Many of us shudder and shrink into our skin with just the thought of putting ourselves on video and having to see and hear ourselves. Why would we ever go through the ordeal of video???
I am a big supporter of creating video and photo content, as you well know, but I wanted you to hear from another voice besides my own.
Here is what my friend Jess Ashworth with Lodgify shares with you:
3 Reasons Owners Need Video Content for Their Vacation Rental
We’re living in the age of the internet – there is no escaping the facts. The answers to all our worldly questions are readily available in milliseconds thanks to Google; we can share photos with friends on the other side of the world in real time using email and social networks like Facebook and Instagram; and we can watch videos of just about anything on YouTube.
That last point, however, is what we’re going to focus on – video content. Just how much can video bring visits to your vacation rental website and convince guests to choose your vacation rental? Read on for our top three reasons owners need to start utilizing video for their vacation rental.
1. Video shows an accurate representation of your property
Video has the power to go above and beyond what a photograph can do. Not only does a great video of your rental give your potential guests a three-dimensional view of the property they could be staying in, but it also helps them get a realistic feel for the space and layout of your home.
The possibilities of what you can achieve with video are somewhat endless. Shooting your property from different perspectives will allow you to show it off in its entirety – without compromising and having to choose the best bits. Videos are also the perfect accompaniment to an already impressive set of high quality photographs.
It’s a special extra that helps the guest picture exactly what their stay will be like as they can really imagine themselves having a bite to eat at the breakfast bar, or splashing around on a warm summer’s day in the pool.
What’s more, using video allows you to, quite literally, walk your guests around your home, so they’re familiar with the property before they even arrive. This is even more of a plus if the host uses automated check-in services, as the virtual tour could be sent through to the guest with the pre check-in correspondence.
[Me here…have you considered simply doing a Facebook Live video of your property? Be sure to use a handheld gimbal to keep your phone steady as you walk. See my Live video tour I did of No Big Ting in Grand Cayman when I was there to photograph it and then do your own.]
2. Video allows guests to see the real you
As well as showing off your property in the best light, video gives hosts the chance to introduce themselves in a more personable manner. Adding an “about us” video to your website could really help boost your booking conversion because guests will feel like they’re getting to know you, building trust with you before they even arrive.
After all, it’s much easier to give a good impression and convey your personality through video than it is on photos, and a fun introductory clip could even persuade indecisive guests that you’re the friendly-faced host they’ve been looking for!
[Me again…take a look at the intro video (and how I made it) that I send to each and every guest who inquires about my properties.]
3. Video helps give you authority about the location
The videos you host on your website are in no way limited to your rental and you as the owner. When you include semi-promotional videos about your location itself, it can give you big kudos in the online world.
Not only will your location-based videos be seen by those who have already arrived on your website, but they could also help bring traffic in from elsewhere when travelers search for specific terms. Given that 80% of YouTube searches focus on destinations, points of interest and general travel ideas, this is a niche owners should really be tapping into!
Drawing attention to all the great things your city or neighborhood have to offer – in video form – can also help put your rental name out there as the “go to” fountain of knowledge for all things [insert your city name here].
Show off all the top attractions and nearby highlights at a glance, such as activities guests can do, places they can eat, attractions they can visit. Your videos can really help viewers feel like they’re on vacation already by giving them a snapshot of what their experience will be like.
Having your personal recommendations on video will help your guests once they’ve arrived at your rental, too. They’ll be able to pinpoint must-visit places and ask you exactly where the video was shot. This insider information is something that not all hosts provide yet, but really adds to the guest experience and makes renting a vacation home a lot more enjoyable.
[Yep, it’s me with another video example! Check out the cliff jumping video I made on my iPhone last summer.]
So there you have it, our top three arguments for using video for your vacation rental. Have you got a great video you’d like to show off? Let us know in the comments!
About the Author
Lodgify is an innovative all-in-one vacation rental software solution which allows owners and managers to create their own website, accept online bookings and manage all reservations from one centralized place.
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Tyann Marcink
Vacation Rental Photographer
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