team that can combine both technical and creative skills so seamlessly, but Brand Good Time®
manages to do this with every project."
Evolving with
changing tides
They say “reject tradition, embrace modernity,” but Brand Good Time® says, “why not embrace both?” Rather than blindly following trends or fixing what wasn’t broken, they boldly leveraged key data from past successes to refine the strategy, balancing innovation with tradition to strengthen Contender’s connection to and solidify its position within the sportfishing community.
Brand Good Time® put trust in the voice of customer research, community engagement, and genuine interactions with their audience to make the Contender brand feel like a pillar of the community instead of a stuffy corporate entity trying to fit in. From 2016 to 2019, Contender saw a 100% increase in followers on Instagram—evidence that they were on the right track, but the brand was hungry for more. By the time 2020 came around, TikTok was rapidly growing, and Brand Good Time® made the radical, calculated decision to keep Contender on Instagram and off the shiny new platform. They had no reason to jump ship just yet.
They took their time, studied the numbers, made a strategic plan, brought Contender to TikTok in 2021, and the community thanked them for it. Since the initial dive into the Contender Boats brand on TikTok, the hashtag #contenderboats grew from 2.6M in 2020 to over 10.2M in 2021. By the time of the 26BAY launch in 2022, they were using both Instagram and TikTok to build anticipation for the new model.
This is where it gets interesting. Brand Good Time® discovered a brand new niche with their model walkthrough content. Not only was the audience engaged, they were inspired and felt empowered to offer feedback in the comments. It was the natural next step to fully leverage the walkthrough videos in their promotional strategy for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in 2023. They combined online video with the in-person event to offer a dynamic experience both in real life and at home.
With a renewed focus on direct engagement, they reintroduced email marketing as a core component of the digital strategy. The effort paid off, driving higher event attendance, greater anticipation for the 2024 29BAY launch, and increased engagement across all platforms.
HIGHLIGHTS
Platform Specific content optimization
Evolving with
changing tides
They say “reject tradition, embrace modernity,” but Brand Good Time® says, “why not embrace both?” Rather than blindly following trends or fixing what wasn’t broken, they boldly leveraged key data from past successes to refine the strategy, balancing innovation with tradition to strengthen Contender’s connection to and solidify its position within the sportfishing community.
Brand Good Time® put trust in the voice of customer research, community engagement, and genuine interactions with their audience to make the Contender brand feel like a pillar of the community instead of a stuffy corporate entity trying to fit in. From 2016 to 2019, Contender saw a 100% increase in followers on Instagram—evidence that they were on the right track, but the brand was hungry for more. By the time 2020 came around, TikTok was rapidly growing, and Brand Good Time® made the radical, calculated decision to keep Contender on Instagram and off the shiny new platform. They had no reason to jump ship just yet.
They took their time, studied the numbers, made a strategic plan, brought Contender to TikTok in 2021, and the community thanked them for it. Since the initial dive into the Contender Boats brand on TikTok, the hashtag #contenderboats grew from 2.6M in 2020 to over 10.2M in 2021. By the time of the 26BAY launch in 2022, they were using both Instagram and TikTok to build anticipation for the new model.
This is where it gets interesting. Brand Good Time® discovered a brand new niche with their model walkthrough content. Not only was the audience engaged, they were inspired and felt empowered to offer feedback in the comments. It was the natural next step to fully leverage the walkthrough videos in their promotional strategy for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in 2023. They combined online video with the in-person event to offer a dynamic experience both in real life and at home.
With a renewed focus on direct engagement, they reintroduced email marketing as a core component of the digital strategy. The effort paid off, driving higher event attendance, greater anticipation for the 2024 29BAY launch, and increased engagement across all platforms.
HIGHLIGHTS
Platform Specific content optimization
UGC
As digital engagement continues to shape the marine industry, user-generated content (UGC) and influencer collaborations have become essential tools for expanding reach and increasing brand credibility. Brand Good Time® has strategically embraced these opportunities for Contender’s growth, using insights from key moments in time (FLIBS 2022) to integrate influencer and industry collaborations into their marketing efforts.
The 2022 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show was a turning point in Contender’s online presence. While the brand produced high-quality coverage of its boat lineup and in-booth experience, influencer walkthroughs of Contender models significantly outperformed the brand’s own content. One collaboration, a walkthrough of the 44FA by a well-known industry creator, garnered over 208,000 views, reinforcing the idea that audiences resonate deeply with content delivered by trusted voices in the sportfishing community.
Brand Good Time® took that lesson in stride and turned it into a major win during the 2024 29BAY launch.
