Every week as SmallBizLady, I conduct interviews with experts on my Twitter talk show #SmallBizChat. The show takes place every Wednesday on Twitter from 8-9 pm ET. This is excerpted from my recent interview with @KimGarst. Kim Garst is the Co-Founder and CEO of Boom! Social Media Marketing, a leading digital marketing firm that specializes in teaching businesses, both small and large, how to harness the power of social media to drive growth and increase their bottom lines. She is also the author of the best-selling book “Will the Real You Please Stand Up – Show Up, Be Authentic and Prosper in Social Media” and the creator of the first Periscope Profit Machine. Kim is also widely regarded as one of the world’s leading social media experts; being listed as high as #8 on the Forbes list of Social Media Women Power Influencers. She also contributes frequently to the Huffington Post and Entrepreneur Magazine and has an award-winning, Top 10 social media blog.
SmallBizLady: What is Periscope anyway?
Kim Garst: Periscope is a new mobile app completely devoted to user-generated live streaming video content. It’s been in development for a while and it’s picking up steam. Periscope is such an exciting new platform for small businesses and social media enthusiasts alike!
SmallBizLady: How is Periscope different from Meerkat?
Kim Garst: Periscope and Meerkat are two live streaming apps to take notice of. Both allow users to post and stream video content, live, via your smartphone. The two apps are actually so similar that the “turf war” is on to see who will reign supreme. There are, however, some subtle differences. For example, Meerkat shows the avatars of the end user whereas Periscope shows the Periscope username. As I discuss later, Periscope’s video content can easily be repurposed while, Similar to Snapchat, Meerkat’s video content has an expiration of 24 hours. Also, another difference is that Periscope was developed over the course of a year while Meerkat was developed in an eight-week time period. I could go on but the trust is that while some users while find the differences vast, others will see two very similar platforms.
SmallBizLady: How important is your Periscope username?
Kim Garst: It’s important! The best thing I can tell you here is to go and register your username NOW – especially if you are using Periscope for your brand or small business. You should have the “domain” mindset which is to say that URL’s are custom and unique and you cannot have someone else’s URL. Register your brand/username before anyone else can. You also have the option of creating a username that is different from your Twitter handle. The point is to be sure to reserve your unique Periscope name.
SmallBizLady: How do you see Periscope working for small businesses?
Kim Garst: People use and buy from businesses that they know, like, and feel as if they can trust. Periscope is one of the fastest ways to build up these factors. Because of the application’s live streaming feature, potential and current clients/customers can really get a live glimpse into the content you want them to see. The live streaming in and of itself makes the experience feel more personal.
SmallBizLady: How do you sign up for a Periscope account?
Kim Garst: It’s easy. Just download the app from your app store (Apple or Google) and connect using your Twitter username and password. Although you do have the option to sign up for Periscope without using your Twitter name, I highly recommend using a one because of added visibility. When you “broadcast,” your link is tweeted on Twitter automatically for all of your followers to see. This way you aren’t just relying on your Periscope followers to sign on and watch your live stream.
SmallBizLady: Is Periscope available on all phones?
Kim Garst: The app is only available on iPhones and Android phones at the moment – which might as well be all phones at this point.
SmallBizLady: Is Periscope just one more thing to worry about?
Kim Garst: Instead of one more thing, think about how you can use this same content in a way that circles what you are already doing. For example, speak your blog post and then have it transcribed for your blog. Don’t look at Periscope as “one more thing to worry about” – see it as another opportunity to grow closer and create new relationships with followers and potential customers!
SmallBizLady: How do you find people to follow on Periscope that are your ideal customer?
Kim Garst: User biographies are searchable by keyword which makes it very easy to find your target customer if you know which keywords to search. Jump into other peoples’ scopes where your ideal customer is engaging. Engage with the host and with other scopers to drive deeper relationships.
SmallBizLady: How do you get people to watch your Periscope broadcasts?
Kim Garst: A kick-butt user biography and a professional photo are very important first steps. Just like with any other social networking site, you need to give people access to you and get a chance to see who you are and what you’re about. Also, connect your Periscope account to Twitter so that the link is tweeted every time you go LIVE. Don’t be afraid to ASK those who are on your scopes to follow you.
SmallBizLady: Do you have some Periscope list building strategies that you can share?
Kim Garst: Sharing your free offers on your broadcasts is one of the best ways to build lists – everyone loves free stuff! You can also use text services like #LeadDigits to have people opt-in to your list.
SmallBizLady: Can you drive sales using Periscope?
Kim Garst: Absolutely! In fact, Periscope is the fastest sales process I have witnessed on social media. I created 5 figures in sales from one scope in just 20 minutes on my own. Showcase your products or services in a way that solves a pain point for others and people will buy it. Get your creative juices flowing and show the world how you’re solving problems.
SmallBizLady: Can you repurpose your Periscope broadcasts?
Kim Garst: YES! In fact, I think you should make this an essential part of your social media marketing strategy. Create blog posts, repurpose videos for YouTube, Vimeo, upload to Facebook, etc. As long as the content aligns with your brand, use it whenever and wherever possible. It’s all about promoting yourself. Get out there and use every tool at your disposal!
If you found this interview helpful, join us on Wednesdays 8-9 pm ET; follow @SmallBizChat on Twitter. Here’s how to participate in #SmallBizChat:http://bit.ly/S797e. For more tips on how start or grow your small business subscribe to Melinda Emerson’s blog http://www.succeedasyourownboss.com.
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