Bertha's Blog: How to Get Started With Periscope Marketing

Facebook? Check. Twitter? Check. LinkedIn? Check. YouTube? Check. Instagram? Check. Periscope? Ummm…

There are so many ways to stay connected to both be informed and to inform that staying on top of the social media trends can make you feel like the proverbial hamster on the wheel. Just when you write, post, and Tweet all of your company’s updates, it feels like it’s time to start the process all over again. With so much already on your plate, do you really need to know about Periscope, too? Absolutely.

What is Periscope?

First things first though, what exactly is Periscope? Basically, Periscope allows you to live stream video from your phone using their app (like Facebook Live). It was established in February 2014 under the name Bounty by Kayvon Beykpour and Joe Bernstein and then acquired by Twitter in January 2015. Periscope was officially launched on March 26, 2015 and in four short months boasted of having surpassed 10 million accounts. By the end of 2015, Apple named Periscope iPhone App of the Year.

How Does Periscope Work?

Periscope has two basic functions: you can either broadcast live or watch people who are broadcasting live (or within the past 24 hours). Since Twitter owns Periscope, it is preferred that you sign up for this app using your Twitter account to upload your existing profile and connections.

If you find a broadcast that interests you on one of the screens that displays live feeds, all you need to do is tap onto it. Once you join the event, you are able to comment on the speaker’s presentation and read other’s posts just like on Twitter or Facebook. If your notifications are turned on, you’ll get updates if:

someone you’re following on Periscope starts a new broadcast
somebody you’re following on Periscope shares another person’s live broadcast
someone you follow invites you to a private broadcast
someone you follow on Twitter creates their first live broadcast on Periscope.

Another important feature is that Periscope broadcasts do have a shelf life. Viewers can re-watch and even post feedback for up to 24 hours after posting. The broadcast is removed from the app after that. But have no fear! You can save each of your broadcasts to your mobile device and then publish and share it online just like any other video.

periscope marketing

How Does Periscope Marketing Work?

YouTube is great, but Periscope offers real-time interaction with your customers. Imagine scheduling an event time, advertising when you will be live, and then demonstrating your product all the while responding to customer questions and comments. This provides a plethora of opportunities to connect with your customers to build brand loyalty. Moreover, you can beta test software and receive valuable feedback, create insider groups for your most loyal clients to see how your product is made and developed, connect with top influencers in your company, view new products before they are launched, and offer special incentives for future purchases.

Tips for Using Periscope

If you’re ready to jump in and start using Periscope, here are a few tips to help you look your best and grow your viewer base:

Spread the Word – Tweet, email, and post on your website when the event will be held. Use a catchy title, tempting hooks, and carefully plan your topic to attract viewers.
Consider Timing – If you have a global audience or if the majority of your customers live locally, think about what time they will be most likely to watch.
Get Familiar with the Process – Spend some time seeing what others are doing on Periscope. What worked? What didn’t? What props should you use (if any)?
Set the Scene – What will your backdrop look like? How’s the lighting? Test your sound levels (is there background noise if you’re using a group office space)?
Phone Positioning – Focus on the top third of the shot since comments will cover the bottom half and always hold your phone vertically (or else your shot will present sideways).
Practice Makes Perfect – Test all of the above in a dummy run. Video yourself on the phone and preview your talk. Moreover, it is recommended that you keep your presentation between 10-30 minutes and definitely under 60. Any longer than that and you’re viewers will start exiting the platform.
Content Outline – Alyssa O’Sullivan of Made Freshly recommends the following:
- Tell your story in three acts, build in action and include suspense with a kicker at the end.
- Use simple, relatable, and easy-to-understand speech.
- Include emotions and storytelling for better memorability.

Conclusion

Periscope is a fun and exciting way to inform and connect with your customer base. The possibilities for this platform are endless and the potential for marketing is only limited by your imagination. What will your first topic be? Share your thoughts in the comments below.