HIGHLIGHTS
User generated content integration
UGC
As digital engagement continues to shape the marine industry, user-generated content (UGC) and influencer collaborations have become essential tools for expanding reach and increasing brand credibility. Brand Good Time® has strategically embraced these opportunities for Contender’s growth, using insights from key moments in time (FLIBS 2022) to integrate influencer and industry collaborations into their marketing efforts.
The 2022 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show was a turning point in Contender’s online presence. While the brand produced high-quality coverage of its boat lineup and in-booth experience, influencer walkthroughs of Contender models significantly outperformed the brand’s own content. One collaboration, a walkthrough of the 44FA by a well-known industry creator, garnered over 208,000 views, reinforcing the idea that audiences resonate deeply with content delivered by trusted voices in the sportfishing community.
Brand Good Time® took that lesson in stride and turned it into a major win during the 2024 29BAY launch.
HIGHLIGHTS
User generated content integration
29BAY launch
Brand Good Time® dove in with a goal to show the content of the 29BAY that gave their audience a taste of the new model while not giving away too much until the official release at FLIBS 2024. If there’s a perfect balance to keeping people interested without revealing too much, Brand Good Time® has mastered that balance.
What did that balance look like? It looked like 4 pieces of video content for both TikTok and Reels, with 2 of those videos being collaborative reels (one with seakeeper.ride and the other with onthewatermagazine), 1 IG Story teaser sequence showcasing the new bay boat with the CTA leading viewers to the 29BAY landing page, and a living highlight on the profile for the 29BAY.
Brand Good Time® saw an impressive increase on Instagram reels and profile metrics between October 30th and November 2nd. During this short time, they gained 166 new followers, a +76.6% increase, and reach increased by +517%, for a total of 35.2K. Impressions increased by +705%, with a total of 65.2K. Reel interactions increased by +2889%, with a total of 2.9K. Reel likes increased by +1755%, plays increased by +36653%, and saves increased by +53%. Reach peaked on October 30th at 17,563. All around, the content was performing at an exceptional level, and the 29BAY launch was deemed a grand success.
HIGHLIGHTS
Leveraging Collaboration for Reach
29BAY Launch
Brand Good Time® dove in with a goal to show the content of the 29BAY that gave their audience a taste of the new model while not giving away too much until the official release at FLIBS 2024. If there’s a perfect balance to keeping people interested without revealing too much, Brand Good Time® has mastered that balance.
What did that balance look like? It looked like 4 pieces of video content for both TikTok and Reels, with 2 of those videos being collaborative reels (one with seakeeper.ride and the other with onthewatermagazine), 1 IG Story teaser sequence showcasing the new bay boat with the CTA leading viewers to the 29BAY landing page, and a living highlight on the profile for the 29BAY.
Brand Good Time® saw an impressive increase on Instagram reels and profile metrics between October 30th and November 2nd. During this short time, they gained 166 new followers, a +76.6% increase, and reach increased by +517%, for a total of 35.2K. Impressions increased by +705%, with a total of 65.2K. Reel interactions increased by +2889%, with a total of 2.9K. Reel likes increased by +1755%, plays increased by +36653%, and saves increased by +53%. Reach peaked on October 30th at 17,563. All around, the content was performing at an exceptional level, and the 29BAY launch was deemed a grand success.
HIGHLIGHTS
Leveraging Collaboration for Reach
Boat shows
Boat shows have long been a cornerstone of Contender’s marketing strategy, providing an opportunity to showcase the latest models, connect with potential buyers, and reinforce brand positioning. However, the pressure to engage digitally continues to rise. Brand Good Time® worked alongside Contender to reimagine their approach to boat shows with strategic event amplification. In doing so, they were incredibly successful at maximizing visibility, engagement, and impact before, during, and after the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Brand Good Time® was on a mission. They took an approach that aligned with the launch of the 26BAY to provide coverage that both educates the 2022 FLIBS audience and increases overall reach by driving people towards their TikTok platform. Beyond these objectives, they aimed to provide a feel for what the booth experience is while simultaneously educating their audience on some of their top models, such as the 44CB.
How did they make it happen? It started with a stellar model lineup sequence (1 Instagram post, 1 Instagram reel, 1 TikTok). They took to Instagram Stories to raise awareness with an event information sequence. Taking it further, they created 2 Instagram reels showcasing 44CB walkthroughs. They also reeled in 1 TikTok to showcase the entire booth for their audience there.
