The importance of making a good “first impression” may be over emphasized, but its concept rings true, especially within the hospitality industry, where positive first impressions of your property can turn viewers into visitors. Utilizing professional photographs, along with a well designed website, is the perfect combination to entice your viewers to spend more time on your site and convert lookers into bookers. Photography gives you the opportunity to help your guests visualize their stay at your property. With the plethora of information made available online these day to potential guests, it is rare that a booking is made without someone first looking at pictures of rooms, amenities, and property location.
Professional photography may be one of the most crucial components for your online business to be successful. You may ask yourself if it’s worth paying for something that you could do on your own. Will the cost of a professional photographer really make a difference in capturing my property that will translate into increase revenue? With the advancement of digital cameras, it is tempting to think you can achieve photographs for your website similar to a those of a professional. However, not only do professionals have the correct equipment to best capture the highlights of your property, but they also understand certain photographic techniques to capture your subject in the right light, all of which gives your property a distinct look and personality.
Before hiring a professional photographer, request to see a portfolio of their work to determine what type of photography they specialize in and if they have done lodging property work before. Make sure the portfolio is not just comprised of landscapes, portraiture, and wedding photographs. There are different techniques behind all types of photography, so confirm your professional has a strong portfolio that showcases property features and architectural details.
Professionally produced videos are becoming just as important as professional photography in the hospitality and lodging industry. Video tours allow your viewers to experience your property’s accommodations, lifestyle, area attractions, and how you differ from your competitors, all in a concise, engaging fashion. Videos quickly capture the viewer’s attention and help spark interest in your property. According to comScore, Inc., more then 170 million U.S. Internet users watched online video in November 2009, with nearly 31 billion videos viewed. comScore, Inc. also cited that Google Sites accounted for 39% of all videos viewed online in the U.S. during that same time frame. This data proves that it is not only imperative to broadcast video on your own website, but to also utilize social media platforms, such as YouTube, to help direct traffic to videos that showcase your property’s best attributes.
Professional photography and videos should be essential elements of your marketing strategies. It is a proven fact that eye-catching photography and videos have a positive influence and impact on your online viewers. These tools become the incentive that convert potential guests into new reservations and, as a result, will be instrumental in increasing your bottom line.
Did you know? RezStream has a professional photographer on staff for all of your hospitality photography needs. Learn more about RezStream’s photography and video services today! Please call us at 866-360-8210 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
