Tripadvisor launched a new free slideshow tool a couple of months ago with little fanfare, yet it is a great online marketing tool with many applications. More and more people are finding it and using it with some great results.  The sound and visual effects are amazing and it is incredibly easy to use.

Trip Wow appears to be targeted at travellers so they can save their travel photos in a slick format that is easily circulated.  It can work equally well for tourism and accommodation businesses as well.  In only a few simple steps you can upload a selection of photos, give them captions, add a soundtrack and then select a professional introduction.  This is a perfect way for tourism operators, particularly those who are not confident with computers, to develop a free promotional display that looks smart and credible. 

All you need to begin is a selection of good quality photos saved onto your computer or to an application like Flickr or Picasa.  A good idea for a business slideshow is to incorporate a range of photos to highlight different aspects of your business including:

• local scenery and attractions
• your facilities
• guests or customers enjoying your facility or attraction

Once you have completed the slideshow you can link it from your website or other social media pages such as Facebook and Twitter, and of course email it to friends and contacts.  Trip Wow is a great online marketing tool that is ideal for complementing search engine marketing activities.  Even if you normally wouldn't try things that sound technical you should try this one as its easier than you think, and the results will surprise you.