Author: Anshul Motwani

Written By- Aditya M
Category- Digital Marketing

“The single most important strategy in content marketing today is video,” says Gary Vaynerchuk, CEO of Vayner Media and one of the most prominent personalities in the online marketing space. He couldn’t have said it any better. Videos are all over the internet and they have become an integral part of every online content distribution strategy, more so in 2018. This spectacular rise of video marketing isn’t just a fad, it is here to stay and for all the right reasons. Making video a part of your online strategy is a no-brainer these days, it is on an all time high and moving steadily on an uphill path. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and probably every social network with a huge pool of audience has promoted videos in their platform in one way or the other. And of course, there is YouTube, the second most popular website of any kind on the internet. This speaks a lot about the popularity and dominance of videos. But why videos? How has video marketing in 2018 become one of the most engaging forms of content marketing and what continues to fuel its rise? Let’s find out.

Videos Are the Best Story Tellers

Video Marketing in 2018 is all about telling stories and making people believe in it. What better than videos to engage your audience into something they immediately relate to. Unlike written content, videos can be watched by a larger audience in a much simpler way.

Image Source: valoso.com

Also, videos open up new dimensions of storytelling which brands love to experiment with. They can be engaging, thought-provoking, inspiring, emotional and probably everything that other mediums find difficult to be. The classic old example of Old Spice’s ‘The Man Your Man Could Smell Like’ is a textbook example for all time best marketing campaigns and is so famous that it has a Wikipedia page dedicated to it. Even though it was a television advertisement campaign, it showed how powerful a video can be,as a viral marketing campaign. Check out the advertisement which made Old Spice an example for every marketing lesson:

Another great example of superb storytelling through videos in the recent times is the ‘Generation of Care’ campaign by Vicks India. It won the hearts of millions of internet users and shows how beautifully videos can stir emotions to put the point across. Have a look:

This heart touching video by Dabur is another great example of storytelling through videos. Very few brands will be able to match up with what Dabur did for Cancer Awareness with this gem of an ad:

Video advertisements stand out, long after they have been created. The only reason for this is that they tell great stories. Don’t do video marketing just for the sake of it or just because everyone else is doing it, do it because your story can be best told through videos.

Influencers Play Their Role

Every medium of content has some major influencers with a massive following who probably steer the trends for the future of that particular medium.

For videos, there are many such influencers, majorly on YouTube. Some also choose Snapchat as their primary video marketing platform and have created a massive following in a quick succession. If you still aren’t among the > 7 million subscribers of Casey Neitstat on YouTube, you definitely need to check out the channel. It’s just a single man living his life, showcasing it to the world but his daily videos are a great example of what good storytelling is. Nike, a brand which has redefined probably every medium of marketing, used Casey Neistat for a promotional video. The result, of course, was exemplary. Here’s the video he made for Nike’s Fuel+ Band some years ago, it has already garnered more than 25 million hits:

Influencers will always have a valuable role to play in content marketing of all kinds. Videos are just another medium where they continue to provide value to brands as one of the content marketing trends of 2018.

Ease of Accessibility

It is an undeniable fact that videos are way more accessible now than they previously used to be. Credit it to faster internet connections, cheaper smartphones, and adaptability of the videos by global platforms.

This increased accessibility is one of the key reasons for the rise of video marketing in 2018. As per credible reports, below are some startling facts about videos:

• 55% of people watch videos online every day.
• Online video now accounts for 50% of all mobile traffic.
• 78% of people watch videos online every week.

These numbers are testimony that a huge number of people are watching videos more than ever. Thus, marketers love to utilize the medium their audiences feel heavily invested into and for now, this medium is undoubtedly videos. Another reason why video marketing in 2018 will become massively accessible is that all the social platforms are integrating videos into their platform in their own way. No matter which social media you use, videos play a huge role and a lot of it is brands trying to garner eyeballs.

Moreover, live streaming is becoming a thing now. Almost all major social platforms are letting users and brands create live streams. Brand promotions and advertising campaigns are already tapping into the live stream feature for real time engagement from their audience. Even the concept of live streaming is possible today due to better accessibility. With increased accessibility, video as a medium has become an even stronger way of communicating a message in an engaging way. This is what video marketing is currently thriving on and will continue to do so, at least for the foreseeable future.

