NATDA Magazine Jan/Feb 2018 NM_Jan2018_FinalWeb | Page 42

Using videos on inventory units can be a very helpful sales tool, especially since most people shop online before visiting the dealership. Here are 4 more ways to incorporate videos on your dealership’s website: 4 Decide whether you want to shoot during business hours or not. The benefit to shooting while you’re open is that there will be traffic on your lot. However, shooting while it’s empty allows the drone operator full, unobstructed access to all areas. You also eliminate any privacy concerns your shoppers may have of being on video. Hire a Drone Videographer for Aerial Tours of Your Lot! We suggest hiring a videographer because shooting a clear, steady video takes skill experience and high-quality equipment. If you have a drone and want to DIY give it a shot and see how it goes. Either way, here are a few thinks to keep in mind: 4 Make sure the lot is neat and tidy. Keep in mind that this includes your roof. If you need to pressure wash it – do that before shooting! 4 Look at other drone aerial tour videos to get ideas of what you like/don’t like. 4 Consider the weather. A nice, clear day is obviously best. 4 Think about what you want your finished video to look like and discuss that with the drone operator in advance to plan the shots. 4 To operate a drone commercially, the drone operator is required by the FAA to be certified. So, if you hire a professional, make sure they are certified. Staff Interviews Staff pages have become common as part of the “About Us” section of websites. This gives a personal touch to the website and the company. Adding videos of your staff can take it a step further. The video might be as simple as having the members of your sales teams talk about their experience in helping families find the right product. You might also incorporate your staff members in a video tour of the facility. For example, have the Service Manager guide a walkthrough of the service area and then hand off to the parts department and so on. continued on page 44 42 NATDA Magazine www.natda.org