On this podcast, we talk about creating video. We talk about editing video. But then there's the art of distributing your video and getting it out there so people can find it.

And having your audience find it is a critical piece of the puzzle!

Of course, we’re referring to search engine optimization (SEO). In this episode, we welcome SEO coach and entrepreneur Samantha North. She talks about the importance of SEO in video distribution, the interplay between written content and video for better SEO, and how to start and succeed in SEO. Samantha shares insights from her extensive background in digital marketing and her journey toward mastering video SEO.

She also provides practical tips on keyword research, video optimization, and leveraging AI tools. The episode rounds out with Samantha’s advice on building a diverse online presence to enrich your brand and safeguard against algorithm changes.

Learning points from the episode include:

• 00:00 - 01:14 Introduction
• 01:14 - 04:40 Tips for using video to enhance your SEO
• 04:40 - 07:10 The basics and the importance of understanding SEO
• 07:10 - 10:14 Practical steps and tools for starting with SEO
• 10:14 - 17:00 Creating SEO-optimized content
• 17:00 - 21:47 The power of video in SEO and content strategy
• 21:47 - 24:26 Building an online brand universe
• 24:26 - 29:27 Speed round questions
• 29:27 - 30:55 Final thoughts and takeaways

Important links and mentions:

• Connect with Samantha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/northsamantha/
• Connect with Samantha on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sjnrth/
• Visit Samantha’s Website: https://samanthanorth.com/
• Find Samantha on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaOtpoJyMj18q31bdHqP-Ug/

Is AI really coming for your job… or will it enhance it?

In this episode of The Visual Lounge, host Matt Pierce discusses the importance and practical uses of AI with Brian Sykes, the founder of AdJourney, plus a seasoned branding and marketing strategist and expert in generative AI.

They cover ways to integrate AI into everyday tasks, explore various AI tools, and address common concerns about AI, such as job displacement and copyright issues. Brian emphasizes the significance of AI as an amplifier for human capabilities and shares advice for leveraging AI effectively. The conversation also touches on the rapid advancements in AI technology and its potential positive impact on various industries.

Learning points from the episode include:

• 00:00 - 01:39: Introduction
• 01:39 - 02:48 Brian’s advice for creatives using images or video
• 02:48 - 03:46 Brian’s journey with AI
• 03:46 - 07:29 What AI is best at doing right now
• 07:29 - 12:08 The questions people should be asking AI now to get it to do the best job
• 13:20 - 22:41 Some of the concerns with AI around copyright, creativity, and the future of work
• 22:41 - 27:28 Speed round Q&A
• 27:28 - 28:17 How to connect with Brian
• 28:17 - 29:00 Brian’s final take
• 29:00 - 29:49 Outro

Important links and mentions:

• Connect with Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianwsykes/
• Follow Brian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theBrianSykes
• AI Explore’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AI.Explore
• Visit Brian’s Website: https://thebriansykes.com/
• A.I. Explore: https://www.aiexplore.co/
• A.I. Lab: the-AI-Lab.com

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” The legendary quote from Maya Angelou sums up the take-home message of this episode nicely.

In this episode of The Visual Lounge, we welcome Anastasia McCune, Instructional Designer for ChalkDust Consulting and eLearning Media Consulting, to talk about interactive videos and instructional design.

Videos are a fantastic tool for training and development, but interactive scenarios can take things one step further. Anastasia discusses where regular videos shine, but also where interactive videos can help viewers put those lessons into practice. She talks about how interactive videos that prompt the viewer to do something can help the message stick far better in your viewers’ minds than regular videos.

She explains her process for designing interactive eLearning experiences with the use of storyboards and shares some examples of her favorite projects, including Deloitte’s interactive recruitment experience (linked below!)

Learning points from the episode include:

• 00:00 – 02:22 Introduction
• 02:22 – 04:14 One tip Anastasia has for improving how you make videos
• 04:14 – 06:13 Where video shines as the best medium
• 06:07 – 07:03 Why interactive learning methods help viewers practice the lessons they learn
• 07:03 – 09:31 How making and planning interactive videos is different from regular content
• 09:31 – 15:55 How often Anastasia uses interactive videos and when it works best
• 15:55 – 21:42 Weighing up when to use interactive elements vs. regular training videos
• 21:42 – 23:54 Advice for making better screen-recorded content
• 23:54 – 28:26 Speed round questions
• 28:26 – 29:18 Anastasia’s final take
• 29:18 – 30:02 Outro

Important links and mentions:

• Connect with Anastasia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasia-mccune/
• Anastasia’s website: http://anastasiamccune.com/

Interactive Examples:

• Deloitte’s Interactive Recruitment Experience: Will You Fit In at Deloitte?
• https://corp.kaltura.com/resources/videos/interactive-video-example-recruiting-for-deloitte/
• Broken Co-Worker: https://www.elearningsecrets.com/broken-coworker - about 10 minutes to complete
• Life Saver: https://life-saver.org.uk/ - multiple scenarios about 10 minutes each