Conclusion

Videos are already huge and dominating a big part of the internet. Marketers around the world have been proactive enough to adapt to this shift of medium and make the most out of it. There is still a long way to go and you, as a brand need to fully capitalize on what videos have to offer. Video marketing in 2018 will see huge advancements. You constantly have to be looking out for creative ways to get your brand’s message across through videos. If you want to create an engaging advertising campaign in 2018, you need to go full fledged on videos and reap all that the medium has to offer. You will have everything going by your side and while you are at it, who knows you might create something which is referred to as historic decades later.

Written By Smriti T.
Category: Fashion & Lifestyle

The obsession of our generation with clothes and trends can be seen clearly in our choices and the abundance of options available on the shelves in stores. Our frequent visits to the stores and coming back with bags stuffed with clothes to match the latest trends bears testimony to the obsession. While designers come up with funky suggestions each day, the generation follows the lead by trying to imitate what the favorite celebrities sport.

Going by the latest trends, sporting torn and ripped clothes are your best bet to place yourself as a fashionista. Celebrities can be spotted in jeans that are as torn as ever and one can spot people sporting slits and untidy fringes frequently. We have long surpassed the time when torn clothes would be fixed or discarded; it is the time to make the holes wider.

The trend is a retro revival of the distressed inclination that swept the youth back in the 90s.

There, however, lies the great difference between a fashion and a fad. While a fad is short-lived and is sure to die soon, fashion is something that is expected to be followed for a few years. It is wise to invest in fashion, but fads take your money and as soon as they diminish, the clothes stay unused in your wardrobe. The expenditure isn’t worth it.

It is tough to say if the current trend is a fashion or fad but spending money to be a part of the era isn’t the best thing to do since the shelf life of the trend is not certain yet.

The previous generation can often be seen cribbing over the exorbitant amount of money that one needs to dole out to buy stuff that looks old and tattered. While trends are contagious and you’d want to follow suit to feel like one among the crowd, you need not necessarily spend that amount to imbibe the trend.

Remembering a few tips that can help you keep up with this new fad without spending even a penny. Just making a few changes to your wardrobe is worthwhile.

You want to know how to do it, don’t you?

Keep reading.

1. Slice It to Spice It:

Just because the new trend called for a faded and torn one, you need not buy a new pair of jeans despite having a wardrobe full of them. You could spice up your old pair to make a new one that looks old. Confusing?

A few changes to your old jeans can help you achieve the charm of the new trend. You could pull out a pair of scissors and slash the knee, pull out the fringes of the threads in an untidy fashion to accentuate the tattered look. You could make as many slits as you desire.

“A few changes to your old jeans can help you achieve the charm of the new trend.”

2. Scrub it well:

No, we are not telling you to ditch your age-old habit of not washing the jeans. Just take a piece of sandpaper and rub it over the jeans in places that you want it to look old. The scrubbing will make the color a little dull and texture grainy and rugged. You could also put a vegetable grater to job to achieve the distressed look.

3. Bring out that bleach:

Remember, how you have been keeping your colored beauties away from bleach to protect the color? Use the same principle but to distress your clothing. Dip half your jeans into a tub filled with bleach and water and achieve color patches to match the ramp trend. You could even use the bleach to dab patches across the jeans.

4. Fringe your tee:

Use your scissors to create cut across the circumference of the bottom of your tee. Tie the fringes to achieve the trend of a fringed tee. You could also cut the tee where the back meets the front and then create fringes. The fringes can then be joined.

5. Patch It up to Match Up:

You could use figures, and appliques cut from your old clothes and sew or glue them to other t-shirts or jeans to achieve the patch look. You could also cut untidy patches and sew them roughly over other clothes.

Image Source: i.imgur.com

While the distressed trend seems to have taken completely over the fashion space, it’s hard to predict the next fad that may be on its way. But, by the look of it, it seems that baggy may be the new thing or the slits may be replaced by slashing the fabric entirely to achieve shorter and trendier versions. The baggy trend can be aced by embracing the existing clothes that are oversized. Overall, you craft accessories from school including scissors, fabric glue, sandpaper and the like may come quite handy to achieve the voguish attire of the modern day.

