TRVL Media

Here at TRVL media we create Corporate Videos, beautiful responsive websites and of course, Travel Destination Videos. On our blog we'll share travel aspirations, video & editing techniques aswell as Web Design ideas. Learn more at www.trvlmedia.uk

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Coffee can be your best productivity friend

Coffee makes the world go round, it certainly makes TRVL Media move. Here’s our 5 top reasons why you shouldn’t ever feel guilty for having that extra Flat White:

1. Coffee Increases Energy

Caffeine in coffee increases energy metabolism throughout the brain. 

It also improves lung function and oxygen intake, resulting in better metabolic efficiency. 

2. Coffee Increase Focus and Attention There are several studies that have explored the effects of caffeine consumption on visual attention. Most of these studies have concluded that caffeine – found in coffee – increases both selective and sustained attention (maintaining focused attention over an extended period of time). However, more isn’t better when it comes to coffee; there is a point of diminishing returns.

It only takes one cup of coffee to increase our focus and attention.

3. Coffee Rituals Increases Creativity We know that coffee improves our ability to focus, but does this interfere with our creative thinking ability? Research suggests that coffee can actually help people to be more creative.

However, the research isn’t specifically from a chemical reaction from drinking the coffee itself; it’s what coffee inspires. Coffee can be social and if you’re brewing your own, it can be a creative act in and of itself! Getting together with friends and co-workers over a cup of coffee can break through social barriers, leading to more free flowing conversations. A recent study shows that ambient noise and low-level sound prompts abstract thought processes. So be sure to take your coffee to the local shop or sip on your front porch.

4. Coffee Helps You Learn Things Faster How much more productive would you be if you could learn stuff faster? Well, there’s good news, a study from PLOS One reports that intake of 200 mg of caffeine – 2 cups of coffee worth – prompts the brain to identify words and phrases more quickly. The study also found that coffee consumption leads to improved short-term memory and an increased ability to solve reason-based problems. Whether you’re learning new technology, attempting a new hobby or simply going over paperwork, coffee can make you more productive.

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Is my website outdated?

You have less than 20 seconds to capture the attention of a visitor to your website. The first aspect of your website to look at is design. When was your website created, and has it been updated recently? 

For an example of what I mean by outdated, please view our most recent design work here: http://trvlmedia.uk/gastronomy-web-design

Ask yourself these questions

Is my website mobile friendly? Is the navigation easy to access on mobile or tablets? Is my website responsive? Does my website still reflect my companies values? Does my website provide a clear call to action?

If the answer to any of these questions was ‘no’ then it’s time for a redesign, and a rethink of your online strategy.

One of the worst things you can do for your company or brand is appear outdated. You don’t want your customers thinking you’re stuck in 1998. Despite how great your office and your portfolio is, if you appear outdated online your customers will expect you to be outdated in your thinking, ideas and approach to work too.

Is your website all text?

Video and images see the highest rate of engagement time and time again all over the web and social media. Plenty of high quality images and video on your website will not only likely be the catalyst that encourages your customer to stay a while longer, it will make you appear higher in the Google Search Rankings.

The most engaging form of media on the internet these days is by far video with more videos being watched on YouTube daily 

Online web surfers are 64% more likely to buy a product on an online retail site after watching a video. In addition, visitors who view videos stay on the site an average of 2 minutes longer than those who don’t - ComScore

Contact us here or visit our website for more information

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Why your website could be failing

You need a responsive website. If you’re website isn’t responsive (ie optimised for mobiles and tablets) there’s a very high chance that there’s a lot of customers who visit your website that you’re missing out on engaging with. 

Google introduced mobile-friendliness as a factor for ranking in search engines in April 2015. Mobile-friendly websites will always best non mobile-friendly sites in search engines 

If you’re unsure whether you have a responsive website or not, follow these simple steps:

1. Visit your website on your computer

2. Drag the width of the browser, making the browser window bigger or smaller

That’s it. Did your website respond when you changed the size of the window it was featured in? If so, congratulations you have a responsive website. If not, we need to talk.

Here’s a test with one of our most recent site design and builds: Gastronomy Deli (http://gastronomydeli.co.uk)

In May 2015 Google announced more searches take place on mobile than desktop.

Your website must be responsive to be able to display on mobiles correctly, to help drive further engagement with your brand when your customers are out and about. 

Responsive Design is extremely flexible, and that’s exactly the point! Putting the power back into the customers hands, a responsive website will make for a much more intuitive and enjoyable online experience and will drive further customers to make a purchase, sign up to your newsletter or contact you.

Contact us today here to discuss what we can do for you, and turn your current website responsive or craft a brand new responsive design.

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5 reasons your business needs a video

“By 2017, 69% of all internet traffic will be video” - Cisco

1. A video makes you relatable

Let’s pretend you’re the owner of a new Pizzeria: Ginos. You’ve recently opened and are not getting as many customer’s through the door as you had first hoped. What’s to stop people from visiting the other Pizzeria that’s been in their town for the past 5 years?

