Blab is a fairly new live streaming platform that is becoming all the rage.  Like periscope, individuals can create accounts and live stream broadcasts. But, there are a few things that make Blab even BETTER than periscope (or meerkat) in my opinion.

Why is Blab better? 

1. You can embed a scheduled blab into your blog post.
   Once a user has scheduled a blab for a future date, you can grab an embed code and add it to the text format of your blog post (like this) From here, you can promote the event and have people watch live from your site, which has the chance to increase pageviews, create additional calls to action in the supporting text, AND reduce that high blogger bounce rate!
2. The more the merrier in my opinion. One of the things that doesn’t turn me on about periscope is that it is solely broadcasting. It is one person, speaking OUT.  Sure, people can engage with text, but I personally believe that there is much for value to a discussion, than in broadcasting one opinion.  Blab allows up to 4 individuals to CONVERSE on the platform, making for lively, entertaining and amazingly informative DISCUSSIONS to the viewers.
3. There is more purpose. Now, I am all for spontaneity, but I believe that when we share our thoughts it should be done with a purpose.  For me, the other live streaming apps aren’t showing or providing as much value to their broadcast as the blab events I have participated in.

So, how does one get their Blab on?

1. Create a profile – create a Blab profile, with profile pic and bio
2. Participate in a Blab.  Because it is important to see what is happening BEFORE you do one yourself!   Live streaming blabs are shown on the main page, Or you can subscribe to scheduled and upcoming blabs.
3. Plan a Blab. Decide your objective for being on the site, what you want to talk about, and find a friend to partner with you!
4. Create your plan, and schedule.  Grab the embed code, and create a CONTENT post on your blog. Embed the code and provide supporting content to market your blab.
5. PROMOTE your blab! (always important)
6. Host your event, and blow everyone away with how amazing you are!

But the big question here is WHY?  Why would a blogger WANT to blab? WHAT is the purpose?

Marketing – In the end, bloggers and influencers should always be looking for new ways to market themselves.  I believe that if you can find a way to meld your blab with your blog brand, you will be able to bring new readers to your site.

Benefit – Video is fun, and exciting, and being able to offer a way for your website readers to connect with you during a lifestream, ON  a place they are already comfortable visiting (your blog) can be just another added bonus to building a relationship.  This is also a great way to “cross streams” and not in the bad ghostbusters sort of way, but in the good “bring novel readers to the movies” way.  Video fans and text fans are different, but perhaps with live streaming, we can bring them together?

Expert Opportunities: Whether you are hosting a podcast, or a lifestream, or speaking on a panel at an event, any chance you have to lead a discussion will help to make you more of an expert in your niche.  Pick the topic you want to master well, anything from marketing to product reviews, and create platforms for you to lead discussions that demonstrate your strengths.   The more you lead, the more you will be know for being a leader!

Expanded Market:  Blab works with twitter very well, and since most narrative bloggers tend to hand out on FB, this can be a new market for us. Not to mention that blab is not the blogger platform (yet) so anyone jumping in now will have a head start!

What I know after hosting 3 blabs, is that blab is addictive, and it is delivering results to our attendees.  People watching these blabs ARE getting what they came for, and the special guests are appreciating this new platform to engage, mentor and share their skills and strengths with many.
So… what are you waiting for? Get blabbing….