How do you stay current with video marketing and distribution?

Staying at the forefront of video marketing and distribution is a must in this dynamic realm. A valuable strategy is to follow industry leaders and influencers who shape the field. Learn from their insights, tips, and case studies to create standout videos. You can find them on various platforms, from social media to blogs and podcasts. Notable names include Wistia, Vidyard, HubSpot, Social Media Examiner, and Video Marketing World. Their knowledge and expertise can keep you informed and inspire your video endeavors, helping you connect effectively with your audience and achieve your goals in this ever-evolving landscape.

Keep a finger on the industry's pulse, subscribe to newsletters, follow blogs, and read publications dedicated to digital marketing. This approach ensures you're well-informed about the latest trends and best practices. Follow influencers, experts, engage in discussions in relevant forums, discover valuable insights, case studies, and emerging trends within these online communities. Embrace emerging technologies like AI, VR, AR and interactive video. Create immersive and engaging experiences for audiences. Use data analytics tools to understand the performance of video marketing efforts. Platforms and social media networks provide robust analytics dashboards that offer insights into viewer demographics, engagement, and viewing patterns.

By being on the offensive side. Creating videos that does not conform with corporate norms. Producing videos that are not perfect but more aligned with human emotions. Always thinking of what the audience get by watching instead of what you want to sell. Marketers have to start to think like a human with a heart instead of an executive with analytical sales target to achieve. Just be human.

Mastering ever-changing video landscapes takes dedicated learning like a scholar researching emerging tech. Follow industry thought leaders and insiders for tips. Join forums connecting media creators. Test new platforms before adoption goes mainstream. Survey audiences on viewing habits. With relentless curiosity, you stay ahead of video marketing innovations. Now cue those training montages - let's get streaming-video savvy!📺

I’m an activist. In 2015 I, with others, began the customary land rights movement of the people of Samoa, an independent nation in the south Pacific. That discussion morphed into a political movement. The participants were located around the world. Our forum was connected using Facebook. By 2020 the Facebook groups (about 7 plus 3 pages) were reaching over 50,000 people, about 20% of the population. Fundraising raised over $30,000 USD used to educate the public. Our movement encouraged certain politicians to form a new party and compete against the incumbent. The people who supported the movement also supported the new party and in 2021 a 40 yr political regime was replaced; the culmination of the Facebook movement we had begun in 2017.

Follow young content creators across the web. Find who is doing really innovative and boundary pushing stuff with video, and watch how it impacts larger brands and is adopted by bigger players in the industry. It happens all the time. Match your expertise, experience, and skillset with what young content creators are doing, and you will stay relevant.

Lifelong Learning: I'm a firm believer in the concept of lifelong learning. I stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies by constantly reading industry publications, attending relevant conferences, and enrolling in online courses. Collaborative Approach: Collaboration is key to successful video marketing. Industry Insights: Keeping a finger on the pulse of industry news, updates, and case studies is vital. Regularly following industry influencers and subscribing to newsletters ensures that I remain well-informed. In a rapidly evolving landscape, my dedication to staying current enables me to adapt, innovate, and deliver outstanding results.

Online communities, like Reddit or LinkedIn groups, are goldmines for real-time feedback and trends. But here's a pro tip: Don't just be a passive observer. Engage, ask, and contribute. Notice a common question or challenge? Create a video addressing it. Collaborate on projects. It's a two-way street: you learn from others, and they learn from you. Communities are about mutual growth. The more you put in, the more insights you'll extract. It's hands-on learning in a digital age. Dive in, interact, and let the collective wisdom guide your video strategy.

One cannot agree more with this, though keeping in mind focus. A prime example of this could be using professional camera to film Instagram stories or bringing full-on series on TikTok. Basically taking the platform and its opportunities and bringing something people wouldn't expect but probably would like.

Beyond the technicalities, always approach with genuine curiosity: Who frequents this platform? What are their motivations for being here? What unique value does this platform offer that compels users to invest their precious time and attention? Remember, every platform is akin to a distinct community with its own ethos and dynamics. Engage with an open heart and an inquisitive mindset. By understanding the essence of these communities, you can gain invaluable insights that will not only guide your video marketing strategies but also ensure they resonate authentically with the intended audience.

Lifelong Learning: I'm a firm believer in the concept of lifelong learning. I stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies by constantly reading industry publications, attending relevant conferences, and enrolling in online courses. Experimentation: Innovation is a cornerstone of effective video marketing. I'm not afraid to step out of my comfort zone and experiment with new formats, channels, and storytelling techniques to captivate audiences.

