Periscope Has Taken the Marketing World by Storm—Here's How Your Business Can Benefit

Compared to blogging and podcasting, video marketing is by far the most engaging marketing strategy currently available to brands. Big brands are seeing big returns, and even individuals on YouTube are amassing millions of followers by using video as a marketing strategy. Periscope is the latest live-video app that has taken the world by storm. It is growing at a very fast pace, taking on competitors like Meerkat and indirect competitors like Snapchat.

Periscope lets users share live video using their smartphones. This method of marketing has opened up new ways for influencers to connect with their fans, whilst also providing a platform for anyone to join in and build a following.

All About Periscope

To help you better understand why Periscope is a big deal, here are some quick stats:

•  In August 2015, Periscope surpassed 10 million users--and this number was achieved in just four months.

• There are almost 2 million active users on Periscope every day.

• Periscope has a much bigger share compared to Meerkat in the 16 to 24 age market.

• Every day, 350,000 hours of video are streamed.

• Over 40 years of video are watched every day on both Android and iOS devices, not including replays. Periscope allows any live broadcast to last up to 24 hours before disappearing--an improvement on Snapchat.

• The U.S., Turkey, and Brazil are among the leading users of Periscope but many people from Russia and the Middle East are starting to use Periscope too.

• Periscope is available in 25 languages; this shows just how wide open the Periscope video market is.

These stats help validate the point that although the Persicope platform is new--in fact, just months old--it already has a big audience and following.

Engagement on the Periscope video platform is insanely in real time. Nothing on Twitter or Facebook can compare as Periscope allows you to live stream your content, whilst also giving those watching the option to talk to you via messaging. I’ve personally seen questions being answered in real time and feedback being given. Engagement is something that brands strive for, and it is something that Periscope can provide.

How Periscope Can Benefit Your Business

Behind-the-scenes. People who connect with brands love video content. What's more, brands can use Periscope to connect with their users on a personal level. We’ve seen how well “how it's made” kinds of videos are received, and taking your customers and fans behind-the-scenes of your brand can be a great conversation starter--and a great way to boost engagement.

Reviewing products. E-commerce is a massive industry, and the number of online options available can make online shopping very overwhelming. As a result, there has been a rise in buying review sites that pick the best products for consumers with discounted links, and sites that review best products and offer suggestions where products can be found. If you are a brand, invite a knowledgeable guest to review your product and show your product being used through Periscope.

Live tutorials. How-to videos and related posts account for a large amount of online video content. YouTube is the current king of how-to/tutorial content. However, with Periscope you can do the same, whilst also having the opportunity to interact with your audience.

Periscope can be used for live tutorials, particularly great for DIY and how-to videos. Such videos are a great way of to boost engagement, and help your business grow. Rebecca Cuthbertson, owner of Local Leaflet Distributor, can vouch for this as she regularly broadcasts live tutorials on how to use local flyers and leaflets for small business owners; her business has grown rapidly as a result.

This level of live interaction was not possible before Periscope. Since its initiation, new ways for creators and experts to interact and engage with their audiences have begun.

Live Q&As. Live Q&As are a great way to showcase your knowledge and earn trust with your audience as you respond to their questions. This trust is one thing that triumphs all, as authenticity and honesty are key to the success of any business or brand. What's more, live Q&As are something that your fans will look forward to. A lot of YouTubers do regular Q&As, but Periscope offers an easier to use platform.

Showcasing your product or service. Periscope is also a great way to show off your product or service to your followers before you put it out for the rest of the world to see it. The live interaction offered by Persicope provides a platform for you and your business to get feedback which you can then use to improve your service or product based on the reactions you receive.

Also with Periscope, you can show off your product live to your potential followers before sharing it anywhere else. This will help build that exclusivity that will get more people to follow you.

These are just some of the ways Periscope can benefit your brand or business. So, what are you waiting for? Take advantage of Periscope now.