How to Make More Money as a Guide

Being a guide isn’t just about sharing your passion for the outdoors — it’s also about building a sustainable career doing what you love. Whether you’re leading fishing trips, mountain biking tours, or backcountry hunts, there are proven ways to grow your income, attract more clients, and make every season more profitable.

At GuideTime, we’ve worked with hundreds of guides and outfitters across the country, and we’ve seen what separates the part-timers from the pros. Here’s how to take your guiding business to the next level.

1. Simplify Your Booking Process

If clients have to text, email, or wait for a callback just to book a trip — you’re losing money.
With GuideTime, clients can book you instantly online, directly from your profile or even from your own website. Every time you reduce friction in your booking process, your conversion rate goes up.

Pro Tip: Add a “Book Now” button to your website and social pages that links directly to your GuideTime profile. The easier it is to book, the faster your calendar fills.

2. Automate Client Communication

You can’t grow if you’re stuck answering DMs all day. That’s why top guides use GuideTime’s built-in client messaging and automated reminders to handle the busywork.

From pre-trip confirmations to follow-up messages after the trip, automation keeps your clients informed and saves you hours every week — time you can spend on the water or in the field.

3. Offer Add-Ons and Packages

If you’re charging only for the base trip, you’re missing out on easy upsells. Offer premium experiences like:

• Extra hours on the water

• Professional photos or video packages

• Gear rentals

• Multi-day trip discounts

• “Learn-to-Guide” mentorship sessions

Clients love the option to upgrade their experience — and you increase your average booking value without taking more trips.

4. Build Your Online Presence

Guides who show up online get booked first. Share your success stories, client photos, and trip highlights across social media platforms — and link them all to your GuideTime profile.

The platform doubles as your digital storefront, complete with reviews, descriptions, and pricing, helping potential clients trust and book you instantly.

Pro Tip: Use relevant hashtags (#FlyFishingGuide, #HuntingOutfitter, #BookOnGuideTime) to reach new clients organically.

5. Expand Your Network

Success in the outdoor industry often comes down to who you know. Inside the GuideTime dashboard, you can connect with other guides and outfitters, share referrals, and even collaborate on larger group trips.

By building relationships with others in your area, you can fill your schedule year-round — even during slow seasons.

6. Track What’s Working

Data tells the truth. With GuideTime’s reporting dashboard, you can track which trips, dates, or locations make you the most money. Use this information to adjust pricing, build smarter promotions, and double down on what works.

When you understand your numbers, you can plan your season like a business — not a gamble.

The Bottom Line

Making more money as a guide isn’t about luck — it’s about systems.
When you use the right tools to automate, market, and manage your business, you can finally focus on what you do best: guiding.

Ready to earn more and stress less?
👉 Join GuideTime today and turn your guiding passion into a thriving business.