7 Amazing Things We Learned at the Young Marketers and Buzzfeed Christmas Event

Back in December the DMA played host to a very special Christmas event. Simon Low, Sales Director at Buzzfeed, came to share some excellent Buzzfeed insights with us - and to participate in a strongly contested social media battle against team Fresh Perspectives.

The event was the second in the Fresh Perspectives DMA Talent series, following on from the rainy Young Marketers Rising BBQ in the summer . The aim of these events is to bring some of the DMA leadership and expertise to the next generation of future talent.

So, without further ado, here are the 7 things we learned from the event.

1. It's not all cats.

Much as we would have loved an hour of cat memes. Whilst Buzzfeed cat content is still popular, they're evolving into new areas, including more political content (like the recent Scottish referendum)

2. Video will be key in the coming years

Video engagement is on the rise - and Buzzfeed have their own LA studio so they can create their own.

3. Test, test and test again

EVERYTHING is tested: thumbnail images, headlines, position on feed. It's because of this that Simon and his team have gleaned the insights that 'unbelievable' is irresistible in a headline, that the optimum list length is 17 and that hot Neville Longbottom drives massive click through. A lesson to us all!

4. Think content, but don't forget distribution

The 'how' is just as important as the 'what' at Buzzfeed. People are the new distribution channels, and the way they share content is crucial to content strategy. There's no point making something if you don't think about how to let people know about it.

5. Facebook and Pinterest were not created equal.

It goes without saying, but the way content is seen and spreads varies hugely from channel to channel. For example, content on Facebook will see a short sharp spike in engagement, whereas on Pinterest it will see a slower burn, staying on feeds for much longer.

6. Don't challenge Buzzfeed to a social media battle....

They will win, and they will win convincingly. From the social media fail song, to Geordie the Penguin and the adorable 'Dear Kitten', Simon's content repertoire couldn't be matched by team Fresh Perspectives.

7. BUT, Fresh Perspectives are great on cats.

'Cat In A Shark Costume Chases A Duck While Riding A Roomba' snatched a point for team Fresh Perspectives in the battle, practically Buzzfeed's specialist subject. Final score: 3-1 to Buzzfeed

What's Next?

You can now register for our next event - Speedy Skills.

We kick off our new series of career workshops for rising stars in marketing with personal branding: Get Ahead in Marketing: You as a Brand

In this morning career workshop, four industry leaders will show you how to pitch your idea (or yourself) to senior colleagues and stand head and shoulders above your peers.

Register here.