Shoot your own host video
So you want to show more of your place and its surroundings so you can attract more bookings? Then I’d recommend you make a video. Almost every digital camera or mobile phone now has a video camera function so you can shoot your very own homemade host video!
1. How do you film yourself?
Most guests want to get to know their host before they book. So if they have the chance to see you in person in a video, they’ll trust you more and are more likely to make a booking. All you need to do is ask a friend to film you at home. That way, your future guest can get to know you and you can give them a great impression of your accommodation.
2. Your place
Show it off at its best. Show each individual room and some nice, small details that will entice guests to book your place. Film the surrounding area too. Maybe you have a lovely park just around the corner? Or a great restaurant? For the guest, it’s really important to get to know your home, as well as the local area.
3. Lighting conditions
Good lighting is essential to making your video, and your flat, visually appealing. Shoot your video during the day when the sun is shining and showing the best light in your apartment. A bright place is much more friendly and welcoming.
4. Sound
Turn off all radios and televisions when filming. If you’re not working with a professional microphone, this background noise will be picked up and will be annoying. Also, you should avoid filming next to busy streets. The closer you are to the camera, the better your voice will sound.
5. Cut
To edit your videos, I can recommend two programs. For Mac users, it’s easy to edit using iMovie. Here’s a guide. For Windows users, there’s Windows Movie Maker. For this, too, there are great tutorials online. Please keep your video short. Three minutes is all you need!
6. Upload
It’s really easy to create a YouTube account and upload your video, so you can share it with other people. Then, you can copy the URL of your video into your 9flats.com profile, post the link on Facebook or write a Twitter post to let people know there’s now a video of your place.
And don’t forget to send us your video! Send the YouTube link to hello@9flats.com
We’ll put it on our blog and do our best to showcase your place and your video to our guests. As a reward for your efforts, you’ll get more bookings and we’ll send you a cuddly 9flats.com towel.
Here you can see a good example of a host video. I hope it inspires you and you get shooting your own very soon!