Presented by

It’s 🐸 Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement, Reader! Say something 💖 nice to yourself or someone else today.

In today’s edition:

• Today's 👉 Tip of the Day is for copywriting

• Simplified batching for 🤳 short-form video

• 🤖 AI experiments for Chrome users

• ⏳ Longer TikTok videos

• 📣 Additional industry news from Meta, Reddit, and X/Twitter

Want to improve your content? Looking for better results?

Read Your Content Out Loud

Hearing your content out loud gives you a whole new perspective on your writing. You’ll instantly spot where the text is confusing or veers off track. 

You should also pay attention to the rhythm and flow of the writing. Does it keep moving forward or have slow sections? Is there enough momentum to carry the reader through the content?

As you read, circle or highlight any trouble spots so you can quickly rewrite them.

Today's tip is inspired by Ann Handley, a featured speaker at Social Media Marketing World.

This Could Change Everything, Reader!  

Three weeks goes by so fast. Social Media Marketing World starts February 18th, and we don't want you to miss it. Now is the time to grab your All-Access ticket, before the price goes up tomorrow. 

It's a great place to learn, but it can also help transform you as a person. 

"This was honestly the best conference I've attended in my professional life," said Laura Kaslow.

You'll walk away with a strategic marketing plan, and become indispensable to your company or clients! 

I'm ready for a transformation.

A System for Batching Short-Form Video

Short-form video content optimized for platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels is exploding in popularity. But filming doesn’t have to take over your work day.

By systematizing your production, you can develop memorable and scalable social content that spreads your brand’s message far. Follow this process:

Script Ideas in Advance

Instead of posting spur-of-the-moment, take time to script out many ideas at once. Outline topics within categories that work well in short bursts like news, FAQs, tutorials, reactions to trending content, or commentary on articles. Focus your scripts on clear hooks that grab attention fast. Write down key points rather than full narration.

Film Multiple Videos in One Session  

Once you have at least 10 scripts ready, film all the videos in a single sitting. Use simple lighting and audio gear for a consistent look, and take breaks as needed to maintain your energy level. Connect authentically on camera by speaking directly to viewers and using short sentences so your content stays concise.

Edit for Simplicity and Consistency

After filming, batch edit all your work. Trim out any empty space and pauses using editing software on a computer, not your phone app. Add captions for accessibility, then export the finalized videos optimized for multi-platform publication rather than a single social platform.

Why edit on your computer?

1. Batch editing is faster on a computer. When editing multiple videos, it's much easier to organize, import, edit, and export files using sophisticated software like Premiere Pro or Final Cut rather than limited mobile apps.

2. Computer software enables more advanced editing capabilities. Things like trimming precise sections of footage, color correcting, adding graphics/text, audio adjustments, etc. are easier with desktop applications designed specifically for video editing.

3. Multi-platform optimization is key. The goal is to produce content that can be shared across various social channels. Editing on mobile ties you into that platform's export settings rather than enabling versatile file output.

4. Computer displays offer more accuracy. Larger screens with greater resolution allow you to see intricate details as you're fine-tuning edits, ensuring higher-quality final exports.

Distribution

Finally, post first natively to TikTok then repurpose to additional channels. You can use auto-posting tools to publish conveniently everywhere without needing to tailor each platform.

Today's advice is provided with insights from Austin Falter.

365 Days of Training… No Travel Required!

If joining thousands of marketers in San Diego next month isn’t an option for you, don’t worry. Here’s a great alternative: 

An On-Demand ticket gives you access to ALL of the content from the conference—including the sessions, keynotes, AND the extra day of workshops—from the comfort of your home or office. No travel is required!

Ready to skip the crowds and have a full year to review the amazing content from the conference?

I want the recordings of everything!

🗞 Meta Marketing API Updates: On January 23, 2024, Meta rolled out changes to its Marketing API for advertisers and partners. Campaigns optimized for Impressions, Video views, Reach, Engagement, or ad recall lift will now have the option to opt into Advantage detailed targeting. Campaigns optimized for Leads will automatically enable Advantage targeting but can opt out. Link clicks and Landing page view campaigns will automatically apply Advantage targeting with no opt-out option. Source: Meta

🗞 New AI Features in Chrome: Google Chrome is introducing three new experimental AI features in its latest browser update to make web browsing easier and more efficient. First, "Tab Organizer" will automatically group open browser tabs into suggested categories to help manage many tabs. It even names and adds emojis to the groups for easy identification later. Second, users can create custom Chrome themes with AI by selecting a subject, mood, visual style, and color. Finally, coming next month is a writing assistant to help draft text for things like reviews, RSVPs, or inquiries. The features are rolling out first in the United States over the next few days. Source: Google

🗞 New Reddit Ads Site for SMBs: Reddit has launched a new website with marketing tips for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The new SMB site provides usage notes and pointers that highlight how SMBs can use Reddit for promotions and explains how brands can become part of these conversations and connect with expert communities. Additionally, there are specific advertising tips to maximize Reddit ad campaigns, along with downloadable checklists and ad specifications to inform promotional approaches. Source: Reddit

🗞 Longer TikToks: The platform is now testing 30-minute uploads with some users. Source: Matt Navarra via Threads

🗞 Jobs on X/Twitter: As of today, all Premium users in the US can now post open job listings from their personal accounts. Source: Linda Yaccarino via X/Twitter

Did You Know?

King Kong opened at New York's Radio City Music Hall on February 2, 1933.