6 Reasons You Should Be Using Periscope

It's All about Engagement

When I first heard about the live-streaming app Periscope (and its counterpart, Meerkat), I dismissed it immediately as an app that had no relation to my brand. What would I stream? Writing a blog post? Uploading a podcast? Spilling coffee on myself? Wrangling my four kids? No thanks.

Then I listened to YouTube star Olga Kay talk about Periscope in a podcast interview (this episode of Ear Biscuits) and how she used it to connect with fans. It got me curious, so I downloaded the app and watched a guy singing in his kitchen, someone driving around Jerusalem, and a few women drinking wine at a Paris cafe-- all in real time. I'll admit it: I got hooked. 

The idea of watching someone across the world was invigorating, even if that person was simply stuck in traffic in Rome. (Because: ROME!) I still didn't know how this platform would connect with my blog or other profiles, but I decided to experiment. The first few (making a salad from a recipe on my blog, my husband installing a ceiling fan, and a light saber fight at my kid's birthday party) only had a few live viewers, no comments, and no hearts. But by a few days later, I was getting more than 100 live views, getting comments, and reaching a new audience as well as some of my super fans. 

Here are six reasons YOU should be using Periscope: 

1. It Integrates Nicely with Twitter.

The app will post to Twitter for you with the title of your video. You create your title when you type in the answer at the beginning of the broadcast "What are you seeing now," so choose good keywords and hashtags early on.

2. Users Don't HAVE to Be on Twitter Anymore.

The latest updates have given the option to sign up for the app with simply a phone number. 

3. You Have a Good Chance of Being Seen.

Because the platform is new and not fully saturated, you have more of a chance now of someone finding you. There are no algorithms (yet) and less competition. 

4. It Feels VERY Personal for Your Fans.

Don't you love it when someone you admire retweets, favorites, or replies to your tweet? Now imagine that person replying to you out loud in real time. THAT is the power of connection.The other day Jon Acuff jumped on to answer questions for fifteen minutes. He could hardly speak quickly enough to answer half the questions, but he did a great job engaging with the questions flying across the screen. Fans began interacting with each other as well (there is now a reply feature in the comments), so there was a real sense of community and engagement instantly.

5. Because It Disappears in 24 Hours (for now) the Risk Is Low. 

I am not great at video production and I don't always love the way I look on camera. It would take a lot to get something polished for YouTube, but Periscope is very raw and un-polished. It also disappears within 24 hours (for now), so you don't have to worry too much about some awful video living on in the internet forever. (Though I suspect soon it will last longer.)

6. You Will Find New Fans.

Broadcasting on Periscope put me before a totally new audience. I have gained Twitter followers and, by using keywords about writing, blogging, and podcasting, found fans who are interested in my niche that I might not otherwise have found. The key is considering how you can broadcast something that relates to and draws the audience into you space, whether that is your blog, site, or other content online.

If you still aren't sure what you might broadcast, spend some time watching. Think about what you have to offer that might lend itself to the format. If you have any area of expertise in an area, post a teaser on Twitter or your other platforms that you will be live in 10 minutes, answering questions about that area. Ask your fans questions. See what other influencers in your niche are doing. Think of ways that you could do something live or in response to your fans that would relate back to your brand.

Think outside the box! Because Periscope is so new, not everything has been done. It is refreshing and exciting! For more tips, see this great Slide Share from Ana Hoffman of Traffic Cafe. 

Are you using Periscope? Leave your Twitter handle below so we can connect! You can find me here talking about writing this post...at least for the next 24 hours.