My last blog emphasised the value of video content and how you can do it yourself. Judging from the response I got, many small tourism operators, like you, tend to get overwhelmed and ‘freak out’ at the suggestion that they can, and should, create their own video content for their website and social media.

So, in this blog, I’m going to circle back and explain what tools you need and, in my follow up blog I’ll explain how to use them to best effect. Because it is simpler than it may seem.

Firstly, to the few essential pieces of equipment required.

Obviously, you’ll need a camera.

Now that can be a smartphone with a good camera (1080p or 4K) or if you want to use a dedicated camera, a digital DSLR/mirrorless model will produce excellent results. Do your research but, all DSLR cameras are very good. It may cost you a few hundred dollars, but it will be tax deductable and last forever. If initially you want to keep it ‘tight’ just stick with the phone.

Not essential, but good to have for steady, professional-looking shots, is a tripod or gimballed stabiliser. They cost well less than $100 online or at retail and will guarantee you wind up with a ‘smoother’ video.

I also recommend using an external microphone (like a Lavalier or shotgun mic). It will drastically improve audio quality, and hence ‘professional’ result, especially if you want to narrate a video or interview someone (review or local expert etc). Again, a small investment of about $50.

Lighting is very important but use natural light when possible. It’s always the best! If you do need to brighten indoor shots buy a portable LED light. Well less than $100 will get you all you’ll need.

The four items above will deliver you raw vision cost efficiently. Then, to turn it into video content that will really attract attention, Like Spielberg, you’ll need to spend a bit of time editing it. There is lots of free editing software around, but to start, use beginner-friendly software like iMovie or apps like Adobe Premiere Rush to edit your vision.

With these basic inexpensive tools, you can create high-quality video content to promote your business across all your online channels like your website, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and other social media!

In my next blog, I’ll channel Steven Spielberg and take you step by step through how to apply these tools and some additional tips to optimise your creativity and skills to produce eye catching video content to super charge your online profile.