Periscope has grown tremendously since its inception in March 2015 and has proven to be one of the most effective social media tools online. This live-stream video platform presents huge opportunities for marketers and brands to connect with their audience, share valuable content, and increase exposure, all using their mobile device. Popular brands like Red Bull and Adidas have successfully implemented this strategy into their social media marketing plan, and it's time for you to take notice and follow suit.
What makes Periscope so unique is it's on-the-spot interactive features that allow you to see and respond to viewers comments while also receiving "hearts" from your audience. Hearts are proof that your audience is enjoying your message and this live engagement is gold for building connections.
In fact, here are just a few of the benefits you'll achieve when using Periscope:
- Increase email subscribers (more on this later)
- Quickly build trust with followers
- Give your fans incredible value by sharing relevant content, how-to's, product demonstrations, etc.
- Create authentic experiences by allowing viewers to observe your business culture and how you operate on a daily basis
- Drive free traffic to your site by promoting it live
- And much more
You see, there's no way that your business can afford to pass up these types of results. Periscope is not hard to use and by including this into your inbound marketing strategy, you're leveraging the power of video which moves people to action quickly.
Here are 6 ways to use Periscope in your social media marketing.
1. Take Your People Behind The Scenes
Give your viewers a close-upfront look into how you do business by giving them access behind the scenes. This creates a more authentic, transparent experience allowing your fans to see the real you. It's an excellent strategy to improve engagement and buzz around your brand while showing the world the person behind the message.
2. Craft A Compelling Title
Hashtags are king on social media, and Periscope is no exception. Periscope is owned by Twitter, therefore with the two connected, anytime you create a broadcast a tweet will be sent out to your Twitter followers. Be sure to use popular hashtags that are relevant to your market - the same way users locate content on social media via hashtags will be the same way they locate your broadcasts.
3. Showcase New Product Releases
Launching a new product? Share the details on your next Periscope broadcast to give your followers (and potential customers) the inside scoop on the features, benefits, the how-to, etc. Use the options to keep your market in the know.
4. Answer Questions Live
This strategy is packed with value.
First off, it boosts engagement as you enable viewers to ask you anything, live and in living color.
Second, imagine if you were asked 10 new questions that you never even considered? You could use those questions (and your responses) as future content pieces for blog posts, videos, and broadcasts. You'll never run out of content for your social media marketing and its highly related to your market... because it came direct from them.
5. Offer Giveaways To Viewers
Create exclusive offers for Periscope viewers in exchange for their email address (thus building your list). Growing your email list is the lifeline to your business and Periscope can help make it happen. Simply give the call to action during your live broadcast that for anyone who gives their email contact in the comments will receive a special gift.
6. Have A Consistent Broadcast Schedule
This is important. Think of it as your favorite TV program... it airs at the same time, same place.
Having a regular schedule sets the expectation for your fans to tune in - they'll know when you're on, and will show up.
Bonus tip: Repurpose this video content into blog posts, YouTube videos, and social media posts
By 2017, 74% of online content will be in video. Adding more video marketing strategies like Periscope increases your online real estate, thus expanding your presence on the web. Start using Periscope now and leveraging everything this platform has available.
Happy scoping.
This post originally appeared on The Fried Side blog.