periscope live streaming susan davis international dcVideo marketing has been around for quite a while now, but expect to see live streaming play an increasing role in digital and social marketing this year.

With social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest encouraging businesses and brands to promote their goods and services with user-generated content, video content provides a dynamic marketing opportunity. The demand for brands to be more accessible to consumers on a personalized level is growing.

That’s where Periscope comes in. Unlike other online video services such as YouTube, Periscope, the Twitter-owned live video streaming app launched in early 2015, allows anyone to broadcast video for free with the 24-hour ‘replay’ option, giving small businesses an easy, fast and affordable way to communicate with their Twitter followers customers in real-time.

Watch WSJ’s Joanna Stern test out the popular live streaming app

Here are some ways brands can use the app to maximize their appeal for brand marketing purposes.

Live Q&A Sessions and Instant Feedback
This is a quick, convenient way to interact with customers and clients while you showcase your experience and expertise. These opportunities help humanize your brand, address pertinent issues and solve problems. Regular Q&A sessions can be a good way to gain valuable firsthand feedback and insights from your customers. You can also hold live webinars on Periscope to boost engagement. Webinars provide audiences the opportunity to ask questions and leave comments, which allows you to respond in real-time.

Announcements
Periscope presents a fun way to announce special offers and contests, giving brands a new way to push instant traffic to their website. Whether you’re unveiling a new product or hosting an event, you can make your audience feel special by announcing it first on Periscope. It’s also a great way to gauge interest and keep people in the ‘buzz’ about what’s to follow. You can also offer Periscope-based discounts and exclusive offers to boost sales.

Behind the Scenes
Customers always want to know more about a company’s culture. With the Periscope app, you can take customers on office tours, show interviews and introduce them to the people behind the brand, making an instant personal connection to reinforce consumer trust in your brand.

Build Twitter
Periscope is a live-streaming app that allows you to broadcast to all your Twitter followers any kind of content through real-life videos. You can use Periscope to increase and enhance your Twitter followership.

How might you use Periscope to engage your audience?

By Gadeer Ghannam, SDI
Gadeer is an SDI intern earning her Master’s degree in Strategic Communications and Public Relations at Trinity Washington University.
January 7, 2016