Snapchat, the ephemeral and visually captivating social platform, has emerged as a surprising and potent tool for small businesses in the realm of digital marketing. Snapchat is a multimedia messaging app known for its temporary photo and video sharing, allowing users to send Snaps to friends or post them to their 24-hour Stories. The app offers creative tools, filters, and AR lenses for playful expression, alongside the Discover section featuring content from publishers and creators. The Snap Map lets users share locations, adding a real-world dimension. Snapchat’s focus on privacy, ephemerality, and AR technology has made it a popular choice, especially among younger users, as it continues to evolve with features like Memories and Spotlight under its parent company Snap Inc.
Demographics
Snapchat has 750 million monthly active users around the world. The United States has the second largest audience, with 108.8 million users. The app is mostly popular among the ages 15-25, making up 48% of the users. Users aged between 26-35 make up 30% of users.
Snapchat and Marketing
By reaching younger audiences, particularly millennials and Gen Z, brands can leverage Snapchat’s features like Stories, Filters, Lenses, and Discover to create interactive and visually appealing marketing campaigns.
Snapchat is ideal for
- Cultivating brand recognition
- Generating leads
- Increasing profits
Strengths: Reach young demographics, creatively showcase products, and effective audience engagement.
Weaknesses: Limit reach, advertising can be expensive, and creating content requires high creativity and effort.
Top 10 ways to make the tool work for you
- Set Up A Business Account
Creating a Business Account on Snapchat provides access to advertising tools and features like age-targeting and location targeting. This allows you to tailor your marketing efforts to a specific audience, enhancing the effectiveness of your campaigns.
- Young Target Demographic
Snapchat’s user base primarily consists of millennials and Gen Z, making it an excellent platform for brands targeting a younger demographic. Its visually engaging content style resonates well with these audiences. Tip: Keep content fresh and aligned with the interests and preferences of younger users. - Discover Section for Marketing
The Discover section offers opportunities for brands to share content, news, and updates with a wide audience. Collaborating with publishers and creating engaging content can increase your brand’s visibility. - Show Your Brand’s Playful Side
Snapchat’s casual and playful environment encourages brands to showcase their lighter side. Sharing behind-the-scenes content, employee stories, and playful Snaps can humanize your brand. Maintain consistency in tone and messaging, even while being playful. - Vertical Video Format
Remember that Snapchat’s vertical video format is suited for mobile devices and provides an immersive viewing experience. Optimize video content for mobile viewing, keeping it concise and visually engaging. - Create Catalogs
Develop product catalogs to showcase your offerings within the app. This feature lets users explore your products and make informed purchase decisions directly from Snapchat
- Stay Up-to-date With the Business Features
Snapchat regularly introduces features like AR shopping lenses and interactive swipe-up options. Stay informed about these updates to leverage the latest tools for engaging your audience and driving conversions.
- Sponsored Lenses and Filters
Sponsored Lenses and Filters allow brands to create interactive experiences and overlays that users can apply to their Snaps. This creative approach boosts brand awareness and engagement. Design Lenses and Filters that are fun, shareable, and tied to your brand’s identity.
Too Faced, the makeup brand, is known for its engaging Snapchat filters - Partnerships
Collaborating with influencers and other brands can expand your reach and credibility. Influencer takeovers and joint campaigns can introduce your brand to new audiences. Choose partners whose values align with your brand’s, ensuring authenticity and resonance. - Ads/Event Manager
Integrating your website with a Snap Pixel enables ad effectiveness tracking across channels. If users visit your site after seeing an ad, you’ll gain valuable insights into campaign impact. Use these insights to refine your ad strategies and optimize your marketing efforts.
Sources
- https://thesocialshepherd.com/blog/snapchat-statistics#:~:text=Snapchat
- https://blog.hootsuite.com/snapchat-for-business-guide/
