You have created a detailed marketing plan about where your brand needs to be seen, but should you be using Snapchat for your business in 2021? Simply, yes. There are many benefits to using Snapchat to promote and build your business and brand.
This blog will take you right from the basics of understanding what Snapchat is, how to use Snapchat effectively for business, how to create Snapchat ads and why Snapchat is a tool that cannot be missed out of your marketing arsenal.
So, first things first, what is Snapchat?
Snapchat was founded in 2011. It is a mobile communications app that is used for messaging, news and content creation and is a great home for social media influencers. However, it is not only for friends and Snapchat influencers, but it’s also big for business.
Snapchat has now reached more than 238 million daily users. That is a huge market that, without Snapchat, would not be reached. Snapchat allows you to reach a vast audience with photos and short videos that will disappear after they have been viewed. They can also be replayed and screenshotted, though, to cherish those special snaps that bit more.
Everything is shot and edited within the app as well. Snapchat is not about that perfect shot, it’s your view of the world as you experience it.
And you can make your snaps even more special with selfie lenses, geo-filters, stickers and, of course, text. We will go into more detail a bit later. Added in 2013, Snapchat also includes a stories feature which lets you publish content to your profile that remains available for 24 hours.
Snapchat isn’t like any other social media platform. It’s a more intimate, behind-the-scenes platform. Previous unseen elements of your company can be highlighted on your Snapchat to make users feel more connected to the brand rather than just the finished article.
So there you have it, that’s Snapchat. Shall we delve a little deeper into Snapchat for your business?
What are the best practices for Snapchat?
If you are new to the platform you are going to need to understand the difference between Snapchat and other social media platforms.
Be original
As I mentioned before, Snapchat is not about the perfect shot, you must be original. You should publish original content on Snapchat that can’t be seen on any other channel.
Snapchat is all about creating an inclusive community and rewarding them with fresh content. Audiences are greedy, they want access to every element of your day-to-day and Snapchat is the place to give it to them.
Be friendly
Your audience does not want to see ad after ad after ad. They want to consume your original content that we have already discussed, but your audience will still want more. So, what do you do? Engage. Send your audience members a message. This will give a human face to the brand and enhance your reputation.
Give your audience exclusive access
Give your audience direct access to special moments, let them share in your journey and your success.
For example, you could use Snapchat to give your audience access to live events, product launches, trade shows or one-offs like the 10,000th customer.
This gets your audience excited because you are giving them an unprecedented look into your business. They feel like part of the brand family.
Competitions, prizes and promotions
Everybody loves getting something for nothing, so social media promotions and handouts are a great way to use Snapchat for business. Think, what makes your audience tick, what will make them come back for more?
Promo codes for your product or services are great. If they watch the full story or create some UGC (user-generated content) with your product, they get discounts for your products and services and you get a loyal customer.
GrubHub carried out a Snapchat scavenger hunt. Every day during the five-day event, GrubHub asked its followers to post a daily food-related snap with the opportunity to win prizes every day.
This turns a one-time giveaway into a memorable event that will have more impact for your business. It showed the brand’s personality and gives the brand exposure, meaning there could be two communications between the consumer and the brand.
They were also able to gain some valuable UGC and brand loyalty, which is always a win for your business.
Partnerships
Much like other social media channels, such as Instagram, there is an abundance of social media influencers on Snapchat that can help grow your business and bring in that extra brand awareness. Keep in mind, though, that influencers may not be suitable to your brand, so pick carefully.
On the other hand, if they are the right fit and a good Snapchatter, then that content is going to boost your online reputation and take your brand voice and personality and amplify it.
