3 Ways Businesses Can Leverage Snapchat

With 100M users and 400M snaps a day, Snapchat is quickly becoming a major player in the social media world (source)

Here are some other staggering statistics about Snapchat:

• 30% of U.S. millennial internet users access Snapchat regularly
• 65% of Snapchat daily users contribute content
• 18% of all US social media users use Snapchat

With those stats in mind, it only seems logical for businesses large and small to explore ways to utilize the platform to reach their target audience.

Today, I want to share 3 quick ways businesses can leverage Snapchat authentically to grow and engage their customer base.

1. Giving a sneak-peek behind the scenes. On Snapchat, you will probably see things – especially from celebrities that you may not see anywhere else! Kate Hudson is a prolific Snapchatter and she has a blast with the fun filters, showcasing her son, her workouts, her parties with celebrity friends – but it also shows a really fun and silly human element.

For my business, I’ve used Snapchat to share fun travel stories as I crisscross the country for speaking engagements; I also love to share quick tips and ‘the story behind the story’ of what you may see on Facebook or Instagram.

Another great example, Chocolate Johnny has done an incredible job on Snapchat – he runs a chocolate store in Australia and has amassed a huge online following largely in part because of Snapchat (and Periscope.) He highlights what happens in his store behind the scenes, how the make their world famous chocolates and the unique customers that walk in his doors!

Are you a Realtor? You can showcase a sneak-peek into your day; working with clients, the process of your day, highlights from the neighborhoods you visit, and just how hard you work for your clients! Here’s a great example of how Realtor Alex Wang, in Silicon Valley uses Snapchat. Alex is one of my favorite people to follow because of his fun but really relevant Snap stories!

2. Promoting live events and events that are timely. We are seeing this with the NBA, NHL, college sports, even the election primaries! Many organizations like the Golden State Warriors create Snap Stories the day of a big game – highlighting the practice on the court, the behind-the-scenes snaps,

Have fun with the platform, get a little silly and creative, and don’t be afraid to show a more personal side of you!

We’ve also seen this strategy work well with social media strategists like Brian Fanzo who recently was nominated for a Shorty Award (honoring the best in social media) and created incredible snap stories around the event; leading up to it and during the event.

 

Also, you can create custom geo-filters. Gary Vaynerchuk wrote a great article about how businesses can now create custom geo-filters and the possibilities are endless! Make sure you read that article to find out the pricing and exactly step-by-step how to create and submit these to Snapchat.

3. Partner with Influencers. We are seeing brands and influences do a “Snap Swap” where they will swap accounts for the day, or businesses will have influencers take over their account for a day.  Social media influencers can help spread brand awareness and reach. By partnering with key Snapchat influencers, you can spread awareness to a demographic that’s hard to reach through traditional media. But, do your due diligence, just because someone says they are an influencer doesn’t mean that they are. Look at their body of work and expertise and make sure their brand and style is a match with yours!

Just getting started with Snapchat? Here are some additional resources:

• 7 things you need to know about the new Snapchat update
• Snapchat for Newbies
• Snapchat for Business: How to Reach Millennials Through Storytelling
• When and how does Snapchat work for business?

Are you on Snapchat? I’d love to hear how you are using it for business!

Leave a comment below, share in our #GetSocialSmart Facebook Group or send me a snap! You can find me on Snapchat at katielance1 or use my snap code.