Podcast Summary: Chris Anderson on Building Authority with Video & Digital Growth
Podcast: The Amazing Authorities Podcast
Host: Mitch Carson
Guest: Chris Anderson, Elevate Media Group
Date: August 18, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode explores how entrepreneurs and experts can build their authority, visibility, and digital influence through strategic use of video and digital content. Chris Anderson, founder of Elevate Media Group, joins host Mitch Carson to share actionable frameworks and insights for amplifying online presence and becoming a go-to authority, especially using high-quality video, platform selection, and effective audience targeting.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
Chris Anderson’s Expertise & Approach to Digital Authority
- Three-Pronged Content Framework: Chris outlines his approach for helping small businesses and individuals scale their authority online ([02:08]):
- Native Content: Self-produced content (e.g., using your phone).
- User-Generated Content: Getting others to talk about or review your services/products.
- Highly Produced Content: Professionally filmed and edited content for elevated authority and differentiation.
“Anyone can do the phone, anyone can have someone else speaking on their behalf... But when you can get to the level of having a polished, high produced, professionally produced and edited and created piece of content, it's going to show again, the different level that you're at. It's going to show your... being more authoritative.” (Chris Anderson, [02:46])
Platform Selection
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Tailor Platform to Audience: Platform choice must match the target market ([04:01]):
- LinkedIn & YouTube for B2B & executive reach.
- TikTok & Meta (Facebook/Instagram): Better for consumer products/services and local businesses.
“If you're trying to help or reach out to CEOs... we're probably not going to have you on TikTok. We're going to really kind of harness things for LinkedIn and YouTube...” (Chris Anderson, [04:11])
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TikTok’s Uncertain Future: Still a valuable platform, especially with TikTok Shop, but its longevity and regulatory risks are acknowledged ([05:16]).
Target Clients & Service Relevance
- Core Focus: Small to medium-sized service-based businesses—consultants, coaches, home-service companies, and non-profits ([06:05]).
- Value for Skilled Trades: Trades (plumbing, HVAC, electricians) often underutilize digital marketing, leaving significant room for digital-driven growth ([06:31]).
“So many are run, you know, mom and pop shops... they haven't wanted to jump on... digital marketing... If they could just implement our systems and marketing frameworks... they would see growth...” (Chris Anderson, [07:03])
Authors, Speakers, and Thought Leaders
- Visibility Tactics: Authors/speakers should seek appearances on video podcasts in relevant niches, then leverage the recordings for further content ([07:54]).
“The more you can do those, you're getting in front of warm audiences that are already kind of interested... and then yeah put those out wherever your consumers are.” (Chris Anderson, [08:22])
The Critical Importance of Video
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Maximizing Discovery: Video extends reach, especially as platforms like YouTube (the “second biggest search engine”) and AI increasingly parse video content ([09:23]).
“If you're not doing video, I think you're missing out on a lot of reach...” (Chris Anderson, [09:23])
- AI will drive a “re-humanizing” trend—audiences will crave real people and genuine connection over mass AI-generated content.
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Rise of Live Streaming & Live Events: Live video strengthens audience connection and trust ([09:23], [11:26]).
- Example: Elevate Media Group’s impromptu live-stream of a local Christmas parade drew global viewership with zero paid promotion ([12:46]).
“We did a parade... a Christmas parade here locally for a small town. We live streamed... had over a thousand people online watching this thing from the UK, Australia, around the US... all organic sharing...” (Chris Anderson, [12:46])
Podcasting & Video Podcasting
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Trends for Podcasters: The industry is pivoting to video and live streaming—those who adopt video see greater growth and retention ([14:28]).
“I've done the video podcast since I started... Why not even just have the asset if you're not using it, you still have it.” (Chris Anderson, [14:33])
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Livecast Options: Live streams can be fully live or “premiered” (pre-recorded but presented as a live event, allowing chat-based audience interaction) ([11:26]).
The Human Connection
- As automation increases, people will value authentic, real-time interaction—video builds essential know-like-trust factors ([13:57]).
Notable Quotes
-
On differentiation through video:
“When you can get to the level of having a polished, high produced, professionally produced and edited and created piece of content, it's going to show again, the different level that you're at.”
— Chris Anderson ([02:46]) -
On platform selection:
“We want to get you on the right platform, not just any of them... help you really, really, you know, hit home runs on the platforms that your potential clients are going to be.”
— Chris Anderson ([04:46]) -
On video in podcasting:
“If video is not being utilized... you're missing out... AI being implemented with content so much... People are going to want more and more of actual people.”
— Chris Anderson ([09:37]) -
On live events and streams:
“Live stream's going to be... for C-Suite level people as well because we buy from people we know, like, and trust now. That's the biggest thing.”
— Chris Anderson ([13:28])
Important Timestamps
- 00:30: Chris Anderson’s Introduction
- 02:08: Explanation of digital growth frameworks and three-pronged content strategy
- 04:01: Deciding which platforms to use based on audience
- 05:16: Risks and opportunities with TikTok
- 06:05: Ideal service clients (small/medium service businesses)
- 06:31: Potential for trades and local businesses with digital content
- 07:54: Advice for authors & speakers—video podcast strategy
- 09:23: Why video is essential for podcasts and discovery
- 11:26: Live streaming strategies and examples
- 12:46: Case story: local Christmas parade’s viral live stream
- 14:28: Podcasting trends: video and live streaming
- 14:55: Where to find Chris/Elevate Media Group
Resources & Where to Connect
- Chris Anderson / Elevate Media Group:
- Instagram:
@officialElevateMedia([15:05]) - Website: elevate-media-group.com ([15:05])
- Podcast: Elevate Media Podcast ([14:55])
- Instagram:
Key Takeaways
- Authority is built through multilayered video content: Mix self-produced, user-generated, and polished, high-production media.
- Platform matters: Be strategic—choose where your audience already is.
- Video + Live = Trust: Modern digital authority requires showing up “in person” on video and live streams, not just as a voice or static brand.
- Repurpose everything: Use podcast/video appearances everywhere your audience is present.
- Act fast and share: Even last-minute digital efforts can go viral with the right tools and community involvement.
This episode is a must-listen for business owners, authors, and service providers seeking actionable strategies to boost online authority—and a powerful reminder that in a rapidly automating world, human connection via video and live events is your greatest asset.