Periscope. What is it and is it good for business?
In case you haven’t heard, there’s a new kid on the social media block—Periscope. But can this live streaming app really help you boost your business?
Okay let’s get started with the basics. Periscope lets you live-stream video from your mobile and interact with your viewers in real time. You’ll need a Twitter account, and the app (which you can find on the Periscope website) installed on your Android or iOS device to get started.
And yes, I can hear your collective groan of despair from here.
“Not another bloody social media thing I need to get my head around.”
But wait. Periscope may be the only social media platform you’ll ever need. In fact, it could be the best damn thing that’s ever happened to your business. Let me explain.
The ultimate social media app
Periscope combines the functionality of several platforms that already exist. It’s got video. It’s got chat. It’s got ‘likes’ (in the shape of pretty little hearts). It automatically connects up to Twitter. And you can download your ‘scopes’ (the name for your recordings) to your phone.
A fresh source of content
If one more person tells me that ‘content is king’ I’ll poke them in the eyeball. But the truth is, if you’re in the content marketing game it can be tough coming up with new material week after week. That’s where Periscope can help.
With Periscope you can generate a heap of useful content. Not only can you share your pre-, mid- and post-scope messages on social media, you can also:
- repurpose your scopes into YouTube videos
- embed them on your website
- sign up to katch.me to save the replays for future sharing.
A great way to build authority
By scoping about your business subject matter, you can quickly position yourself as an expert. Just make sure you choose clever scope headlines and use hash tags to help your content reach more people. Hash tags are a fantastic way to attract a new audience who wants what you do, but doesn’t know you do it.
The ultimate engagement builder
Periscope lets you interact with people and answer their questions in real time. It’s a fantastic way to build rapport with your existing followers, and potentially find some new ones.
Using live video gives your business a face and a voice, and if you’re lucky you’ll draw people in with your winning personality.
(Of course, if you have a terrible personality then Periscope might not be for you.)
Not sure where to start?
If you’ve downloaded the Periscope app and are wondering what to do next, I recommend spending the first few weeks watching existing scopers (like me) to get a feel for what works and what doesn’t. Then try a small test scope to get the feel of how the app and the interaction works.
TOON TIP: Position your camera slightly above you to avoid the dreaded Periscope double chin.
When you’ve built up your confidence, start planning some scopes and publicising them. Some ideas for scope topics include:
- Live Q&A sessions: Invite your audience to ask questions about you and your business.
- How to videos: Explain one of your everyday processes to your viewers.
- Brainstorm: Ask your followers to help you generate ideas or evaluate a business tactic – you’ll get instant feedback.
- Insider videos: Take your audience behind the scenes of your business— what seems mundane to you could be fascinating to others. Wouldn’t you love to see behind the scenes at Flying Solo? I’m guessing it’s work in the nude day there everyday!
Your scopes don’t need to be long. Mine average about 10 minutes.
When you’re ready, consider adding a regular Periscope time slot to your marketing calendar and publicising it through your website, social media and email list.
Over to you
Have you tried Periscope? What has your experience been like so far? Any tips you’d like to add? Who are your favourite scopers?
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