Venturing into new platforms like TikTok or LinkedIn Live can feel like uncharted waters. But here's the game plan: Research First: Before diving in, watch and learn. What content thrives there? What falls flat? Start Small: Test the waters with short, authentic content. Gauge audience reactions. Adapt & Evolve: Not every platform will be a hit for you. That's okay. Learn, tweak, and refine. Use Platform Tools: Instagram Reels has unique editing tools. TikTok thrives on trends. Use them to your advantage. Remember, it's not about being everywhere, but being impactful where you are. New platforms are opportunities, not obligations. Choose wisely, experiment boldly.

I believe there is new platforms on the horizon we've never even dreamed of. I think that the usual culprits - TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Twitch, &ct - are soon to be old news. Keep your eyes to the horizon! We have seen the tremendous change within one year of the AI explosion (ChatGPT and the like) what will 5 more years bring? The future of video marketing and distribution is likely going to be much stranger then we can imagine.

Industry Insights: Keeping a finger on the pulse of industry news, updates, and case studies is vital. Regularly following industry influencers and subscribing to newsletters ensures that I remain well-informed. Certifications: I invest in relevant certifications to validate my expertise in video marketing and distribution. These certifications serve as a testament to my commitment to excellence.

Don't forget to trust your gut. Analytics can be great, but you can often get lost in the numbers. Today's data sources and tools are made for the here and now, but what about the future? Of course if your video has literally 0 performance there is room for concern. But let us imagine the future impact of our work as well, something that today's data cannot imagine.

Dive into watch time, click-through rates, and audience retention metrics to identify patterns. Test different video formats and lengths, then measure their impact on viewer engagement and conversion rates. Regularly review this data to adjust your content approach, such as optimizing titles, thumbnails, and video descriptions based on what resonates with your audience. Implement A/B testing to compare variations and see which elements drive better performance. Keep a consistent schedule for reviewing your analytics and adjust your strategy based on evolving trends and insights. This iterative process helps ensure your video content remains effective and aligned with your audience’s preferences.

Metrics and Analytics: Video marketing success is measurable. I use data-driven insights to understand audience behavior, track video performance, and make data-backed decisions. This helps in fine-tuning strategies for maximum impact.

The way audiences consume content is always changing. Video professionals need to stay up to date on trends and emerging platforms. I carve out time each week to experiment with new tools and platforms. This knowledge allows me to steer my clients in the right direction when collaborating on a project. Never stop learning!

The world of video is vast, and standing out requires more than just hitting 'record'. Here's your action plan: Prioritize: Identify gaps in your skill set. Is it storytelling? Sound design? Start there. Cross-Train: Borrow techniques from cinema, journalism, or even theater. Blend disciplines for a unique touch. Practice & Feedback: Create mini-projects. Seek feedback. Iterate. Stay Updated: Video tech and trends evolve. Regularly check online courses, webinars, or workshops. In video marketing, your best asset isn't just the camera—it's a constantly evolving skill set. Every new technique you master adds a layer to your content, making it richer and more engaging. Keep learning, keep growing.

Not trying to be dramatic here but if you're not growing you're dying. New skills are a great way to re-energize yourself and get yourself out of burnout. The great thing about videography is that you can learn from anyone and you will never learn everything.

Engage with industry peers through networking events or online forums to gain insights into emerging trends and best practices. Allocate time for personal projects to experiment with new techniques without the pressure of client deliverables. Establish a routine for continuous learning, such as enrolling in relevant online courses or attending workshops. Prioritize refining your workflow by investing in tools and software that streamline your editing process. This approach will keep your skills sharp and ensure that you remain adaptable in a rapidly evolving field.

Beyond the tools and techniques, there's a human element to video that's often overlooked: Emotion is Key: The most memorable videos resonate emotionally. Whether it's humor, inspiration, or empathy, aim to connect on a human level. Authenticity Wins: Audience can sense when content is genuine. Be true to your brand and message. Analytics Aren't Just Numbers: Dive into viewer behavior. When do they drop off? What engages them most? This tells a story about your content's impact. Accessibility Matters: Ensure your videos are inclusive. Use captions, descriptions, and consider diverse audiences. Lastly, remember that video marketing is as much about listening and adapting as it is about creating.

Thought Leadership: I actively engage with thought leaders in the field of video marketing and distribution through social media, forums, and networking events. These interactions not only provide valuable insights but also keep me inspired to explore new strategies.

Follow blogs and newsletters such as MarketingBrew, Social Media Today, NoFilmSchool, and VP Land. I use Feedly as an RSS and newsletter reader to keep everything in one spot.