Snapchat For Marketing?!?!

Eric Hammis

So if you’re reading this, I can probably guarantee that you’ve used Facebook, Twitter and let’s say LinkedIn. Not sure about the last one, but for sure with Facebook and Twitter. But what about Snapchat?

I’m certain you’ve heard of it, but do you know what it is, or even how it’s used? To provide you with a quick rundown, Snapchat is basically a social media platform where people can connect and have conversations. But how does that differ from Facebook, Twitter and all the other social media platforms. The answer is pretty simple: Snapchat posts don’t stay live.

So once someone views a message, Snapchat automatically deletes it. So how the heck can marketers use Snapchat. Well thanks to this short-shelf-life functionality, Snapchat creates great real-time opportunities. So let’s take a quick look at how you can use Snapchat to grow your brand.

FUN!!!

Yes, when Snapchat was created in 2011, it was a fun way to communicate, with people posting vacation photos, meals, or anything out of the ordinary to catch people’s attention. Marketers need to keep that in mind when creating their content for Snapchat. People aren’t looking for a photo of people having a work meeting. It just doesn’t work that. Snapchat offers an outlet for businesses to connect with people on a funner level, so think of quirky, funny ways to portray your business.

Use the Time Limit to Your Advantage

Yes, the fact that the content and videos are deleted from existence in a short period of time creates problems, but there’s ways to use it your advantage. Think if you’re having a promo for a new product or a really big sale coming up. Instead of releasing all the information to the public, a quick video or a “teaser” on Snapchat can spark people’s interest. When the video goes bye bye, then people are going to head directly to your website if they want to learn more. You can also ask users to send photos of themselves using your products or services. Because photos and videos are deleted, people are more willing to share photos.

Real-Time

As I mentioned before, Snapchat creates great real-time opportunities. Let’s say you’re having a big event, like an expo, or maybe you’re surprising your 1000th customer with a big giveaway. Record the video, upload it to Snapchat and people can see it. This gives people direct access to these live events, which makes them feel like they are actually there.

Private Content

Some of the clients we work with have preferred customers who get access to private sales, coupons, etc. The problem is providing this info without their regular customers catching wind of these promotions. Snapchat is a great outlet to provide special content that won’t wind up in the wrong hands.

These are just a few strategies you can use with Snapchat. Although Snapchat content only lasts so long, the new concept is rapidly growing with the social media community, and it’s a hot commodity, so you might want to get on board and start snapping away!

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