Promotional videos
Where: Walpole Arms, Itteringham, Norwich, Norfolk; www.thewalpolearms.co.uk
The idea: Having been a TV producer before taking over the Walpole Arms, Richard Bryan needed no convincing about the power of TV and video as an advertising tool.
So when approached by a production company specialising in online video-streaming for British tourism, Richard was quick to seize the opportunity.
"We get quite a lot of bookings via our website and I was surprised at the inexpensive cost of the video compared to placing an advert in a glossy magazine - even a local one," says Richard.
How it works: For a one-off fee the film company produces a short online video that can be used by the pub for two years.
At the end of this period it has the option of updating.
With a running time of about two and a half minutes, the Walpole Arms' video features Richard explaining what customers can expect from the pub in terms of its food, drink and ambience, as well as showing footage of the pub and its gardens, and scenes of the chefs in action in the kitchen.
Head chef Andy Parle is also shown talking about the type of food on offer.
Business benefit: Pub trade has clearly benefited from the video: Richard says bookings have risen since its introduction last autumn.
"We've had lots of positive responses to the video from customers and receive quite a few bookings through the website. The trick is to get people through the door and then do the rest," he says.
Top tip on making the idea work: Carefully consider what you want to say about your establishment, and ensure that your staff are well prepared before the film crew arrives - otherwise, you will end up with something that doesn't achieve its full potential.