Brand Good Time® was pleased to see very positive reactions to boat walkthroughs with comments on their videos asking for additional walkthroughs of other Contender models—a glowing example of Brand Good Time’s ability to anticipate what people want to see and present it to them in the most engaging ways possible. They also saw the benefits of Collaborated Content by reaching more people than they would have if the post was only shared on Contender’s Instagram (CCO 44FA currently has 208k views).
Brand Good Time® went into the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show with a primary goal to provide comprehensive coverage and educational content to their audience. By sharing key details of the 2023 models, FLIBS updates, and insights, the aim was to increase the overall reach of Contender and generate a higher attendance at the event.
Brand Good Time® upped the ante from 2022 and expanded the strategy to include more video content and an email marketing campaign. The engaging email marketing sequence included 3 emails and 3 SMS messages. In addition to the email campaign, they boosted awareness with an Instagram Story about the event and 4 Instagram reels, all showcasing different Contender models (24S, 32ST, 39ST, and 44ST). They also repurposed that content to create 3 TikTok walkthrough videos.
They saw positive reactions to the boat walkthrough videos across both IG and TikTok. These videos garnered enthusiastic engagement, with comments reflecting an aspirational tone.
They also received constructive feedback on FLIBS walkthrough videos, which served as valuable insights to be used in the preparation and planning phases for the 2024 Miami Boat Show.
Onward and upward! Brand Good Time’s main goal for the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show was to provide comprehensive coverage, educational content to their audience, and promote the new 29BAY launch. By sharing key details of the 2025 model improvements and 29BAY, their aim was to increase the overall reach of Contender and generate awareness of and excitement for the 29BAY.
This time around, content needs had expanded and Brand Good Time® delivered. With a 4-email marketing campaign, 3 Instagram Story awareness sequences, 3 Instagram reels (23BAY promo, 29BAY walkthrough, and Contender x Seakeeper Ride collaboration on the 29BAY), 4 Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook walkthrough videos (23BAY, 29BAY, 39ST, and 35ST), and press release Instagram live for 29BAY—needless to say Brand Good Time® was busy making waves for Contender.
They really saw the impact of their efforts in the email campaign results. 2024 was a year of successfully reviving Contender’s email marketing communications, largely in an attempt to promote FLIBS 2024 and the 29BAY launch. A series of emails sent in advance of FLIBS, which generated impressive engagement from their audience, with an average open rate of 54.43% and an average click-through rate of 4.87%. They also saw positive reactions to the 29BAY promo launch video, story sequence, and boat walkthrough videos across both IG and TikTok.
HIGHLIGHTS
Strategic event amplification
FLIBS 2022
FLIBS 2023
FLIBS 2024
Boat Shows and (Brand) Good Times through the years
Boat shows
Boat shows have long been a cornerstone of Contender’s marketing strategy, providing an opportunity to showcase the latest models, connect with potential buyers, and reinforce brand positioning. However, the pressure to engage digitally continues to rise. Brand Good Time worked alongside Contender to reimagine their approach to boat shows with strategic event amplification. In doing so, they were incredibly successful at maximizing visibility, engagement, and impact before, during, and after the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Boat Shows and (Brand) Good Times through the years
Brand Good Time was on a mission. They took an approach that aligned with the launch of the 26BAY to provide coverage that both educates the 2022 FLIBS audience and increases overall reach by driving people towards their TikTok platform. Beyond these objectives, they aimed to provide a feel for what the booth experience is while simultaneously educating their audience on some of their top models, such as the 44CB.
How did they make it happen? It started with a stellar model lineup sequence (1 Instagram post, 1 Instagram reel, 1 TikTok). They took to Instagram Stories to raise awareness with an event information sequence. Taking it further, they created 2 Instagram reels showcasing 44CB walkthroughs. They also reeled in 1 TikTok to showcase the entire booth for their audience there.
Brand Good Time was pleased to see very positive reactions to boat walkthroughs with comments on their videos asking for additional walkthroughs of other Contender models—a glowing example of Brand Good Time’s ability to anticipate what people want to see and present it to them in the most engaging ways possible. They also saw the benefits of Collaborated Content by reaching more people than they would have if the post was only shared on Contender’s Instagram (CCO 44FA currently has 208k views).
Brand Good Time went into the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show with a primary goal to provide comprehensive coverage and educational content to their audience. By sharing key details of the 2023 models, FLIBS updates, and insights, the aim was to increase the overall reach of Contender and generate a higher attendance at the event.
Brand Good Time upped the ante from 2022 and expanded the strategy to include more video content and an email marketing campaign. The engaging email marketing sequence included 3 emails and 3 SMS messages. In addition to the email campaign, they boosted awareness with an Instagram Story about the event and 4 Instagram reels, all showcasing different Contender models (24S, 32ST, 39ST, and 44ST). They also repurposed that content to create 3 TikTok walkthrough videos.
