In the interview with Srdan Piljic, MSc | CEO of Sergio Digital – Reel Agentur.
Attractive reel videos are the key to success on LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. By combining creative storytelling with precise audience targeting, these films—lasting no more than 90 seconds—offer a unique way to capture user attention and influence them. Whether it’s explaining complex products and services in an understandable way, authentically showcasing company culture, or boosting audience engagement: targeted reel videos are a versatile tool for effectively communicating your message. Srdan Piljic, a leading expert in customized reel videos, shares insights into his approach and the transformative power of such services for SMEs in the Tech Talk.
The Viennese is no stranger to the world of online marketing. With a master’s degree in Digital Business, a bachelor’s in Business Administration, and over 15 years of experience, he is a visionary in his field. This has not only given him a deep understanding of companies’ needs but also enabled him to build his own expertise through establishing his family business.
DIGITAL FUTUREmag: Mr. Piljic, could you first tell us how Sergio Digital manages to package complex content into captivating stories that resonate with user communities on the world’s largest social networks—used both privately and professionally—such as LinkedIn, TikTok & Co?
Srdan Piljic: The key lies in first understanding the fundamentals—who is the target audience and what are their individual needs. We invest a lot of time in research with our customers to tailor the content. The real art then lies in crafting the content so that it captivates within the first few seconds. We achieve this through creative hooks, comparable to compelling headlines, followed by a structured and relevant main section for the target audience. Hooks should not only grab attention but also be relevant to reach the right customers. It’s important to focus on the essential points and avoid overloading the videos with information. This can be done through various approaches, and we also like to work with storytelling. Effects are usually secondary; what really matters is content that provides real added value and thereby builds trust in the brand.
DIGITAL FUTUREmag: How do you think the importance of perfectly produced reel videos has evolved compared to traditional marketing strategies, especially with the increasing use of social media platforms?
Srdan Piljic: Reel videos have now become indispensable in the marketing mix. The explosive growth of platforms like TikTok and numerous imitators has proven the invaluable worth of short videos. We are observing an increasing trend of companies integrating these formats into their strategies, either through in-house implementation or external partnerships. Even large corporations have discovered reel videos as a valuable tool and are using them, for example, for employer branding and employee recruitment. Here, you can already see that with video—if the right strategy is applied—much can be achieved. The key factor is to use the medium correctly and not treat it as an afterthought. What is also very exciting is the current developments made possible by AI. Production costs can sometimes be significantly reduced, and videos offer a much greater leverage than just a short time ago. In the coming months and years, we will have entirely different possibilities when it comes to creating personalized content, and it will become easier to produce larger quantities of videos.
DIGITAL FUTUREmag: What special challenges do you see in creating customized reel videos for different social networks, and how can the best possible results be achieved for your customers?
Srdan Piljic: Our approach is based on two pillars: strategic consulting and production. Some companies initially see the cost of external production as a hurdle or challenge, even though these costs have already dropped significantly compared to a few years ago. In the first step, we advise them until they achieve initial success and recognize the added value of videos. The customer can then decide what is more suitable for the current situation: consulting, production, or both. When producing for different platforms, we always consider the unique characteristics of each platform that must be taken into account. The assumption that the same content performs equally well on every platform is a misconception, which is why we see it as our task to turn the right screws to achieve the best results for each platform. This can include content adjustments, such as the pace of the videos or other factors.
DIGITAL FUTUREmag: To what extent can customized reel videos help companies position themselves as industry experts and strengthen their image, for example, on LinkedIn?
Srdan Piljic: At events or trade shows, we can meet people in person and build trust. In the online environment, this is only possible to a limited extent. This is exactly where companies and executives can use video. Videos offer the unique opportunity to build trust online and authentically convey expertise. This can be done alongside the offline appearance or even completely digitally. They are a powerful tool for strengthening your own brand—without having to be available 24/7.
DIGITAL FUTUREmag: Sergio Digital has achieved impressive KPIs such as over 30 million video views and more than 2.3 million “likes.” All generated organically. What strategies and methods contributed to this level of efficiency, and what would you recommend to those who want to achieve similar results?
Srdan Piljic: The priority is always on the wishes and interests of the viewers. Our secrets to success include in-depth research and drawing inspiration from successful content in similar niches. We experiment a lot and continuously adapt the content to achieve the best results.
DIGITAL FUTUREmag: That sounds truly impressive, and I’m sure that as a Silicon Valley Europe member, you offer many—especially mid-sized managing directors—great potential for optimizing their sales. Thank you for your time and this exciting conversation.