New Trends in Movement
We’ve been telling you to use gifs and video all month so you’re probably ready for a change of pace right? Here are a few cutting edge, movement-based marketing techniques that are especially useful for the hospitality world.
360° Photography
What is it? : A 360° photo is similar to a panoramic picture, however instead of being wider, a 360° photo captures the entire surrounding of a location – including the ceiling, floor and even what’s behind you. These pictures can be taken using special 360° technologies like the Ricoh Theta S or GoPro cameras with custom rigs, but can also be taken with a smartphone, using apps like Google Street View.
How your hotel can use it: 360° photos allows prospective guests to see your hotel from the perspective of actually being there. Even though this technology is new, the images are surprisingly shareable. Not only can 360° photos be posted to compatible web pages but Facebook has officially supported 360° photos since 2016. For good real world examples, check out the way the Hilton Chicago and Grand Resort have implemented 360° photos into their marketing strategy.
Virtual Reality
What is it?: Similar to 360° photography, virtual reality offers a complete view of your surroundings, however instead of staring at the view on a computer screen, VR visually transports its users to the location with the use of VR goggles. Though the technology has been around since the 80s, VR has enjoyed a resurgence due to products like Google Cardboard that enable people to enter a virtual reality environment with their smartphone.
How your hotel can use it: With virtual reality videos hotels can create strong connections with potential guests by allowing them to virtually “tour” the lobby and rooms prior to booking a night. Using software and technology from brands like VideoStitch, virtual reality videos can be easily constructed and implemented into your marketing strategy. Photoweb.com has a nice collection of virtual tours from many hotels.
Cinemagraph
What is it?: Cinemagraphs combine high quality photographs and video to create a picture that has moving components. For example, a cinemagraph could include a couple sitting on a bench (completely still) with leaves blowing in the background.
How your hotel can use it: Instead of using flat pictures of rooms and amenities, you can include cinemagraphs featuring fireplaces actually crackling next to comfortable lounge chairs or water rippling along the surface of your hotel’s pool. For inspiration, check out some of these finished products. Learn how to construct these photographic masterpieces and be one of the first hotel marketers to add cinemagraphs to your marketing efforts.
Don’t fall behind in the world of movement marketing! Take advantage of these new concepts to attract potential guests in the most effective ways possible. Today’s blog post was fueled by Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, a unique coffee with a blueberry aftertaste! Until next time, be well!
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