Creative new marketing opportunities are available with the new live streaming technologies such as Periscope, Meerkat and now Blab. All of these platforms are live streaming video where a follower can watch live whatever you are filming in real time. I have used Periscope while at a conference and have filmed a presentation of a speaker that I think my followers might enjoy listening to. I have also filmed a concert – people loved listening in!
Face to face interaction is becoming a mainstream communication online. People want the same experience as when they are physically in the same location. Live streaming technology allows us to connect in a more human way.
Marketing Ideas for New Live Streaming Technologies
- Create a Periscope or Meerkat video of your company showing something interesting about how your company works, perhaps the people in your company that no one gets to see such as those who pack and ship orders.
- Launch of a new product
- Demonstrating how to use a product live on a ‘Blab’
- Conduct an interview live on ‘Blab’
- Showcase employees and the culture of your company
- Showcase specific departments in your company and pull back the curtains for your customers to know you at a deeper level
- Host a Q & A session
Periscope Versus Meerkat
Here’s is a comparison of the two platforms from Newsweek.
I prefer Periscope. I am a Twitter user and the interface is simple and easy to understand. You can decide for yourself, maybe download both the APPS to your phone.
3 Tips for a Successful Live-Streaming on Periscope or Meerkat
According to Rich Preston, International Bureau Producer at NPR and BBC, the top tips for live-streaming broadcasts are as follows:
- Start with a game plan. “Like any broadcast, have an idea what your focus is, what you’re going to tell people and what you’re going to show them. This is your chance to give your viewers the extra info and background that doesn’t make it into your final piece.”
- Be responsive. “Interact with your viewers. Converse, be human and answer questions.”
- Use an external mic. “As someone with a radio background, this is a biggie for me. Smartphone mics aren’t very good. They pick up all the surrounding sound and are even worse in bad weather. Get the correct cable, and use a proper mic. It will make your broadcast much more slick and professional.”
“Live streaming video is being hailed as the next big thing in social media marketing—and with good reason. Since Periscope, owned by Twitter, launched earlier this year, it has reached more than 10 million accounts and is seeing 40+ years of video being watched on its network each day.” – Sprout Social
How to join Blab
Funny name Blab is, but do you remember when people referred to talking as blabbing? You can sign up at Blab.im using your desktop or tablet browser, or using the iPhone app. Android users can use the mobile Chrome web view until an Android app is available.
Blab allows you to sign up simply by using your Twitter account. Your Blab username will match your Twitter username, and your Blab profile will pull information from your Twitter profile. Note that the website in your Twitter profile’s website field will not be pulled into your Blab profile.
If you have used Google Hangouts on Air, then you will understand Blab immediately. With Blab you can have 4 people live on a session at one time and then people can follow the conversation live.
I encourage you to listen to some Blab’s before you decide to start your own so you can get a feel for how people are using the platform.
I love the concept of using Blab to offering a training, demonstrate something or as an interview platform. Check it out, I think you will like this new platform – it’s really popular!!
Check out: “15 Blab Tips for Marketers: Ultimate Guide to Blab.im” – Via Social Media Examiner