They saw positive reactions to the boat walkthrough videos across both IG and TikTok. These videos garnered enthusiastic engagement, with comments reflecting an aspirational tone.
They also received constructive feedback on FLIBS walkthrough videos, which served as valuable insights to be used in the preparation and planning phases for the 2024 Miami Boat Show.
Onward and upward! Brand Good Time’s main goal for the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show was to provide comprehensive coverage, educational content to their audience, and promote the new 29BAY launch. By sharing key details of the 2025 model improvements and 29BAY, their aim was to increase the overall reach of Contender and generate awareness of and excitement for the 29BAY.
This time around, content needs had expanded and Brand Good Time delivered. With a 4-email marketing campaign, 3 Instagram Story awareness sequences, 3 Instagram reels (23BAY promo, 29BAY walkthrough, and Contender x Seakeeper Ride collaboration on the 29BAY), 4 Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook walkthrough videos (23BAY, 29BAY, 39ST, and 35ST), and press release Instagram live for 29BAY—needless to say Brand Good Time was busy making waves for Contender.
They really saw the impact of their efforts in the email campaign results. 2024 was a year of successfully reviving Contender’s email marketing communications, largely in an attempt to promote FLIBS 2024 and the 29BAY launch. A series of emails sent in advance of FLIBS, which generated impressive engagement from their audience, with an average open rate of 54.43% and an average click-through rate of 4.87%. They also saw positive reactions to the 29BAY promo launch video, story sequence, and boat walkthrough videos across both IG and TikTok.
HIGHLIGHTS
Strategic event amplification
FLIBS 2022
FLIBS 2023
FLIBS 2024
Boat shows have long been a cornerstone of Contender’s marketing strategy, providing an opportunity to showcase the latest models, connect with potential buyers, and reinforce brand positioning. However, the pressure to engage digitally continues to rise. Brand Good Time® worked alongside Contender to reimagine their approach to boat shows with strategic event amplification. In doing so, they were incredibly successful at maximizing visibility, engagement, and impact before, during, and after the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Boat Shows and (Brand) Good Times through the years
Brand Good Time® was on a mission. They took an approach that aligned with the launch of the 26BAY to provide coverage that both educates the 2022 FLIBS audience and increases overall reach by driving people towards their TikTok platform. Beyond these objectives, they aimed to provide a feel for what the booth experience is while simultaneously educating their audience on some of their top models, such as the 44CB.
How did they make it happen? It started with a stellar model lineup sequence (1 Instagram post, 1 Instagram reel, 1 TikTok). They took to Instagram Stories to raise awareness with an event information sequence. Taking it further, they created 2 Instagram reels showcasing 44CB walkthroughs. They also reeled in 1 TikTok to showcase the entire booth for their audience there.
Brand Good Time® was pleased to see very positive reactions to boat walkthroughs with comments on their videos asking for additional walkthroughs of other Contender models—a glowing example of Brand Good Time’s ability to anticipate what people want to see and present it to them in the most engaging ways possible. They also saw the benefits of Collaborated Content by reaching more people than they would have if the post was only shared on Contender’s Instagram (CCO 44FA currently has 208k views).
Brand Good Time® went into the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show with a primary goal to provide comprehensive coverage and educational content to their audience. By sharing key details of the 2023 models, FLIBS updates, and insights, the aim was to increase the overall reach of Contender and generate a higher attendance at the event.
Brand Good Time® upped the ante from 2022 and expanded the strategy to include more video content and an email marketing campaign. The engaging email marketing sequence included 3 emails and 3 SMS messages. In addition to the email campaign, they boosted awareness with an Instagram Story about the event and 4 Instagram reels, all showcasing different Contender models (24S, 32ST, 39ST, and 44ST). They also repurposed that content to create 3 TikTok walkthrough videos.
They saw positive reactions to the boat walkthrough videos across both IG and TikTok. These videos garnered enthusiastic engagement, with comments reflecting an aspirational tone.
They also received constructive feedback on FLIBS walkthrough videos, which served as valuable insights to be used in the preparation and planning phases for the 2024 Miami Boat Show.
Onward and upward! Brand Good Time’s main goal for the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show was to provide comprehensive coverage, educational content to their audience, and promote the new 29BAY launch. By sharing key details of the 2025 model improvements and 29BAY, their aim was to increase the overall reach of Contender and generate awareness of and excitement for the 29BAY.
