Using Video: The Basics
by John Hawks

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Should you jump on the online video bandwagon?

In 2008, the answer is probably “Yes!” if you serve a clientele that’s technologically savvy, if you have a very developed Web site, or if you focus on a specialty or niche that’s very promotable via the Internet (e.g., destination weddings, cruises). And, the best part is that you don't have to spend a fortune in the process!

This article won't give you complete answers to your questions about using online videos to sell travel, but we'd like to give you a start by talking about the very basics needed to get underway.

First, you should buy a dependable (but inexpensive!) video camera. For your first videos, you don't need to invest hundreds or thousands of dollars in a top-of-the-line video camera. In fact, one of the most popular models used by many bloggers and online video providers is the Flip Video Ultra camcorder that retails around $150 in most parts of the country. (And, you can get it much cheaper if you shop around.) This video camera is made for quickly taking, editing, and uploading You Tube-quality videos to the Web. It makes decent recordings, it comes with its own software for simple edits (e.g., taking out the end of the video where you messed up!), and you can use the handy USB attachment to plug the camera right into your computer (PCs or Macs).

OSSN members who are more experienced in this arena may have better suggestions for more expensive camcorders - but, the point is that you don't have to use a super-deluxe unit to get your feet wet.

Now, you need to shoot a few videos. You can start small by taping yourself sitting in your home office, or you can carry the camera on your next fam trip, or you can shoot a testimonial the next time you meet with your best clients … you’ll find lots of ideas for quick videos! In the beginning, keep them small – one to three minutes tops – until you’ve learned how to edit the recorded files.

Once you're happy with the videos, you can post them online. Check sites like Travel Tube, You Tube, and AOL Video for more information about the processes involved. In most cases, however, the uploading steps for a short video will be simple to follow. Also, you can talk to your own Webmaster if you'd like to post the videos on your site.

Then, it's time to tell your clients where they can find your videos (e.g., send them an email with a link inside that will take them to the Web pages where your videos are posted).

Don't use your online videos for hard sales pitches. Instead, focus on selling your experience, your skills, and your niches or specialties. Online videos work best when they're building your image as a travel expert.

In the future, you can expect major suppliers – particularly the cruise lines – to offer customizable video snippets that, as you get more comfortable working with video files, you can use to add your own sales messages.

And, if you’re ready to learn more, we can recommend an excellent book that will walk you through the basics of online videos: “How to Do Everything With Online Video” by Andrew Shalat. It just came out in November 2007, and you’ll find it at your local bookstore or in an online bookseller site for $16 to $25 (depending on the discounts)

(Credits: Travel Tube/Travel Tribe LLC; Pure Digital Technologies)