Periscope, a new social media app from the Twitter owners, is now available. It is a social media giant in its own right. Periscope is a hybrid of Skype and Twitter, allowing users to broadcast live video from their computers. To gain a wider audience, you can link your Periscope accounts to your Twitter account. Or you can create a Periscope profile by yourself.

Why should I use Periscope?

Periscope can be a valuable tool. Periscope is a useful tool that offers another channel for businesses. It’s also qualitatively different from any other social media platform. This app allows you to stream live videos and make video advertising more personal. A live stream allows customers to view the feed and gives them a more personal experience than traditional video ads. You can see the #BlackBizScope video series on Periscope.

This app allows you to create video content specifically for your website. Traditional niche marketing tools include tutorials and how-to videos. This type of marketing is limited by cost. Periscope users don’t expect high-quality videos. Your videos should be high-quality and as controlled as possible. However, Periscope is all about personalization.

Other uses for Periscope

Periscope can be used for more than just the above-mentioned:

• Live broadcasting from an event. Periscope allows you to broadcast live from an event, whether it’s a business occasion like a sale, tradeshow, or any other type of event. Periscope gives your viewers a glimpse into the industry and allows them to be a part of your world for a while. Periscope’s purpose is to reduce the distance between you and your audience. However, scoping out events outside of your industry and posting them on your site could send the wrong message if done by yourself. Be aware of what you are recording and your actions in both instances. Privacy is equally important as intimacy.

• Hosting question and answer sessions. The question and answer session was one of the most difficult formats to manage pre-Periscope. It is difficult to do it in person, as it limits the audience to those who are able to attend. Also, it can be very intimate to send your questions via email. Periscope allows you to send your questions via Twitter and the Periscope feed, and then respond on the video. This is a much more intimate interaction.

• “Behind-the Scenes” content. While any proprietary information should be kept off-screen, a glimpse into “behind-the scenes” content gives viewers the feeling that they are being told a secret. This will increase the intimacy your audience has with you.

Periscope Approaching Interaction Tips 

Periscope’s primary purpose is “humanizing” your company. The personal is more trusted than the impersonal. Adding the human element to your company can help increase revenues. There are some things that you shouldn’t and should not do on Periscope.

Do:

• Follow those who follow you. Periscope makes it easy to do this humanizing action. Even a small interaction with them once a year can make a big difference in your image. In all aspects of business interactions, responsiveness is essential.

• Keep it casual. Periscope is for personal interactions. You don’t have to be rude, but you are using this platform to make your company more human. Be human, not a corporate robot.

• Broadcasting is a common practice. People love to stay in touch. Regular broadcasts can keep your viewers active, even though you shouldn’t broadcast because there is nothing else to do.

• Be sure to plan ahead for your broadcast titles. This is an important part of maintaining a professional tone. Broadcasts can be personal but they are still part of the company’s image. Before titling a broadcast, you should consider both of these factors. You can also name your broadcasts before they are made, so your viewers have time to view them.

• Check out your broadcasts. It doesn’t matter how many times you do it, perfection is still possible. You can learn a lot from reviewing your broadcasts, not just what you are doing well but also what needs to be improved. You should also look at the reactions to your broadcasts. The impression you give can help you identify mistakes and what to do next.

Don’t:

• Don’t be too formal or casual. This can be a difficult tone to set. However, remember that you are representing your company and not your business. It’s important to keep the boundaries between these extremes.

• Ignore negative comments. Negative comments are not helpful. Correct any misunderstandings and be polite. You’ll be grateful that you took the time and investigated if there is a problem.

• Broadcasting in an uncontrolled environment is dangerous. You could get into trouble if you don’t have control over the broadcasting environment. Despite the fact that you cannot control everything in broadcasting, you can control what you can.

• Post random content. This is not professional. This is not professional.

• Be unresponsive. Even a response in aggregate form, such as an FAQ, may provide the interaction needed. You don’t want viewers to think you are ignoring them.

Periscope may be a different social media medium than other types, but it can help you gain a competitive edge over your competitors. It’s important to use it well and wisely.