Consumers don’t visit travel agents for quick hotel bookings, last-minute travel, drop-ins, or short stays. Consumers rely on the Internet and what they find on the web, not to mention the way you go about the marketing of your vacation rental to help them make quick decisions about a stay. This is why Internet reviews for hotels or lodging spots are so powerful – they really work.
An online review functions as the eyes and ears of the consumer when they have never been to an area before. This is why video marketing is so important for your hotel business.
How Video Benefits the Marketing of Your Vacation Rental Property
According to our own research here at Boostly marketing your vacation rental property with video can increase your leads by 400%.
Video clips increase awareness of your hotel, help you stand out from the competition, and allow the consumer to view your property as they would in person. You can use a video clip of your hotel on your direct booking website, other booking sites, and your vacation rental social media accounts.
When you use the benefits of video to market your property, you will see the direct bookings on your vacation rental or boutique hotel rise. Here are some practical ways that viewers will use your video to show them what they need to know before check-in:
- To see what the suites look like. Show them your property's seating areas, bathrooms, closets, and outdoor views.
- To learn about the added features that you have at your hotel. Show a clip or a picture of the lobby, the pool area, the meeting rooms, restaurants, and more. If you have something special or unique at your hotel, put it on display!
- To hear how other customers liked your location. Include a few quotes from other guests in your video. You can even set them up to scroll across the screen. For example, one might read, “We enjoyed our stay and will be back again very soon!”
- To see how close your hotel is to local “hot spots”. Tell the viewer about your proximity to the city, local dining choices, and the airport or train station. Describe what they should expect if they are sightseeing. A quick view of the map showing your location relative to these points of interest would be a great video feature to give your viewers perspective.
- A video clip will show prospective guests what your hotel really looks like as if they are standing there in person. Many people need to see something before they buy it, and a video clip can be the eyes your future guests need.
- To decide to book. Using video will generate more clicks to your website and more bookings for your hotel or lodge. Just having a video clip will boost your website traffic. You can use the video link on regular posts on social media and promote it on YouTube.
What makes a Convincing Video Explainer for a Vacation Rental Property?
When creating a convincing video explainer for a vacation rental property, several key elements can make the difference between capturing potential renters' attention and losing it. Here are some important factors to consider:
Showcase the Property's Best Features
One of the most important elements of video produced as part of your vacation rental marketing is showcasing the property's best features. This means highlighting what sets the property apart from other rentals in the area. Some features to consider highlighting include:
- Views: If the rental property boasts stunning views of the surrounding area, make sure to show them off in your video.
- Amenities: Does the property have a pool, hot tub, or other luxury amenities? Be sure to feature these prominently in the video.
- Proximity to attractions: Is the property located near popular tourist attractions or other points of interest? Make sure to mention these in the video as well.
Tell a Story
Another key element of a convincing video explainer is telling a story. Like all other aspects of the marketing of your vacation rental, this means creating a narrative that draws viewers in and makes them feel like they're experiencing the property for themselves. Some tips for telling a compelling story include:
- Start with an attention-grabbing hook: Begin your video with a stunning shot of the property or a teaser of what's to come.
- Use music and sound effects: Adding music and sound effects can help set the tone for your video and create an emotional connection with viewers.
- Show people enjoying the property: Use footage of people having fun and enjoying the property to help viewers envision themselves doing the same.
Be Clear and Concise
When it comes to creating a video explainer, it's important to be clear and concise. This means getting your message across in as few words as possible. Some tips for being clear and concise include:
- Keep it short: Try to keep your video under 2-3 minutes to ensure viewers don't lose interest.
- Use simple language: Avoid using technical jargon or complicated language that could confuse viewers.
- Highlight key points: Make sure to emphasize the property's most important features and benefits throughout the video.
Include Calls to Action
Finally, like all your other marketing of your vacation rental, including calls to action in your video is super important. This means telling viewers what they should do next if they're interested in renting the property. Some tips for including calls to action include:
- Provide contact information: Make sure to include your contact information, such as an email address or phone number, at the end of the video.
- Encourage viewers to book: Use language that encourages viewers to take action, such as “Book now to secure your dream vacation rental.”
On the Move? Watch or Listen to our brief on video marketing for vacation rentals below.
Additional Tips on Selling Your Vacation Rental Using Video
Okay, so, finally, when it comes to creating the video that is going to move the needle in the marketing of your vacation rental, boutique hotel, B&B or vacation rental property, several technical and styling details can make a big difference in the final product, even for beginners. Here are some key technical and styling factors worth thinking about.
Technical Principles of Good Videography
Technical details refer to the technical aspects of filming and editing of your vacation rental video.
Now is the time to think about things like camera settings, lighting, and sound. Here are some important technical details to keep in mind whenever you are doing video as part of the marketing of your vacation rental.
- A high-quality camera is essential for capturing clear, crisp footage. Consider using a professional-grade camera or a smartphone with a high-quality camera.
- Proper lighting is crucial for making the property look its best. Use natural light as much as possible and supplement with additional lighting as needed.
- Good sound quality is also important for creating a professional-looking video. Consider using a lapel mic or other external microphone to ensure a clear sound.
- Ensure you have stable footage. Shaky footage can be distracting and make the video look unprofessional. Use a tripod or gimbal to keep the camera steady while filming.
- Appropriate editing can help enhance the final product. Consider hiring a professional video editor or using editing software to ensure the video looks polished.
Styling Details
Styling details are all about the visual aesthetics of your marketing video.
- Composition refers to the layout of your room elements within the frame. Give careful thought to the placement of furniture, artwork, and other details within the property.
- Framing refers to the way the camera captures the subject. Consider using wide shots to showcase the property's overall layout and close-up shots to highlight key details.
- Colour grading refers to adjusting the footage's colour and tone to create a cohesive look. Consider using colour grading software to achieve a consistent look throughout the video.
- Text overlays can be helpful to prospective guests and provide additional information about the property, including location, square footage, and number of bedrooms/bathrooms.
- Include your branding and things like your logo, watermark or web address in the video to help reinforce your brand and make it easier for viewers to find you.
By using these styling and technical principles in the marketing of your vacation rental, you are more likely to create a vacation rental video that showcases the property in the best possible light and helps generate interest from potential guests.
