Tips for Creating Scroll-Stopping Videos

Have you noticed how we as a society now use social media to fill the little gaps in our days? Scrolling through Facebook while waiting at the airport departure gate. Or liking a quick Instagram video when you're the first to arrive at a restaurant and aren't sure what to do with yourself while you wait for the rest of your party to arrive. Well, this is exactly what your group travelers and group leaders are doing, too!

With the right tool, these brief moments could actually be the perfect time for you to grow your group travel brand, engage with your fans and expand your social reach.

So, what's the right tool? Video! It can be used to help improve SEO, in addition to establishing brand loyalty. Let's take a closer look at the tools and strategies that can help us accomplish this goal.

Boost Social Engagement & SEO

Sparking social engagement can be tough these days, as it takes a lot to wow social fans. Armed with unique video content, your chances of stopping the scroll is much higher.

For example, as we phase into our "next normal," people are not only dreaming of travel, they're take steps to make it a reality. Savvy marketers want to draw attention and stand out in a noisy social feed by developing promo videos—a style of video that invites people to take action! You could promote an upcoming group tour, live broadcast, a consumer night, webinar or free resource.

The close cousin to a promo video? Advertising video! These live action videos feature your team and happy clients, and will draw focus to a specific tour or event.

Do you really want to simply earn likes, comments and shares? These vanity goals will help you build SEO, as well as future ad audiences with top of funnel fans. Short, riveting, animated graphics or videos are key! Specifically consider this video style if you're looking to inspire viewers to act or accelerate your ad audiences.

How to Shine in the Spotlight

Captivating, short stories that provide a quick break from reality are the showstoppers here.

Animation videos are made from many still images and can use imaginary characters. This option is a perfect way to highlight a return to travel or demonstrate new office protocols for staff. Adding audio to an animated video will help boost conversions, however, if you don't have the time or talent to add audio, using a voiceover tool is a great solution. For example, Travel Oregon has used anime style videos in the past.

• Video Tools: Biteable, PowToon, RenderForest, Raw Shorts
• Voiceover Tools: Talkia, MicMonster, CreateStudio

Animated graphics are super-short videos perfect for travel tips, travel trivia and capturing attention at the top of the funnel.

• Helpful Tools: Canva, Promo, PhotoShop, Wave, Offeo

Live action videos are a great way to earn more engagement, especially when the camera is on an entertaining, fun business owner, client or staff member. These three little video details can make a huge difference.

Don't miss out on the tidal wave of group business heading our way. Here are three quick content ideas for your next video:

It only takes an instant to snag someone's attention. However, keeping that attention is key! With these video tips and tools, you'll be able to create scroll-stopping videos that boost engagement with your content and build trust in your unique group travel brand.

Written by Catherine Heeg, an international speaker and trainer who focuses on social media marketing strategies for the tourism and hospitality industry. Join the conversation and connect with her at www.cmsspeaking.com and socially.