This time around, content needs had expanded and Brand Good Time® delivered. With a 4-email marketing campaign, 3 Instagram Story awareness sequences, 3 Instagram reels (23BAY promo, 29BAY walkthrough, and Contender x Seakeeper Ride collaboration on the 29BAY), 4 Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook walkthrough videos (23BAY, 29BAY, 39ST, and 35ST), and press release Instagram live for 29BAY—needless to say Brand Good Time® was busy making waves for Contender.
They really saw the impact of their efforts in the email campaign results. 2024 was a year of successfully reviving Contender’s email marketing communications, largely in an attempt to promote FLIBS 2024 and the 29BAY launch. A series of emails sent in advance of FLIBS, which generated impressive engagement from their audience, with an average open rate of 54.43% and an average click-through rate of 4.87%. They also saw positive reactions to the 29BAY promo launch video, story sequence, and boat walkthrough videos across both IG and TikTok.
Evolving the brand over time
Contender’s brand identity has always been rooted in performance, prestige, and a deep connection to the sportfishing community. As the brand has grown, maintaining a consistent yet evolving brand voice has been crucial in ensuring long-term relevance while reinforcing its aspirational and competitive image.
Brand Good Time® set out to mature the brand voice but remain consistent in the eyes of the community. Rather than make a big change or jarring shift in tone, they put that energy into building out content that captures the essence of Contender. Over time, they learned from audience feedback and paid close attention to community engagement to further support Contender in keeping a finger on the pulse. Thanks to their razor-sharp focus on the analytics, they’ve been successful at ramping up the voice and tone to show confidence in their legendary brand.
Choosing to refine rather than rewrite proved to be an effective and advantageous strategy in the evolution of the Contender brand.
HIGHLIGHTS
Consistent brand voice development
Groundbreaking new website launched October 2024
Evolving the brand over time
Contender’s brand identity has always been rooted in performance, prestige, and a deep connection to the sportfishing community. As the brand has grown, maintaining a consistent yet evolving brand voice has been crucial in ensuring long-term relevance while reinforcing its aspirational and competitive image.
Brand Good Time® set out to mature the brand voice but remain consistent in the eyes of the community. Rather than make a big change or jarring shift in tone, they put that energy into building out content that captures the essence of Contender. Over time, they learned from audience feedback and paid close attention to community engagement to further support Contender in keeping a finger on the pulse. Thanks to their razor-sharp focus on the analytics, they’ve been successful at ramping up the voice and tone to show confidence in their legendary brand.
Choosing to refine rather than rewrite proved to be an effective and advantageous strategy in the evolution of the Contender brand.
HIGHLIGHTS
Consistent brand voice development
Groundbreaking new website launched October 2024
– Jordan Delong | Contender Boats
Over the last 7.5 years, Brand Good Time® has elevated Contender Boats' digital presence with social media marketing and advertising campaigns. Our boat owners have noticed a difference, and the brand affinity that’s so important to us continues to grow stronger due to their efforts.
They have been an exceptional part of all marketing initiatives we release and we couldn't imagine doing this work without them!
On the Horizon
Through a bold, data-driven approach and an unwavering commitment to community engagement, Brand Good Time® has helped Contender navigate the digital landscape without sacrificing the authenticity that defines its legacy. By strategically integrating platform-specific content, user-generated storytelling, influencer collaborations, and event amplification, Contender has expanded its reach and deepened its connection with the sportfishing community.
The success of initiatives like the 29BAY launch, the return to email marketing, and the C1 Team social debut prove that a well-executed digital strategy can turn a luxury boat brand into a lifestyle movement. Contender isn’t just building boats—it’s fostering a culture of passion, performance, and belonging.
By embracing the digital world with intention, Contender Boats has cemented its status as an industry leader, proving that even legacy brands can thrive in these modern marketing times.
The journey Contender Boats is on with Brand Good Time® has been full of adventures so far, but what’s next for this powerhouse team? Bigger, better, and bolder things, of course. Brand Good Time® plans to lean into the legacy with old-school digital strategies like blogging for SEO, loyalty and advocacy campaigns for current owners, and an expanded engagement strategy on social media to secure greater market share. Stay tuned for the next big catch!
This case study serves as a testament to the power of blending tradition with innovation.
Stay tuned for the next big catch!
Welcome to
Brand Good Time®
Your one-stop-shop to gain visibility, convert clients & have a Brand Good Time®.
take a look around
social
Spice Up Your Marketing Strategy with
Skip the FOMO and join our free weekly, marketing-but-make-it-fun Wednesday newsletter from our fearless founder, Lauren Loreto.
The Brand Good Times