Your produce is better. Your waiting staff, front of house: they’re all better - but people like to know what to expect. Through video you’re able to show your customers what an experience at Ginos is like, highlighting the best your restaurant has to offer.

A video will not only show the personality of the owner or your staff, but will work as a medium to show off how staples on the menu get created. From kneading the dough, to out of the oven. Why not take the viewer through each and every process, showing them exactly what they’re missing out on? Perhaps take them behind the scenes, into the kitchen to meet the chef? After watching the video people will feel like they know you and your brand more personally.

Which in turn makes the restaurant more appealing to them.

2. Increase understanding of your products

A high quality video provides a great way for your customers to quickly understand you. With more understanding comes higher confidence, and with a higher level of confidence, your customer will be more likely to make a purchase with you.

3. They’re a time saver

Video is the most efficient way of delivering your message in a short space of time. Remember Ginos? You could post a how-to video, outlining every step to create the perfect pasta sauce.

All your videos don’t need to be sales driven either. Create a video about all the Charity work you do as a company, or let the world know how they can donate to causes your head waitress may raise money for. Give your customers people and actions to relate to.

“64% of businesses who use video belive that it has directly led to increased sales” - Wyzowl

4. They’re easy to share

A great looking video has the potential to reach millions online. With websites like Facebook & YouTube, with ever increasing video plays everyday, there’s never been a better time to spread the word of your brand and it’s message. These websites even make it easy for you, and your customers, to spread the word for free.

5. With great video, comes greater searchability

Google loves video, there’s no denying it. Type ‘How to build a Shed’ into Google and look at the search results. It’s mostly video, and photos. People want answers quickly. If you can convey your brand’s message in a short, sweet and visually engaging video. People are not only more likely to listen, they’re also more likely to engage and trust you and your brand.

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A local’s guide to Manchester

Read on through ‘A local’s guide to Manchester’ and discover the best places to eat, sleep, shop and so much more.

Manchester is home to many fantastic businesses and is full of great things to see and do whatever the weather.

Made up of numerous districts, each part of the city showcases Manchester’s history in a wide variety of colours. 

Castlefield

Retaining much of it’s industrial character, it’s a beautiful piece of the cities history in it’s own right. Take a stroll through it’s beautiful arches and have a drink overlooking the river at bars like Duke’s 92, which has a grand outdoor seating area and is perfect for a tipple in the sun.

Castlefield is home to, in my opinion, the best museum in Manchester: MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry) which has hosted exhibitions such as Bodyworlds amongst others, and is usually free to enter.

Northern Quarter

Whether your admiring the artwork that covers Stephenson Square, or enjoying a Craft Beer on Thomas Street - there’s much to love about the Northern Quarter. Kooky shops, bars and independent coffee shops pave the streets of NQ. Try Cain & Grain on Thomas Street for three experiences in one (there’s a tiki bar on the top floor, a rum bar on the ground floor and secret bar in.. well, it’s a secret) or for something completely different: Twenty Twenty Two is a basement ping pong/beer pong bar only minutes from Piccadilly Gardens.

Spinningfields

It’s Manchester’s business district. Lots of offices, great places to eat (Australasia & The Manchester House to name a few) High end retailers such as Empori Armani & Oliver Sweeney.

While we’re on the High End things, we can’t forget to mention Hotel Gotham. Based on King Street, a 5-10 minute walk from Spinningfields, it’s a 5 star not to be missed. 

Canal Street

Manchester has one of the largest LGBT communities in the UK. Canal Street, only a mere 5 minute walk from Piccadilly station and Chinatown, is at the centre of the LGBT nightlife scene. Often referred to as the ‘Gay Village’ there’s a bar or club to suit everyone.

How about getting around?

The city is large, but more than walkable. If you’re in a rush, the weather’s terrible or you just need a sit down, try Manchester’s Metrolink service for quick and easy travel around the city centre and beyond.

Sports fan?

This city has a lot for people like you. We have Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, along with the National Football Museum located 5 minutes from Victoria Station and Manchester City FC just outside of the city centre. We even cater for the basketball lover’s with our Manchester Giants.

Let’s talk Authentic Experiences

it’s a little while out of the city centre, I would recommend getting a taxi and going to visit Moss Cider, but it’s experience you’ll want to get stuck into if you can find the time. The Moss Cider Project makes cider and apple juices in Moss Side. Just outside of the centre of the city. You can’t just turn up, sign up on their website for updates, and prepare to volunteer and learn how to make great tasting, award-winning ciders.

How about food?

Another one that’s way down the tramline (around 20/25 minutes) but please do visit: Altrincham. You can hop on the Metrolink and catch the tram direct to the centre of the old market town. I urge you to visit Market House and get your teeth around the best pizza in Greater Manchester. Don’t fancy pizza? You’ll have to book in advance, but Sugo directly opposite Market House is a southern Italian pasta place that is seriously tough to beat. Market House has loads of great retailers: the award winning Great North Pie Co, the local Blackjack Brewery and even handmade chocolates from Sam Joseph there’s something for everybody. 

