The world is calling. Where are you?
At a time when remote working and freelancing are on the rise and influencers are taking over the digital marketing space, why are you staying away from the hullabaloo? This is your chance to not only travel the world but also become a travel vlogger to share your adventures, inspire others, and even earn a sizable income. Travel vlogging has emerged as a career path offering creativity, freedom, and the chance to connect with a global audience.
Whether you pursue travel vlogging as a career or a hobby, know that behind the captivating narratives and stunning visuals lies a lot of dedication, hard work, and skills.
Do you dream of transforming your travel experiences into successful vlogs? Here are the 5 critical things you must know:
- Content is king!
Travel vlogging is not only about showcasing beautiful landscapes. It is about telling captivating stories that warm souls and help you connect with other wanderlusters or even inspire those who have never traveled before. People connect with experiences, emotions, and the unique perspectives vloggers bring to a destination.
So, before you embark on an adventure, have a clear idea of the story you want to tell. Research the destination you are visiting, identify the hidden gems, and plan exciting activities that resonate with your audience.
While it is interesting to learn about iconic landscapes, modern travelers also like to learn about off-the-beaten paths. Interact with the locals to find hidden gems and explore the lesser-known sights.
Finally, do not get stuck in a monotonous format! Find ways to keep your viewers hooked. Take feedback and incorporate it to keep improving your travel videos.
- Master video production skills
An integral part of travel vlogging is visuals. Sure, using fancy equipment can augment your work, but editing and storytelling skills are paramount. Today, it is also possible to shoot compelling videos using an iPhone, but you must master your editing skills.
Learn the fundamentals of videography and use the rule of thirds for a balanced composition. Experiment with different angles to create dynamic visuals. Then, master video editing skills by knowing how to pace your video effectively, add background music, incorporate transitions, and include text overlays or captions for clarity.
- Learn compression skills
Travel vloggers usually shoot a lot of footage. But here’s the challenge: large video files can be extremely cumbersome to edit, store and upload. Hence, you need to learn video compression skills. Learn about different video codecs like HEVC or H.264 that compress video data without compromising quality. Also, research what codecs are compatible with your editing software and chosen uploading platforms.
You also need to learn the different ways you can compress videos on your preferred device. For instance, the widely used device by travel vloggers is a Mac computer because Mac computers are creative powerhouses. You can compress a video on Mac using the in-built iMovie application or QuickTime Player. You can also utilize free compressors like HandBrake, VLC, Clideo, and so on.
Also, it is a good idea to use cloud storage solutions to store your raw footage so that it is easier to store and share large files.
- Build your brand
Vlogs have existed since 2000. Hence, today, the travel vlogging landscape is saturated. It is critical to carve your niche and attract viewers. For this, you need to create a strong brand identity.
So, work on building your brand by finding out what makes your travel perspective unique and different from others. Decide whether you are a foodie adventurer, luxury globetrotter, or budget backpacker so you can create content for the right audience.
Remember, travel vlogging is a two-way street. Engagement is key. Answer questions, respond to comments, and engage with your viewers. Build a community to encourage interaction.
- Embrace monetization strategies
It may take time, but monetizing your travel vlogs must be your ultimate goal. To become attractive to potential sponsors or advertisers, you must build a larger audience. Focus on growing your organic reach through SEO techniques and social media promotion. Also, create high-quality content and keep your viewers engaged.
Once your audience grows, you can think of partnering with travel companies, tourism boards, or brands aligning with your niche. Offer sponsored content creation, product placements, or shoutouts in exchange for compensation.
Embracing affiliate marketing is an excellent way to earn money through your vlogs. You can promote travel-related products or services through your vlogs. Include affiliate links in your social media posts and video descriptions to earn a commission on purchases made through your links.
Conclusion: Start Travel Vlogging and Follow Your Passion!
Travel vlogging is all about dedication, an eye for detail, and a constant thirst for exploration. If you have a genuine passion for travel and want to share your experience with the world, nobody can stop you from becoming a successful vlogger. All the best!
