Best of 2020
2020 was a year like no other.
We persevered, working from our kitchen tables, through lockdowns and — in Salt Lake City — a 5.7 magnitude earthquake and a wi-fi-wrecking windstorm. We figured out how to craft compelling videos with a one-person film crew in a basement studio. We found new inspiration, virtually, online, with each other, with our clients and with the everyday experts who are the fuel and the audience for our content.
Of the hundreds of new lessons ExpertVoice Studios created, and are proud of, here are 10 of the “best” that we’d like to share with you.
The best part of 2020 was what we built together.
— Rosemary Winters, Director of Brand Content, ExpertVoice
Best product launch
Outdoor Research
Outdoor Research wanted to make a splash with the debut of a new rain jacket. Studios sprinkled vibrant animations, enlightening interactions and expert insights throughout this custom lesson to help experts better recommend the product. The effect is a continuous drip of small moments of surprise and delight.
Best expert-to-expert content
MAMMUT
MAMMUT wanted to inform experts about a big update to its legendary climbing ropes, while reinforcing the brand's leadership in the category. The Studios team placed credible, authentic expert insights at the forefront, including a curated list of recommendations from the ExpertVoice community and a video interview with MAMMUT athlete and professional climbing guide Katie Lambert.
Best on-location video
Diamondback Bicycles
In early 2020, ExpertVoice Studios traveled to the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival in Arizona to capture three bike experts putting Diamondback's latest bikes through their paces. Check out the beautifully shot videos and learn about these bikes from avid riders with first-hand experience.
Best expert field test
LifeStraw
We know our experts trust the experience of their peers the most. So when LifeStraw sent us their latest products to try out, we dispatched two experts to test them during a 100-mile backpacking trip in Utah's Uinta Mountains and report back. Their insights are paired with custom photography and video they gathered on the journey.
Best category education
Vortex Optics
One way Vortex Optics builds rapport with its expert community is through offering them optional, expertise-building lessons that are not focused on the Vortex brand or products. This Archery 101 lesson features key concepts for experts who are new to archery or wish to expand their knowledge. ExpertVoice Studios interviewed an archery expert and took photos to illustrate main points.
Best motion graphics video
iwi
The hardest concepts to explain are often ones the human eye can't see. To help experts understand why iwi's omega-3 oils are more readily absorbed in the body, Studios created a motion graphics video that makes the science easy to digest. Elements of the video are incorporated throughout the lesson that accompanies it.
Best bite-size lesson
Salomon
Salomon wanted to build advocacy for its new women's hiking shoe in a 90-second lesson. ExpertVoice created a templated lesson that gives experts essential knowledge and prompts them to share their own experiences with Salomon products in a recommendation activity.
Best micro video
Diamondback
This micro video showcases the elegant design of the Haanjo 8C while coaching experts on the bike's key features and benefits. Micro videos are shot in the ExpertVoice studio and follow a templated format with voice over, motion graphics and music.
Best video-only lesson
Otterbox
In this video-only lesson, ExpertVoice recruited a member expert to test out OtterBox's new line of hard and soft coolers. Brenna King tries out the products in a number of locations to speak to their versatility and how they fit into an active, outdoor lifestyle.
Best collection of expert reviews
Experts' Guide to Gravel Bikes and Bikepacking
With experts leaving thousands of insightful reviews each month, ExpertVoice Studios regularly shares back with experts which products are highly recommended in both established and emerging categories. This Experts' Guide is an introduction to gravel bikes and bikepacking and also dives into top products both on and off ExpertVoice. Experts can join the conversation by sharing their own product recommendations.