Learn more about Market House right here.

That’s a wrap!

That’s Manchester for you. Any questions or queries, email me: [email protected] 

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Finding hidden gems

With the masses exploring a city, travel guides in hand (Lonely Planet & Rough Guides are my personal favourites) it can be harder than you think to have a truly unique and authentic experience. Sometimes you’ve got to put the book down, put your Smartphone or Tablet back in your bag and just have a wander around.

The absolute best way to explore a city, or anywhere for that matter, is to walk around the area and get lost, listen to recommendations from locals, and stumble upon some absolute gems.

A couple experiences from Australia spring to mind. I walked 15/20 minutes out of the city centre, away from the hostel in Sydney (I stayed at Wake Up! It’s a great place) and stumbled on a place called Surry Hills. It’s a central, inner city suburbia and it’s an absolutely fantastic place. There’s tonnes of great places to eat, fantastic coffee shops, and loads of shopping. It was my favourite day in Sydney for sure.

Another experience to note would be in Perth, after walking around the city centre, ‘shortcutting’ down alleyways we stumbled across Toastface Grillah. If there’s one place I can recommend for people who enjoy a good Grilled Cheese it’s this place. 

With plenty of ‘hidden bars’ in Manchesters’ Northern Quarter, a Banksy on tib street to see, a great Indian down an alleyway just off Thomas Street called This & That. Exploring every city opens new wonders.

Whether your exploring your own city, or another, there’s always hidden gems down nooks and crannies. All you have to do is look. 

Happy Exploring

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5 tips for filming an interview

Let’s say you don’t have a professional television grade camera or even a DSLR. You have no lighting equipment, microphones and only a limited budget but you want to get Into shooting interviews for your own corporate videos. What can you do? Read below and we’ll tell you. 

The best camera is the one you have with you. You can get some really great shots with your smartphone these days so don’t be afraid to start shooting with it, rather than holding out for ‘that camera purchase’. 

Tip #01: Use Natural Light Please don’t overlook lighting, never overlook lighting. If you’re filming in an office for example, it’s quite likely that the office lighting will make your shots look slightly blue. Although this can easily be fixed in Post Production, It’s best to get the great quality shot you can whilst at the shoot. Use natural light. Position your camera near a window, facing away, with your subject (the person you’re interviewing) facing toward the window to cast the light from outside on their face. If the camera you’re using has a Zebra setting, use it. As much as you want natural light on your subjects face, you don’t want them to be too bright or blown out. 

Tip #02: RØDE SmartLav If you are shooting with your Smartphone, It’s still recommended you buy an external microphone. If you’re doing interviews or pieces to camera, you’re going to need either a directional microphone or a lavaliere microphone. Enter the RØDE SmartLav. It connects to your phone via the headphone jack using the RØDE Rec app (available on iOS & Android). Purchase it here: (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00EO4A7L0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_PeRExb45Z94WD) to record to your phone. Once your done, you can email the audio files to yourself or upload them to an FTP. Good audio will boost the production value of your video, no end. 

Tip #03: Please use a Tripod If you have the time to set one up and you’re not operating a run and gun shoot, always use a tripod for an interview. If you can't afford a tripod, place the camera on a set of books on top of table. Do what you can to make sure there's enough space either side of your subject and enough head room. If you can't use a tripod for whatever reason, at the very least apply a stabiliser in Post Production. If you're using Adobe Premiere Pro, the Adobe Warp Stabiliser is fantastic! 

(Barbara Travis, Transformation Training Academy www.transformationtrainingacademy.co.uk)

Tip #04: Direct from one side to the other If your subject is sitting on the right hand of the frame, sit yourself on the left side of the camera and ask them to address you directly or focus on a point near or behind you if it makes them uncomfortable looking directly at you. 

Tip #05: Get some royalty free music Go to a website like www.rampantdesigntools.com and purchase some royalty free music packs. You can use the Rampant Music as much as you want, wherever and whenever - they're suitable if you're on a budget and much cheaper than purchasing commercial music. 

So there you have it, any questions or queries feel free to message us: [email protected]

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Exactly what sparked the creation of TRVL Media: travel. Seeing the world, call it what you want. It has the voracity to empower and enlighten all who travel this beautiful planet. Here at TRVL we're lucky enough to have crossed off some of our travel bucket list: Visit Milford Sound (check) Hike in Yosemite National Park (check) Experience Kangaroo's up-close (check). There's so much to do, so much to see - and not nearly enough people seeing it. What's on your travel bucket list? Let's start the ticking off.

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Welcome to TRVL Media

Welcome to TRVL Media. We are a start-up created in Manchester, England that specialise in creating beautiful corporate videos, building responsive websites and crafting travel destination video packages.

The blog will outline specific works, our approach and thoughts on particular jobs along with tips and tricks for the craft of videography, editing and beyond.

Stay tuned world.