In the second of our successful series of Sookio Masterclasses, our sellout July 2014 event looked at the way images and video content can be used effectively in social media.

How can you use images and video in your updates to engage with your audience and attract new followers? What do people find most appealing? And how does the approach differ from platform to platform? You may be familiar with Facebook and Twitter – but how about Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, Vine, Vimeo, YouTube and Google+?

Listen to the class now…

On the panel

Hosted by Sue Keogh, who has produced web content and social media campaigns for the BBC, ITV, AOL, Yahoo!, Toshiba, Magic FM and more, the evening featured a panel of guests from big name brands in the worlds of gaming, fashion, food and pop culture. All are expert in using image and video content in their social media marketing and were keen to share their wisdom.

As managing editor for BuzzFeed UK, Cate Sevilla brought a unique perspective on the use of images and video to push engagement with your audience. She also shared one of their editorial guidelines: "Don't put butts or boobs on the homepage."

Neil McClarty, Marketing Director at Cambridge games studio Jagex, looks after the social media for Runescape, the world's largest free MMORPG (that's Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game).

He spoke about the importance of platforms like Vine and YouTube to engage with their audience - and why he's no longer a fan of Facebook.

Subi Gnanaseharam is Jamie Oliver Ltd's social media guru, and plans, coordinates and produces all content for the company's social media channels.

She told us about how they use YouTube to put quality food and drink content out there, and why Instagram is Jamie's favourite social media channel.

We were also joined by Hannah Craik, Social Media Manager of online fashion and beauty retailer, ASOS. Hannah is well-versed in the use of social media to drive a brand and reach a specific target market. "Never underestimate the power of the fangirl Tumblr," she told us.

We'd like to thank

Our wonderful host The Cambridge Brew House. Not only for the fantastic space that we held the event in, but for the friendly and helpful staff who made sure the event ran smoothly from the moment we showed up. The delicious food and ales on offer were the icing on the cake. Well done, you're all heroes!

Finally, we'd have nothing to show for our efforts but a podcast without the photography skills of Lizzy Doe. Check out a few selected snaps above for a taste of the relaxed, informal atmosphere we enjoyed on the night.

Social media training in Cambridge 

So you're you a small business that wants to learn how to use social media to promote your business online? Sounds like you could do with signing up for one of our newly-announced bespoke social media training courses for all your social media needs! 

The next session takes place on the 5 September. Places are strictly limited and given the popularity of our last straight-talking social media evening, you’d best get booking quickly to be sure to get a look in!

How to attend our next Sookio Masterclass

Otherwise if you’re looking to get more social media savvy then why not join us at our next event on Tuesday 21 October when we’ll be asking our next panel of (soon-to-be-announced!) expert guests: "So. How do you fit it all in?"

Our first two masterclass events have sold out pretty darn quickly and then gone to waiting list only, so do make sure to reserve your place nice and early. See you then!

On the blog

Our first Sookio Masterclass: What did you miss?

About our panel

BuzzFeed's Cate Sevilla joins Sookio Masterclass panel

Hannah Craik of ASOS joins Sookio Masterclass panel

Neil McClarty of Jagex joins Sookio Masterclass panel

Subi Gnanaseharam of Jamie Oliver Ltd joins Sookio Masterclass

Friends of Sookio

Photographer Lizzy Doe

Cambridge Brew House