5 Types of Video to Create for Social Media
5 Types of Video to Create for Social Media
By now you have already heard the impact that video is having on social media. With Facebook predicting that in 2019, video will represent 90% of their content, video is essential to keep your followers and potential guests engaged and listening.
But what are the ingredients for creating an engaging social media video? Small lodging guests rarely travel for a practical purpose (unless for business), and emotions tend to play an important role in their vacation decision-making. When creating video content, tug at their heartstrings a bit by sharing inspiring stories, inspirational imagery, and unique experiences they can only have at your hotel.
Not sure what type of video to create? To help you get started, here are five types of video to create for social media.
Inspiring video – Inspirational video offers beautiful, creative, artistic, and inspiring imagery of your hotel and the surrounding area. This type of video is perfect to use when trying to capture potential guests early in the vacation planning process. Remember to always think aspirational and inspirational.
Think about why others love vacationing in your area and why guests like staying at your hotel. Maybe you have a beachfront property or a hotel located in the heart of downtown. These are both great opportunities to take a video of a beautiful sunrise or sunset at the beach or shoot a video of the nightlife and people strolling through the streets of downtown.
Live video – Best done through Facebook live, create a live video showing off what’s happening now at your hotel or in the area. Streaming live is not only a great way to showcase your hotel it is also an important opportunity to connect with your potential guests in the moment by encouraging them to ask questions during the video.
Consider live streaming for a behind-the-scenes look at your hotel or highlight an event you are hosting. This is a great opportunity to showcase your property in a real and personal way. The key to this type of video is authenticity. Best captured using your smartphone, this can add a more personal touch vs. a professional video. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, your followers and potential guests aren’t expecting perfection.
Video guidebook – Establish and share your property’s local expertise through videos shared on social media. Today’s savvy traveler expects to be provided with the best local and personal experience. So, set up yourself as the local expert by creating a video that highlights unique and fun things to do in the area.
Is your area known for a certain event, cultural tradition, or restaurant? Create a video centered around one of these unique attractions or events. The key is to highlight the uniqueness of your area so travelers can get a taste of what they could experience when they stay at your property.
Educational video – Create a video of your staff or concierge answering frequently asked questions about your property and the area. Often your staff is the guests’ go-to for questions they might have about the property and things to do, so why not create a video of your staff answering those questions before your guests even arrive. Not only does this type of video provide value but it also offers a more personal touch than a general FAQ page you might have on your website.
Think about the common questions you are often asked, such as the best restaurants in town, best beaches, best wineries, etc. Create a video asking a knowledgeable staff member these questions and them providing the answers.
“Tell your story” video – Probably the most obvious but often overlooked type of video for your property’s social media is telling your own story. Create a video that shows off what your property is about; the history, what makes your hotel unique, even the staff. The important piece to understand is not to simply tell them how great your property is, you need to show them.
For example, show a staff member enjoying your room and property amenities, such as swimming in the pool or reading a book in one of your rooms. This way your potential guest can get a sense of what it is like to stay with you.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating a video for social media, but these five types are proven to be highly engaging and most receptive to eager travelers. So, get out there and start filming -just remember to press play!
If you are interested in how social media and video can play an important role in your property’s overall marketing strategy, be sure to download the rezStream Definitive Guide to Social Media Marketing or reach out to us at marketing@rezstream.com.