Maybe you’ve heard of Periscope but aren’t quite sure what it’s about, or maybe you know what it’s about but aren’t convinced it’s the right platform for you. Stick around my friends, I think you might consider taking another look at this exciting new way to connect!

I don’t typically like to jump on bandwagons, but occasionally I will hop on the back of a good looking bandwagon and peek inside to check out if it’s a wagon I could get into. So when I heard about Periscope, I tried (hard) not to roll my eyes and instead checked it out to see where the source of the hoopla was. And after a month of experimentation, watching great scopes and trying my own scopes I’ve decided, there’s good reason for the hoopla, especially if you’re a blogger.

Wait… What’s Periscope Exactly?

But before I dive in, Periscope is a live broadcasting app that was acquired by Twitter in March 2015.

Each user can create their own live broadcast of whatever they want, using either their front facing or rear camera to show themselves or the world around them. People can tune into live broadcasts by following other users, or finding live broadcasts by location, using the map.

When you watch a user’s live broadcast you can comment in real time as well as “give hearts” indicating that you like what they’re doing or saying. Once the broadcast is over, it will stay live on your followers’ stream for 24 hours where they can replay if they missed it the first time. If you want to save your broadcasts, go to settings and turn on “autosave to camera roll”

Why Should I be Using it?

1.) Connect with Your Followers on a Deeper Level

You can be the best writer, an incredible photographer, create the dopest content, but nothing helps build a relationship with readers quite like seeing your moving face and voice, live, in real time, interacting with someone. In the past, you’d have to create quality videos or get into creating a podcast to get this level of connection. But Periscope makes it easer than ever to get close to your readers (not to mention new readers). Periscope is as close to the real deal as social media gets. Think about it this way. An average user spends about a second looking at an Instagram (maybe even less for a tweet) but if you’re tuned into their Periscope that could be anywhere from 5 minutes to half an hour!

Which takes me to my next point… this platform was MADE for tribes.

2.) Periscope is Made for Tribes

If you’re trying to take your blog to the next level nothing compares to the power of a tribe. Tribe building is all about building trust, being generous and connecting your followers to a common cause. Live, interactive video can do that so much quicker and stronger than written, static words. It’s like your blog on steroids. Seriously. I have bloggers who’s scopes I LOVE and I actually enjoy reading their posts so much more because I feel like I really know them better.

Just pause and think about what that could mean for you. Think about the difference between an in person meeting and a conversation over email. Which is more informative and builds more trust? Obviously the conversation.

3.) Workshop Ideas & Get Feedback

I don’t know about you, but as a blogger I get stuck in my head a LOT. Sometimes I feel like I have so many ideas that my head just starts to delete important information… like where did I park my car?! Not only that, but sometimes these ideas feel both genius and kind of stupid at the same time and it’s hard to tell which it is.

Periscope is a great place to test some of these ideas with people who will give you instant feedback. Yes, I know that sounds super scary to just put yourself out there like that, but the reward will be huge. Imagine being able to clarify something you’ve been thinking about with the people you’re trying to help. No other platform is this interactive. It’s about as close to having a conversation as you get with social media and isn’t having a conversation what it’s all about? Or is that the hokey pokey? See, case in point, I’m going crazy.

[Tweet “3 Reasons Bloggers Should Be Using Periscope (and what to scope about)”]

Ok, so maybe I’ve got you thinking about this a little more and maybe you see the value of scoping but the big question is…

What The Heck am I Supposed to Scope About?

If I told you it was easy I’d be a huge liar. It took me 3 weeks of watching scopes before I did my first one. It wasn’t great, but it was like diving into a pool. It’s going to be that lurch of cold water and then you’re in. Each time it’s been easier and easier and dare I say fun! If this scares the shizz out of you it probably means you should do it. 

One thing to remember is it’s not about the production quality. Yes, find some decent lighting so people can see what you’re doing but people are tuned into the content not the production value. So don’t stress it.

[Tweet “What the heck do I Persicope about? Here are 3 ideas”]

1.) Repurpose Old Content in New Ways

Remember that amazing blog post you wrote 6 months ago that didn’t get enough love? Yeah, dig that baby out and repurpose that ish. Maybe you shared tips to how to pick a race for anyone who’s new to running. People want to hear that. And maybe they have questions. Boom. First topic done.

It’s easy to think that everyone reads all your posts. Wrong. Even with my favorite blogs I don’t read everything. And even then, I would love to hear them talk about it in person and elaborate on the most important points.

I read Tina Fey’s Bossypants, then I bought the audiobook because I wanted to hear HER read Bossypants. Channel your Tina ladies, I know you can do it.

2.) Add another layer to new content

Have you ever written a post, shared a recipe, or a “how-to” but felt like you had a little extra that you couldn’t fit into a post? For example, maybe you have a new pancake recipe but you felt like it was hard to capture how to fold the batter so that the pancakes stayed extra fluffy. BOOM scope about it. Honestly, if one of my favorite baking blogs added a live demonstration component I’d be on that like hot cakes… see what I did there? Pancakes? Get it? *crickets* No. Ok, moving on.

3.) take your readers behind the scenes

How cool would it be to see your favorite food blogger’s fridge? Or kitchen tools? Who doesn’t love seeing how things get made? Being able to feel like I’m a part of what’s being created is really what’s going to keep me coming back to your blog again and again because I feel like it was made for ME!

What’s something special that you create that people would want to see? Do you have killer graphics? Show your photoshop tips. Do you have amazing photos? Let’s see your setup! Do you make incredible recipes? I’d love to know what tools you use.

It’s so easy to underestimate how much you know, when you do something day in and day out, but something you take for granted might be a game changer for one of your followers.

If you’re really stumped and genuinely want to give this a go, let’s chat (tweet at me or email me). I’m serious. I love this stuff and I want you to kill it too! The more ‘scopers out there, the better we all get!

If you’re looking for inspiration I love @KellyOlexa @ChaleneJohnson @MichaelHyatt @KaseyArena @ReginaAnajinonu

One final note about Periscope & Early Adoption

It often pays to be a SMART early adopter (you have to be able to measure what you’re doing). I believe Periscope has potential. Hey I could be wrong, we’ll see in a year or so, but if it gets big, then being among the first to really get it, can have huge pay offs. I kick myself for not investing time into my blog’s Instagram earlier. It’s been huge for my brand/blog and opened so many doors and I believe Periscope will do the same.

Ok. Cool.

Also, if you’re curious I’m @init4thelngrun on Periscope

Your Turn:

If you’re already on Periscope tweet me your handle! I’d love to check it out.

• Do you have any questions about scopes?
• Anything you’d like to see me scope about?
• What would YOU scope about?

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