“While the distressed trend seems to have taken completely over the fashion space, it is difficult to predict the next fad that may be on its way.”

While the trend may seem harmless and an occasional indulgence to be among the crowd isn’t wrong, it is foolish to follow it blindly. Sporting a mismatched attire or something that makes the onlookers probe your current financial situation isn’t a very welcome sight.

Distressed is acceptable but shredded makes one wonder of the extent that one can choose to traverse for a trend. While the retro version of the trend sprouted from the heavy metal and rock obsession the current trend seems to be more of a race to look cool. Fashion may be a personal choice, but the presentation is critical for a good impression.

Written By- Vidhu B.
Category – Lifestyle and Travel

Did you know that as many as 729,550 foreign tourists visited Nepal in 2016 increasing by 24% as compared to 2015?_ The misty peaks of the Himalayas have captured the human imagination since long. If you are looking for a heady mix of adrenaline, spirituality, wilderness, and culture, it is time to head to the Himalayas and take up one of the popular treks in the area that will rejuvenate you and transform you into a hiker for life.

Image source: pixabay.com

Indeed, one mountain is never enough, and once you taste the Himalayas, the grandeur of the experience beckons you forever. Often referred to as the Third Pole, this mythological abode of Shiva and the birthplace of the Buddha is home to nine out of ten of the world’s highest peaks. There is a lot to discover in the Himalayas, and trekking in the Himalayas is much easier than you imagine if you prepare well.

“Indeed, one mountain is never enough, and once you taste the Himalayas, the grandeur of the experience beckons you forever.”

Some Great Himalayan Trails

There are several treks that one could take in the Himalayas. With each destination, more exhilarating than the other, and no journey less rewarding than the other, trekkers who want a slice of the Himalayas are spoilt for choice, and with good reason. However, the Everest region makes it to almost every hiker’s bucket list, not only because of the world’s highest peak – Mount Everest – but also for the warm hospitality of the Sherpas and the diverse flora and fauna on offer in the Sagarmatha National Park. A popular trek is the charming Goencha La trek starting in the historic town of Yuksom in Sikkim. Blessed with abundant greenery, verdant landscapes, magnificent views of the world’s third largest peak, Kanchenjunga, and the sacred waters of the Samiti Lake, this particular route is the perfect mix of thrill, adventure, and fun.

Image source: pixabay.com

The Himalayas are for Everyone!

Many believe that trekking in the Himalayas is for the experts and the adventurers amongst us. However, you’d be glad to know that trekking in the Himalayas has evolved with time. With the advent of trekking tourism, you could now choose to stay in luxurious lodges in the mountains or opt for a more rugged budget group tour or simply hire a guide and get going. It is also possible to select a trek according to the level of activity you desire. Walking in the mountains is easy; except the altitude that needs acclimatisation

“Walking in the mountains is easy; except the altitude that needs acclimatisation.”

What Are the Things to Look for on Higher Altitude

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trekker, altitude sickness affects everyone regardless of age, fitness level and experience Lack of proper acclimatisation can spoil your entire expedition. Understanding the effect of altitude on your body would help you prepare well and get better acclimatised to ensure the success of your trek. Most trekkers experience symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite, headache, runny nose and occasional breathlessness that must not be taken lightly. These symptoms indicate that your body needs more time to acclimatise, and it will be foolhardy to not listen to your body as soon as it begins to complain. It is also pertinent to carry a medical kit with medicines for altitude sickness and other common illnesses, as prescribed by your health practitioner. Trekkers to the Everest Base Camp must attend the medical clinic at Everest Base Camp organised by the Himalayan Rescue Association Nepal during the climbing season in spring. Their Information Centre in Kathmandu hosts a daily talk on Acute Mountain Sickness and provides information on trekking safety and conditions in the mountains.

