Case study · Website, mobile app, SEO and 2026 redesign

Yacht Rock Radio

Watch as we organically get this website to #1 on Google & World in 2024!

The project

About the client

The client

Yacht Rock Radio USA plays 60s, 70s and 80s smooth sailing rock: artists like Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, Hall & Oates and other greats of smooth rock music. “It's the kind of rock that doesn't rock the boat!”

Keywords we ranked for

“Yacht Rock music”, “internet Yacht Rock radio”, “smooth music station”.

The challenge

A dated website that lacked features.
No mobile app and a weak mobile experience.
Poor search rankings for Yacht Rock terms, despite a loyal audience.
Little interaction with listeners.

What we did

A custom, mobile-responsive WordPress site with reliable live streaming and sections for artists, playlists, events and a blog.
iOS and Android apps with live streaming, playlists, push notifications and offline access.
SEO: keyword research, on-page optimization, schema markup, content, link building from music and radio sites, and local and international targeting.
Google Analytics, Search Console and regular SEO reporting.
Sleek, Nautical Aesthetic: the website reflects the laid-back and luxurious vibe of Yacht Rock music.
Fully accessible for users with disabilities, meeting modern web standards.
Integration of social sharing tools to amplify visibility.
App features include “favorites,” artist info, and song history. Users can personalize their listening experience by creating playlists or setting reminders for favorite shows.
Lightweight and efficient to ensure smooth operation on various devices.

The 2026 website redesign

A search-led homepage built around “Yacht Rock Radio: Listen Live, Free, 24/7” and the title “Listen Live Free | '70s & '80s Soft Rock”.
A “Welcome Aboard” hub of six paths: Listen Live, 50 Best Songs, What Was That Song?, Meet the Crew, Dedicate a Song and What Is Yacht Rock?
Four daypart shows, an artist section with 14 artist pages, and an FAQ written for search questions.
Lifestyle guides to beaches, sandbars, beach bars and events in California, Florida, Massachusetts and Maine, plus a 2026–2027 concerts page.
An advertiser page pitched at reaching “an affluent global audience”.

Every station runs the same rebuilt WordPress and Elementor platform: a persistent live player with now playing and recently played, a show schedule, song dedications, charts, an artist directory, news and concerts, iOS and Android app links, an advertiser page, links across the NextWave network of stations, and Google Tag Manager, Site Kit and Google, Bing and Yandex verification.

[[Add results since the relaunch: traffic, listeners, rankings or app installs.]]

See the new site →

+300%

Organic traffic

+35%

Mobile engagement

+15%

Listener base

Page 1

On Google for its key terms

Results as reported in the case study.

The impact

Enhanced brand alignment with the station's core theme of smooth, timeless classics.
Increased listener retention and growth in the mobile app user base.
Higher conversion rates for online merchandise sales.

What they say

Working with Social Toothpaste Agency has been a game-changer for Yacht Rock Radio.

— Yacht Rock Radio Team

So much better than Sirius XM's shallower playlists and too many DJs and shows! What more could you ask for?! Just play me the music! Thank you Yacht Rock Radio!

— Alexandra, Yacht Rock Radio listener

Screenshots

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