How & Why Bloggers Use Periscope
By Guy Siverson
Have you heard of Periscope?
If you haven’t and you are a blogger, then this is a resource you really need to checkout. I did, and I’m elated for having taken the time to do so.
Simply put, Periscope combines the power of YouTube video creations with social media marketing (especially Twitter) via live streaming of your mobile device. Visit this link for a more exhaustive understanding of Periscope and how to implement the technology.
What proceeds in this article is the how and why of strategically using Periscope as part of your blog’s marketing strategy in order to increase your online visibility.
Why Periscope is one of the best blogging tools for bloggers
Before venturing forward with learning any new tool, a blogger should put on a good business mind by understanding the reason why they need to take the time to do so. Given that there are so many different tools and resources available online, it is impossible for any single blogger to incorporate them all.
So why Periscope?
Humanize Branding
Have you ever been chatting with someone online when the strange thought occurs to you that the other person might not be human? I have. Even worse, I was interviewed once by an automated robot. I started providing absurd responses and it continued as if there were no issue with what I was saying.
With Periscope people, can see you directly via live streaming technology. By having a real picture with a real voice that is really guiding your audience through real events related to your niche, you become human. Talk about building trust in your brand, this is an extremely powerful way to accomplish that.
There is a lot of noise on the Web. Videos, Infographics, articles, podcasts and more crowd out every nook and cranny. So how can you bring your message forward in an originally unique way? A way that will jive with your audience no matter what device they are tapping into you from.
Given how popular video sites like YouTube have been, the resounding answer must be live streaming. This takes the power of an image is worth a thousand words and combines it together with one of the most enjoyed aspects of the web (i.e. video) and makes everything live. Talk about a genuine gateway to the heart of your audience, this is it.
In fact, it’s not just a crystal-clear path into your audience but it also opens the core of who you are and what you are doing to the world. Viewers can understand the inner workings of who you are and what you are about.
Walk them through a day in the life of you as it relates to your niche.
Take them through your office, factory or distribution center.
Or simply get up close and personal with who you are and why people should care.
This see inside piece really has two major components. As a blogger, you can educate your audience in deep meaningful points about who you are – that’s the why. But you can also take them through what you do and how you do it – that would be the how. Hence, I was conflicted as to where this point should be presented at because it really has critical elements that belong in both camps.
Whatever the case, when your viewers can see and hear you direct what do you think the result will be. Your answer is even more accentuated as we delve into the how of it all. For now, let’s just say that those watching your Periscope will be driven to get more involved with the process by asking questions, leaving comments, and sharing what you are unfolding into their lives with their own sphere of influence.
NOTE: This does certainly depend on your presentation being worth their time and attention. Quality begets quantity when it comes to being heard on the web, especially via social media channels.
Now let’s turn to the how of it all.
5 Ways Businesses Can Implement Periscope Power
By now you are convinced that Periscope simply makes great blogging sense for you. The question now is, how. Let’s look at what I like to see as 5 excellent answers to that very question.
Given that you are a blogger with a niche that you are interested in building, chances are you know stuff. The reason your audience chooses to follow you is that they want to know what you know. Why not deliver on that by creating “how to” live streaming presentations that teach your followers exactly what they want and need to know?
Here’s an idea.
While creating your “how to” presentation, why not answer incoming questions live and on the spot? It’s one thing to answer a question post presentation and quite another to do so right in middle of filming. Talk about building brand loyalty, this is your ticket.
However, taking the question and answer approach doesn’t have to be just targeted to “how to” concepts. In fact, you could have your entire presentation be 100% focused on answering the questions of your audience.
Of course, the questions that people have come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Some may be very basic like how do I turn on a laptop computer. No really, everywhere starts somewhere and for some people, this is the starting line. If you choose to answer these types of questions with honesty and sincerity while not talking down to your audience, you will build loyalty in your following.
Others may be far more advanced than questions like that listed above.
Why not build focuses groups for your presentation so that advanced users don’t have to suffer through basic ingredients while beginners aren’t lost before they even get started?
Here’s a big one.
You can create one presentation with Periscope and consider the deed done. It may get some level of traffic, once.
You can create a labyrinth of live stream videos using Periscope and lead everyone to your fortress. This is certainly stronger than the first option but still lacks something.
If your audience knows that they will find you every Tuesday at 9 AM PST creating a new Periscope that they will be 100% interested in watching, guess where they will be at that time? As you continue showing up and delivering high-quality content into their lives, that answer will become more and more found in watching you.
Half the battle with tapping into your audience is they’re showing up. Schedule your broadcasts, hold to your commitment, show them that you care and this will no longer be an issue. After all, showing up is indeed a two-way street.
Here’s yet another idea. Give products and/or services away. People love receiving free gifts that are truly free and of great value in their world. Give people what they love and they will love you.
Contests
Drawings
Sweepstakes
And other such thought processes. Be creative, original and unique in your approach and you will become a celebrity in your own niche.
Since you’ve reached this point in how and why to use Periscope there is only one question that remains.
What!
Periscope is one of the best blogging tools. What are you going to do with the power that Periscope brings to the table?
What will your marketing strategy be or what has it been?
What will you do with the knowledge you have been given?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and let the world know your ideas.
Guy Siverson is a Guest Blogger who has spent over 20 years helping people succeed on the Web. His latest work empowers Affiliate Marketer’s to prosper financially.He is available for private consultations as well as live or virtual speaking engagements by calling 702-439-4766 during normal business hours.
Host Blogger’s Comments:
Periscope is a free app. The company was purchased by Twitter in 2015.
We appreciate Guy coming to tell us about free, popular blogging tools. Today’s post marks his return appearance. Last year he posted on Mostly Blogging about how to use podcasts to transmit your information.
To keep your readers engaged, you need to offer your information in a variety of ways.
Video use is the trend of the present and the future. As bloggers, we need to ride that wave and utilize the power of video to help us transmit information. Periscope is one of the best blogging tools to do this with.
Testimonials: Why Periscope is one of the best blogging tools
According to Forbes, “Live streaming is the new, hot thing.”
Famous blogger Kim Garst recommends Periscope.
Tanya from Blogelina also loves believes Periscope is one of the best blogging tools. “Periscope is quickly becoming one of the more popular social media platforms out there– and you might be surprised to learn just how helpful it can be in growing your blog!” she explained.
What are your favorite blogging tools? Have you had favorable experiences with this tool or other blogging tools and sites that you can recommend? I look forward to your views in the comments section.
Periscope is a free tool that bloggers can use. If you would like more free blogging tools, click here to get your own downloadable PDF of my free blogging tools list.
Related Posts:
Your Blog Needs Video Content: Here’s Why
How to Use YouTube to Be a Better Blogger