Image source: pixabay.com

High-altitude treks require the right amount of preparedness to make the experience better. For the Himalayas, the peak climbing season starts from March to June, while expeditions from Nepal could be undertaken between November and March as well. Apart from the timing, it is important to plan an itinerary as per your interests and budget. Is it the culture or the steep trails or the panoramic forests that beckon you to the Himalayas? Whether it is the barren landscapes of Ladakh or the lush forests of Sikkim or the Everest Base Camp that you intend to conquer, don’t forget to build in adequate time for acclimatisation in your itinerary, apart from contingency days for severe weather and other eventualities.

“Is it the culture or the steep trails or the panoramic forests that beckon you to the Himalayas?”

What to Carry during the Trekking

Did you know that your clothes could impact your performance in a trek? Thus, it is essential to dress appropriately as well as comfortably as you traverse through high mountains and the vagaries of nature on the trek of a lifetime in the Himalayas. (See this useful list of what to pack compiled by Trek The Himalayas) Apart from packing a durable kit bag with the gear, it is a good idea to keep a separate bag with you, carrying basic stuff such as a dry pair of socks, a sturdy umbrella, some sunscreen and a weatherproof jacket. You might also want to spend a little on a portable oxygen cylinder, which is convenient to carry and very handy. In case you are wondering where to purchase your trekking essentials, Kathmandu is a great place to buy high-quality trekking gear at reasonable prices. You might want to dress a bit conservatively in the Himalayas, in reverence to the local culture of the area.

What to Eat?

Mental and physical fitness are essential for trekking in the Himalayan region. And as the cliché goes, you are, in fact, what you eat! Healthy, nutritious and wholesome food is critical to your trek, but the choices aren’t plenty when you are on your own in the wilderness. Backpacking stoves are quite useful for treks. It is advisable to carry one stove for every four persons in the group. Never carry the stoves with fuel, which should be bought locally. To ensure a smooth experience, practice lighting your stove before you set for the trek. Additionally, trekkers must pack high-energy foods such as nuts, chocolates, biscuits, peanut butter and bread, tea and coffee bags, soup pouches, ready-to-eat meals and energy drinks. It is better to avoid carrying crisps, candies, and cookies, as they don’t provide any nutrition to the body. Apart from nourishing your body with quality food, staying hydrated is of utmost importance during your trek. Always carry a spare bottle of water with you, and bring along Chlorine tablets to fill up your bottles from natural fresh water sources when not available otherwise. A hydration bag is a good idea for continuous sipping of water, without the need of taking off your gloves or reaching into your bag for a bottle.

Getting the Most out of Your Trek

Trekking in the Himalayas is a rewarding experience, but not easy. From foot blisters to wild animal encounters to extreme cold, trekkers must prepare themselves for various (un)natural encounters to get the most out of their trek. Foot blisters are one of the most common problems faced by trekkers. Blisters are caused due to moisture, repetitive movement and friction, and using proper insoles in your trekking shoes could help. A simple hack to avoid blisters is to wear two socks on each foot – a thinner one on the inside to absorb moisture from your feet and a thick outer one to absorb moisture from the inner one. Of course, moleskins should always be a part of your medical kit to treat any blisters on your feet. As a basic precaution, visiting your doctor a few days before the trek will help you understand your health condition and fitness level better. If you have a medical condition that puts you at risk, it is best not to come on the trek. Also, avoid alcohol, smoking and greasy food in preparation for your trek to avoid dehydration, reduced lung capacity, and stomach problems.

Conclusion

Many choose to spend holidays in the world-famous Amalfi Coast or let their hair down in Bali, but for those travellers, who are ready to leave the modern lifestyle comforts behind, the Himalayas offer not just a journey but also a mental and spiritual transformation.

Image Source: pixabay.com

This holy mountain range stretching 2,400 kilometres across five countries provides a stunning and challenging landscape that teaches the travellers several life lessons including the importance of stepping outside their comfort zone to realise their potential. Trekkers in the Himalayas have the opportunity to experience the might of nature at close quarters, often helping them realise the urgent need to conserve nature. Those who have experienced the thrill know that climbing a mountain is an unparalleled high. While the journey might be hard, the sheer thrill of reaching the top against all the odds is the purest manifestation of all your hard work paying off.

“Those who have experienced the thrill know that climbing a mountain is an unparalleled high.” Indeed, “it’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” (Sir Edmund Hillary)

Are you ready to climb a mountain to change your life, yet?