Why 2026 is the Year Your Montana Story Needs a Home on YouTube
As we look toward 2026, the digital landscape for Montana businesses and non-profits has shifted. It’s no longer enough to just have a website or a quiet social media page.
YouTube has become the world’s second-largest search engine and a primary source of information and entertainment. For a local business or a mission-driven non-profit, a YouTube channel isn't just a "nice-to-have"—it is your most powerful tool for building trust, authority, and a loyal community.
Seth Dahl films with Big Sky Bravery.
Why YouTube in 2026?
The way people interact with brands has changed. In 2026, consumers and donors are looking for:
Proof of Presence: They want to see the face behind the business and the boots on the ground of the non-profit.
Searchable Solutions: When someone searches "How to maintain a cabin in the Bitterroot" or "How to support local wildlife in Montana," you want your video to be the answer.
Long-Term Connection: Unlike the "here today, gone tomorrow" nature of Instagram or TikTok, YouTube content has a long shelf life. A video you make today can continue to drive leads and donations for years.
Seth Dahl films an interview with Seda Witten for Redside, a 20 minute documentary film for the Redside Foundation.
The Documentary Edge: Reality Over "Corporate"
I don’t approach video like a traditional marketing agency. I am a documentary filmmaker.
In 2026, audiences can smell a "sales pitch" a mile away. They are craving something deeper. By using a documentary lens, I help you create content that feels like a conversation, not a commercial.
For Non-Profits: I capture the raw emotion of your mission—the quiet moments of impact that a standard "promo" video misses.
For Businesses: I showcase the grit, the craft, and the Montana landscape that defines your work, making your brand synonymous with quality.
Whether it’s a 10-minute deep dive into your production process or a 60-second "Short" highlighting a community win, I have the storytelling toolkit to make sure it resonates.
Beautiful Montana Sunset.
Why a Retainer is the Best Way to Grow
The biggest reason YouTube channels fail is a lack of consistency. You get excited, post three videos, and then get too busy to film again for six months. That’s where our partnership comes in.
By working on a retainer basis, I become your dedicated video department. Here is why this model is the "secret sauce" for 2026:
Consistent Growth: We release videos on a schedule that the YouTube algorithm loves, keeping you top-of-mind for your audience.
Budget Predictability: You get a full-service production team (filming, editing, strategy) for a set monthly fee—no surprise invoices.
Deep Brand Knowledge: Over time, I learn your voice and your goals so well that I can anticipate the content you need before you even ask.
Let’s Build Something Lasting
The Big Sky Country is full of incredible people doing remarkable things. My goal for 2026 is to ensure those stories aren't just told, but heard by the right people.
I am currently looking for a small group of Montana partners—businesses and non-profits—who are ready to commit to a YouTube strategy that drives real results. If you’re ready to move past one-off videos and start building a digital legacy, I’d love to talk.
Please take a look at my Video Retainer Partnerships for Montana Businesses website page to view the video retainer packages and please Call or Email Me Today and we can talk over your needs and create a custom package that best works with your budget and timeframes.
