Would you like to know one of the main reasons your company can no longer afford to ignore Snapchat? Their user base has reportedly reached 200 million between 2015 and 2016… This alone should be reason enough to find out more and to investigate this channel.

Previously Snapchat was a place where people only uploaded and shared selfies etc. but today it is a marketing hub for companies and brands to reach the youth.

83% of the users are younger than 35 and 75% of the 200 million users are active on this platform daily.  The above and bellowed mention stats proof that Snapchat is a social media powerhouse.

  • 8 billion daily video views
  • 65 percentof 18-24 year olds use the app
  • 58% of college students are likely to purchase a product from coupons sent over Snapchat

If your customers are part of the millennial generation, Snapchat should definitely not be ignored as it can be used to increase sales and grow your business.

The big question for companies: Is Snapchat part of your social media strategy?

Here are tips to create a Snapchat marketing strategy:

1. Interesting content:

Create interesting content that will engage your audience. A big plus for Snapchat is that you don’t need big budgets or resources to create fantastic content.

It is all about authenticity and transparency, you just need to get started. If your content is interesting, people will keep on coming back for more.

E.g. of different types of content you can focus on:

  • Behind the scenes: Show your customers who you are and let them get to know you, e.g. photos of the office, your team etc.
  • Tutorials: Create quick tutorials to show them how your product works. Give them practical examples and explanations.
  • Interesting stories related to your industry: Appeal to their emotions with a good story.  The better the story the better the chances of them coming back for more.

2. Present your content in creative ways:

You have to stand out, thus, use Snapchat’s features to tell stories about your product or brand.  There are fun filters, stickers etc. that can be used in creative ways to get people to talk about the brand and promote it.

Besides the above, get other people involved on your account, even handing over your account to local celebrities or influencers.

3. Call-to-actions:

Creating great content that is loved by your followers are fantastic, but are your business benefitting from it, or you actively driving traffic to websites and increasing bottom line profit? It is important to encourage your followers to share your content and visit your website by including call-to-actions in your videos and photos.

4. Interact:

Snapchat is about telling stories and building relationships, meaning, Snapchat is a place to connect with your customers on a more personal level.  Encourage this interaction by replying to snaps you receive, commenting on other people’s snaps and reward people who reply on your snaps.

5. Results:

Tracking results is one of the most important aspects of any digital campaign these days, but unlike Facebook or Twitter, you can’t determine your success through the number of followers or likes you have received.

Results that you can track:

  • Total views
  • Screenshots
  • Open rates

The number of screenshots and views will give you a clear indication of how your content is being received. According to this, you can either make changes or continue on the ‘same path.’

According to Entrepreneur.com there are over 8 billion video views on Snapchat every day, the majority of these views are from millennials.  This app was created by millennials and has shaped millennial culture.

Facebook and Twitter are still sticking to more traditional advertising styles, where Snapchat has a new approach and forces companies to be creative on how to engage with their target audience.

Sources:

Pacis, C. 2016. 8 Spectacular Snapchat Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Business. Online URL: http://blog.wishpond.com/post/115675436876/snapchat-marketing-strategies

Zeckman, A. 2016. 7 Tips for Incorporating Snapchat into Your Marketing Strategy. Online URL: http://www.toprankblog.com/2016/04/snapchat-marketing-strategy/