Snapchat: What is it Good for?

Of all the various social media platforms out there, Snapchat may just be the most unique. Snapchat is one of the most popular platforms out there right now, with around 158 million people using it everyday. Appealing to a younger demographic, Snapchat can be a tricky tool for brands to learn when it comes to marketing. With that being said, brands must adapt to advances in technology and learn how to appeal to users on each platform out there. So the question is, how can Snapchat be used as a marketing tool?

Featured Stories

Snapchat is not just a platform for users to interact with their friends and peers. Companies like Mashable, Refinery29, Buzzfeed and more all have featured stories on Snapchat, where users can click through to see trending topics and the latest news stories. Featured stories are a great way to get users engaged with a brand in a much more accessible way than a website or Twitter feed.

Advertising

Recently, Snapchat started featuring advertisements on the app. These advertisements appear after watching people’s stories, meaning more often than not people are watching them. This advertising technique is a great way to get people thinking about your product even when they’re unwinding and watching their friends’ stories.

Filters

One of the best ways to engage with your audience on Snapchat is through the creation of your own filter. Snapchat offers interactive filters that people can play around with (I’m sure we all remember the hot dog filter) and geofilters that are based on location. You can design a filter to promote your brand in hopes that users will post it on their stories or share personally with friends. The key to a successful geofilter is a smooth design and fun interaction. No one is going to use a geofilter that’s too generic.

Using Your Account Wisely

If you decide to create a Snapchat account for marketing purposes, it’s important to remember what content is appropriate for the platform and what is not. Coverage of events and updates are two great uses for Snapchat because it gives users a more personal way to follow the brand. This is a platform where you can speak directly to your audience, so choose your message wisely!

Adapting to new social media channels can be tricky, especially when it comes to marketing. But rather than running away from advances in technology, it’s super important to tackle them head on! If you’re unfamiliar with Snapchat, download the app. You’ll never understand the hype or benefits until you test it out yourself.

This blog post was written by Director of Public Relations Alexa Vecchione.