Let’s face it: social media marketing can feel like trying to catch a greased pig at times. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on Facebook and Instagram, along comes Snapchat with its disappearing messages and dog face filters. But here’s the thing – if you’re not using Snapchat for business marketing, you’re missing out on a massive opportunity to connect with younger audiences. So, let’s figure out how to use snapchat for business marketing.

The Snapchat Phenomenon: More Than Just Silly FiltersRemember when we all thought Snapchat was just for teenagers sending each other goofy selfies? Well, times have changed. As of 2024, Snapchat boasts over 397 million daily active users worldwide. That’s a lot of eyeballs that could be looking at your brand. But it’s not just about the numbers. Snapchat offers something unique in the social media landscape – authenticity.

Snapchat’s ephemeral content feels refreshingly real in a world of carefully curated Instagram feeds and polished LinkedIn profiles. It’s like the difference between a staged photoshoot and catching a glimpse of someone’s real life through their living room window (not that I’m advocating for peeping, mind you).

Why Your Business Should Give a SnapBefore we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why you should even bother with Snapchat for business marketing:

• Massive Young Audience: Snapchat’s user base is predominantly young, with 75% of users aged 13-34 in over 25 countries. This makes it an ideal platform for businesses targeting millennials and Gen Z.
• High User Engagement: Snapchat boasts impressive engagement rates. Users open the app an average of 30 times daily, providing multiple opportunities for brands to connect with their audience.
• Authentic Content Creation: Snapchat’s ephemeral nature encourages the sharing of raw, unfiltered content. It aligns well with younger generations’ preference for authenticity in brand communications.
• Innovative Marketing Features: Snapchat offers unique tools like AR lenses, geo-filters, and Snap Ads that allow businesses to create interactive and immersive user experiences.
• Powerful Targeting Capabilities: Snapchat’s advertising platform provides advanced targeting options, including demographics, interests, and behaviours, ensuring your content reaches the right audience.
• Direct Customer Engagement: The platform offers various tools for direct customer interaction, including video chat and messaging, fostering stronger brand-customer relationships.
• Social Shopping Hub: Snapchat is the #1 platform where users enjoy sharing purchases and shopping moments, making it ideal for e-commerce businesses.
• Significant Spending Power: Snapchatters represent $4.4 trillion in global spending power, offering a lucrative opportunity for businesses.
• Affordable Advertising: Snapchat offers cost-effective advertising options, with ads starting as low as $5 per day, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes.

How to Use Snapchat for Business Marketing: The Nitty-GrittySet Up Your Snapchat Business AccountFirst things first, you need to create a Snapchat business account. It’s as easy as downloading the app and signing up. Just remember, choose your username wisely – you can’t change it later without creating a new account.

Create Engaging ContentNow comes the fun part – creating content that doesn’t suck. Here are some ideas:

• Behind-the-scenes glimpses: Show your audience what goes on behind the curtain. People love feeling like they’re getting exclusive access.
• Product teasers: Use Snapchat to build anticipation for new product launches.
• Employee takeovers: Let your team members take over your Snapchat for a day. This will humanize your brand and give your audience different perspectives.
• Live event coverage: Attending a conference or hosting an event? Share it on Snapchat.

Remember, the key is to keep it authentic and in the moment. Don’t overthink it—that’s the beauty of Snapchat.

Leverage Snapchat’s Unique FeaturesSnapchat isn’t just about sending photos and videos. It’s got some pretty cool features that can take your marketing to the next level:

• Snap Map: Use this to promote local events or show where your products are available.
• AR Lenses: Create branded lenses for users to play with. It’s like having your own virtual billboard on people’s faces.
• Geo-filters: Design custom filters for specific locations. Great for events or promoting physical stores.

Advertise on SnapchatIf you’ve got some cash to splash, Snapchat offers various advertising options:

• Snap Ads: Full-screen vertical video ads that appear between Stories.
• Story Ads: Branded tiles in the Discover section that lead to a collection of 3-20 Snaps.
• AR Lenses: Sponsored lenses that users can play with and share.

Measure and OptimiseLike any good marketing strategy, you need to track your results and adjust accordingly. Snapchat provides insights on metrics like:

• View counts
• Completion rates
• Demographics of your audience

Use these to refine your strategy and create content that resonates with your audience.

The Snapchat Success Story: A Case StudyLet’s look at how one brand nailed its Snapchat marketing. Taco Bell created a sponsored lens that turned users’ heads into giant tacos. Sounds ridiculous, right? Well, it was viewed 224 million times and played with for an average of 24 seconds – that’s practically an eternity in social media time.

The lesson? Don’t be afraid to get weird and have fun with it. Snapchat users appreciate creativity and humour.

The Bottom LineUsing Snapchat for business marketing isn’t rocket science, but it requires a mindset shift. Forget about polished perfection – embrace authenticity, creativity, and a bit of weirdness. Your audience will appreciate the realness, and your brand will stand out in a sea of carefully curated content. Remember, the goal isn’t to be everywhere but to be where your audience is.

If your target demographic hangs out on Snapchat, you need to be there. So go ahead, slap on a dog filter, and start snapping. Your audience is waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions:Is Snapchat still relevant for marketing in 2024?Absolutely. With 397 million daily active users, Snapchat remains a powerful platform for reaching younger audiences.

How much does it cost to advertise on Snapchat?Snapchat ads start at around $5 per day, but costs can vary depending on your targeting and ad format.

Can small businesses benefit from Snapchat marketing?Yes! Snapchat’s low barrier to entry and focus on authentic content make it ideal for businesses of all sizes.

How to Use Snapchat for Business Marketing: A No-BS Guide